Phoenix Suns: 3 Things Responsible for Nine Game Win Streak

The Phoenix Suns are getting far more steals than they used to

Across their first four games, the Suns often looked like lost dogs at the defensive end. They seemed to bring the effort, but miscommunications and inconsistent focus allowed their opponents to drown them out on the scoreboard.

Adding to this, the Suns never put much pressure on opposing ball handlers. Prior to their win streak, they only averaged 7.3 steals per game, the eighth lowest mark across the entire league. With a crafty veteran like Chris Paul defending the point, and the renowned Mikal Bridges along the wing, the Suns needed to do better.

Thankfully, they bounced back. During this win streak, the Suns find themselves averaging 10.7 steals per game, the league’s second highest mark over that time period.

Thus far, Paul strikes as the largest contributor to this team’s upswing in that department. During this streak, he tallied five or more steals in three games. Two games ago against the Rockets, he even finished with seven steals, his most since the 2017-18 season.

Even as a big, Frank Kaminsky also notched a career-high four steals against the Pelicans. Devin Booker, who many view strictly as an offensive option, also has two steals in five of his last seven games.

From top to bottom, the Suns seem more focused than ever on swiping the ball away from their opponents. That naturally leads to more offensive possessions, and more wins.