Five Improvements the Phoenix Suns Must Finish the Season With

Feb 4, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) reacts after making a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 11, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) is guarded by Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and forward Montrezl Harrell (5) n the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 133 to 102 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) is guarded by Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and forward Montrezl Harrell (5) n the second half at Toyota Center. Houston Rockets won 133 to 102 .Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

CUT DOWN ON TURNOVERS

The high-rate of turnovers that the Phoenix Suns generate per game also has something to do with their low assists. Currently Phoenix is 28th in the NBA in Turnovers Per Game averaging 15.6. This is extra troubling for their defense because it forces them to play extra possessions chasing the ball rather than controlling it. If the team could hold their turnovers to a bare minimum (certainly closer to the league minimum), it would create more opportunities on the offensive end and less time playing defense.

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Phoenix struggles to hold their opponents under 100 points; to get any good ball movement on offense; and to hold their opponents to a manageable shooting percentage. All of these struggles stem from turnovers. If they did not give the ball up so often, their opponents would not score 100 points as often and their ball movement would inherently be more smooth.

Once the Phoenix Suns learn to take care of the ball they will be able to produce wins at a much higher rate.

Right now, the Suns are planted at the bottom of the Western Conference and are headed to the NBA Draft lottery once again. Though this might be another “tank” season, the team should look to improve on these five things to become more competitive over the final 25 games of the season.