Valley of the Suns
Fansided

A surprising Phoenix Suns lineup that could play important minutes

By Luke Duffy

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot over Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. 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 - MARCH 16: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a shot over Bol Bol #10 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Footprint Center on March 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns beat the Magic 116-113. 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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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 18: Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 18: Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards handles the ball against Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard – Bradley Beal

Another player sure to find himself out there when it matters most is Beal. The Suns didn’t trade away Chris Paul this summer to have the 30-year-old stuck to the bench when an important game on the line, and in some ways Beal has the most important role of all here.

If Booker is handling the ball, and the opponent is glued to Durant, then Beal becomes the best third option in the entire league. The Boston Celtics may have swung a trade for Jrue Holiday, an excellent piece of business for them, but offensively at least, Beal is the better third option of the two.

The only concern for Beal here is how much he is tuned in on the defensive end, because Eric Gordon could make a push for this position in close games. An excellent 3-point shooter, Gordon has been in massive games before, and is a much more willing defender than just about anybody else on this roster.

The Suns also added him for a reason, and it may be to lock down elite scorers during a time like this. For now though this is Beal’s position to lose, and he is going to find himself in so much space next to Booker and Durant. His overall scoring numbers may go down each night, but he’s also the guy who may now hit the most crucial shots when they come his way.

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