Brooklyn’s Brook Impossible to Pass

107 field goal attempts, 33 three-point shots, 21 free throws, at home, and Eric Bledsoe nearly recorded a triple double.

And yet, the Suns weren’t able to shoot themselves into a home win as the Brooklyn Nets pulled out a 122-104 road victory, following a 20-4 run in the final 3:48 of the game, earning Brooklyn their first win on the road of the year.

Minus starters Jeremy Lin and Isaiah Whitehead, Brooklyn managed to helps the streaking Suns, NBA leaders in fast break scoring behind the defense of Brook Lopez who recorded a season high 5 blocked shots, including two on Alex Len on one possession early in the game, stifling the Suns’ fast-paced offense.

Following a quick start in which the Suns jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, Phoenix’ shots refused to fall with any consistency and after a final 13-12 Suns lead with 4:32 left in the period, the Nets never against relinquished the lead.

Finishing 40-107 for the second poorest shooting night of the season, 37.4%, following 36.0% vs Detroit on Nov. 9. Going 8-33 for 24.4% from beyond the arc, the Suns’ shots fell flat all game as even open shots refused to fall.

Devin Booker, who is averaging 21.5 points per game on the season, finished with 11 points on 5-18 from the field for the second game in a row, missing all four from three. Although Eric Bledsoe finished 2 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists away from a triple-double, his poor shooting from the field was the worst of the starters, a paltry 1-8.

T.J. Warren and Jared Dudley did what they could offensively to try and keep the Suns from a complete blowout. Dudley ended with 17 point drilling exactly half of his shots, including four three-pointers. Warren finished 9-17 for 18 points, but was never able to get on a hot streak capable of carrying the team.

Marquese Chriss too had an effective scoring night finishing with a career high 16 points, but his most spectacular scores were several put back slams reminiscent of former Suns athletic freaks, including the likes of Gerald Green and Shawn Marion.

Tyler Ulis made an appearance for the first time in six games, playing a helpful 10:58. His two points on a nice midway jumper was enough to help him finish +2 in the +/- category, the only Suns player to finish in the positive.

The Nets had six players record ten points or more, including a game high 20 points for Hollis-Jefferson, en route to a 20 and 13 double-double. Trevor Booker, Joe Harris, and Sean Kilpatrick each finished with 19 points on 20 of 36 field goals combined.

The Suns have now lost three in a row to the Nets and fall to 3-7 on the season. They next take on the Golden State Warriors in Oakland tomorrow, Nov. 13.

Thoughts from the Valley of the Suns

Adam Maynes

It was at times difficult to watch this one as the Suns played the style of game they prefer to play – quick, hard on the boards (both teams grabbed 55), with few personal fouls and turnovers (Phoenix only had 20 and 12, both well below their season averages) – and yet they could to get anything to fall. Flat shots when open, off balance when covered, and all together inconsistent, the Suns’ season high 107 shots attempted would have been impressive if their shots had fallen and they had scored 120+ points.

This team is going to be inconsistent. They are young< they do not have a true go-to superstar at the moment, and when times get tough and shots don’t fall, there is not only player o the team that can carry the rest on his shoulders. The hope is that someday Devin Booker will be that kind of player but at the moment, with two consecutive 11 point bad shooting nights, he is not there yet.

Also, I do love seeing Marquese Chriss in the starting lineup though. He brings an element of athleticism that wasn’t there with Dudley starting, and Dudley is a leader on the bench capable of carrying the second unit when needed.

Kory Miller

That was a tough game to swallow. The Suns basically played a team without a PG and couldn’t pull out the win. You can tell just how much Tyson Chandler means to this defense. Without him, they have no anchor and the Nets torched them. Devin Booker had a tough night, and that will continue to happen as he learns to be more consistent. Jared Dudley played great, he’s really comfortable as the bench leader, I hope he stays in that role moving forward.

I don’t know what to do with Brandon Knight. He can’t run an offense and he’s incredibly inconsistent. I thought 6th man would be a great role for him, it looks like I was wrong. It might be time to explore a trade with him. I just don’t see how he’s going to help this team consistently moving forward. To end on a brighter note, I liked what I saw from Chriss. He’s learning and playing smarter on offense. I think he’ll stay in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. If he continues to develop, the sky is the limit for him.

Noah Strackbein

After their closest game of the 2016-2017 season, the Phoenix Suns proved that even without a victory, they can still perform well.

Marquese Chriss’ career high 16 points and five rebounds was the brightest point of the game. As a first-year rookie, Chriss has proven he can compete in the NBA. Moving forward, the Suns will be relying on players like Chriss, Devin Booker, and Eric Bledsoe to run this young team. What each players proved against the Brooklyn Nets is that they can produce if needed. This loss proved that the future is bright in Phoenix.

What is YOUR opinion? Leave your take below!

Follow Valley of the Suns on Twitter at @ValleyOfTheSuns and on Facebook at Facebook.com/PhoenixSunsBlog