8 reasons the Phoenix Suns are a completely different team than last year

The Phoenix Suns blew out the Sacramento Kings by 29 points opening night in a game that looked like was played by a completely different team than last year.

Forget the Phoenix Suns you saw play last year, the Valley Boyz are here and they are here to win.

The team on the court was Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings was unrecognizable from the squad that limped through last season. That is partly because they only have five returning players this year, but it was largely because of how they played.

Even though they trailed much of the first half, it never looked as if the team was playing poorly. In fact, their deficit was mostly due to some missed open shots from behind the arc and Buddy Hield going on fire à la NBA Jam.

Once shooting regressed to the mean in the second half, the quality (and fun!) style of play of these new Phoenix Suns yielded an opening night blowout of the formidable Sacramento Kings.

Here are 9 ways this year’s group of Valley Boyz are the polar opposites of last year’s Suns team.

8. The ball moved like it was in a pinball machine

This team seems to have embraced Head Coach Monty Williams‘ 0.5 system where they make a quick decision to either shoot, pass, or drive within a half second of catching the ball.

Every player made an active effort to abide by this line of thinking and it led to unbelievable ball movement. On top of that, because everyone knew a pass might be coming quickly, it led to movement off the ball.

Rim runs, cuts, and back doors were there for the taking, and with the 0.5 system mentality, cutters found the ball in their hands often for an easy two points.

At times, it looked more like a pinball machine than a basketball game. Incredibly fun to watch.