Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Phoenix Suns shooting no concern amid league-wide preseason struggles

By Peter O'Keefe

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Mitch McCarron #10 of the Adelaide 36ers during the first half at Footprint Center on October 02, 2022 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 02: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Mitch McCarron #10 of the Adelaide 36ers during the first half at Footprint Center on October 02, 2022 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns shock loss to the Adelaide 36ers on Sunday was predicated on an enormous three-point shooting differential, with the NBL team lighting it up from beyond the arc.

Adelaide shot 24-for-43 (55.8%) from three-point range, scoring 45 more points from deep as the Suns went 9-for-34 (26.5%). Phoenix’s dominance from inside the arc was a theme of their league-leading regular season in 2021-22, with that continuing against the 36ers as they shot 39-for-64 (60.9%) compared to 22-for-40 (55%).

While the 36ers shooting proved jaw-dropping and ultimately match-winning, the Suns sub-standard mark was unsurprising given the numbers produced across the NBA so far.

The Phoenix Suns three-point shooting on Sunday night has been indicative of league-wide struggles throughout the opening 13 games of preseason.

Early season shooting struggles aren’t uncommon as players look to acclimatise back to competitive on-court action. Many current and former players have alluded to the physical difficulty of doing this, subsequently leaving a lot of jump shots short and hitting front rim.

Through 13 games of the preseason thus far, NBA teams (excluding Adelaide and Maccabi Ra’anana) have shot an average of 31.9% from three. For context, the league average was 35.4% last season and 36.7% in 2020-21.

Phoenix Suns’ Torrey Craig shot 1-for-4 from three on Sunday night. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns’ Torrey Craig shot 1-for-4 from three on Sunday night. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

While the league percentage may be down, it’s not as if the constant barrage of three-point attempts has slowed down. Teams are averaging just under 36 attempts, a slight increase from the 35.2 of last regular season. It’ll be interesting to see if the increase in three-point attempts continues for a 12th straight season.

Those wanting to watch an offensive masterclass best have not tuned in to a battle between two of the Suns pacific rivals; the Los Angeles Lakers playing host to the Sacramento Kings on Monday. The teams combined to shoot 16-for-69 (23.2%) from three as the Kings ran away with a 30-point win in the second half.

Next. Ranking every Phoenix Suns player from shock Adelaide 36ers loss. dark

These are all early preseason numbers after all, and the percentages should revert back towards 35% soon enough. It’s just proof that Suns fans shouldn’t be concerned with their three-point shooting numbers from Sunday’s loss.

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