Suns Analysis: Breaking Down Phoenix’s Recent Problems On Offense
With a bottom-10 defense, the only reason the Phoenix Suns are even remotely competitive is their high-powered offense and pedal-to-the-metal tempo. They rank third in the NBA in points per game (105.3) and eighth in offensive rating (104.9 points per 100 possessions).
It stands to reason then, that when the new-look Suns go through long scoring droughts, they suddenly become a lot harder to watch.
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Technically speaking, you could say that about any team in the league. But it holds truer for the NBA’s fourth youngest team, a group of players who are either taking on expanded roles for the first time or are having to adjust to new roles thanks to the manic personnel change-ups that came at the NBA Trade Deadline.
The Suns still have their eyes set on the postseason, despite dropping 11 of their last 16 games. Staring at a 2.5-game deficit to the Oklahoma City Thunder for the West’s final playoff spot, Phoenix also faces the league’s toughest remaining schedule. Their only hope is to run teams out of the building, but if the last few weeks have been any indication, the Suns could be in trouble.
Since the All-Star break, the new-look Suns have posted an offensive rating of 99.7 points per 100 possessions — 20th in the league during that span. With their defensive rating also lingering in the bottom third of the NBA, it’s no wonder Phoenix has struggled.
In order to assess what needs to be changed, here’s a look at the various reasons behind Phoenix’s recent offensive struggles.
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