3 Phoenix Suns New Year’s Resolutions to Chase After in 2022

Phoenix Suns New Year’s Resolution: Show some more Hustle

Everyone appreciates someone who sacrifices his body for the team. A few players even make their living off being “hustle guys,” such as Alex Caruso, Draymond Green, and everyone’s favorite point guard—Patrick Beverley.

Phoenix’s 27-8 record might do well to hide it for now, but at their core, the Suns need more of that gritty play going into 2022. This is not some glaring issue that needs immediate fixing, but if the Suns want to look hard at themselves in the mirror, this is something to address.

Phoenix currently averages the sixth fewest charges drawn per game, also a downturn from last year. The team also owns the league’s fourth lowest loose ball recovery percentage on offense. They rank in the bottom half in deflections per game as well.

This stuff is all tick-tack, housekeeping things for the Suns to work on. But all the while, taking care of them might give way to larger and more fruitful returns.  One or two tough plays can not only get you an extra possession, but also inspire a team, fire up a home crowd, and build momentum.

It also feels idiotic to ask Phoenix’s star players to dive around the hardwood every night and risk injury especially at this stage in the season, but during pivotal games and in the playoffs, they need to roll up their sleeves.