Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Suns look to ‘blast-off’ in Phoenix

By Matthew Daniels

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 11: Derrick Jones Jr. #10 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 11, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 11: Derrick Jones Jr. #10 of the Phoenix Suns warms up before the preseason game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 11, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns (5-10) v Houston Rockets (11-4)

Friday 11/17/2017 8:30 PM (MST)
Talking Sick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Sports 98.7FM/TNT

2017-18 – Series tied 0-0
All-Time Series – Suns lead 107-99
Last Matchup – Rockets won 123-116
Suns’ Last Game – Loss to the Los Angeles Lakers 100-93
Rockets’ Last Game – Loss to the Toronto Raptors 129-113
2017-18 Suns’ Scoring Averages – PTS/G: 106.1 (13th of 30) Opp PTS/G: 115.1 (30th of 30)
2017-18 Rockets’ Scoring Averages – PTS/G: 111.2 (3rd of 30) Opp PTS/G:104.6 (11th of 30)

Both teams will come into today’s game hoping to rebound after tough loses. The Suns previous game was a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers 100-93, while the Rockets lost to the Toronto Raptors 129-113.

With Houston’s top tier offense and the ability to put up points in a hurry, Phoenix will need to have either their best defensive or offensive performance of the season thus far. Defense has been a major concern for the Suns and will most likely struggle to keep up with Houston’s fast paced offense. Houston can move the ball well and players will need to be fully aware of what is happening on the court in order to have any hope of stopping Houston’s offense.

On the offensive side, Devin Booker will no doubt need to put in a big night, which against the defense of Houston should be no problem. What is most important is that every Suns’ player on the court is in attack mode. If only T.J. Warren shows up along side Devin Booker it will be a long night for Phoenix.

Keys To Success

  1. Limit James Harden’s Effectiveness, force another player to beat us.
  2. Take the load off Devin Booker and allow him to play freely.
  3. Keep Houston off the foul line. Houston is eighth in free throws attempted (25.1) per game, and fifth in free throw percentage (80.9%)

Three Interesting Facts

Phoenix Suns

  1. The Suns are currently ranked sixth in the NBA in rebounds per game with 55.4 and are ranked second over the past three games with 55.4.
  2. Despite have the 28th ranked defensive efficiency in the NBA, the Suns are fourth in fastbreak efficiency with a rating of 1.806.
  3. Phoenix currently ranks 29th in fouls per game with 24.5, but are first in opponent fouls per game with 24.1 fouls against them per game.

Houston Rockets

  1. Eric Gordon is averaging 22.1 points per game, with the overwhelming majority of his shots coming from the three point line.
  2. Houston is ranked second in rebounds allowed per game with 47.9 and allowing a league low 6.9 offensive boards.
  3. Houston will be looking to win their 100th game against the Suns, which would give them at least 100 wins against six teams.
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