Valley of the Suns
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3 unsung heroes of Phoenix Suns’ five game win streak

By Luke Duffy

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 12: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a call during the second half of the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Footprint Center on November 12, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 111-99. 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 Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 12: Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns reacts to a call during the second half of the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Footprint Center on November 12, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Thunder defeated the Suns 111-99. 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 Kelsey Grant/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 17: Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz drives into Grayson Allen of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – NOVEMBER 17: Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz drives into Grayson Allen of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

1. Grayson Allen

When the Suns traded Ayton to the Trail Blazers, the thinking behind getting Grayson Allen alongside Nurkic was that he would be the perfect role player. Perhaps their fifth starter when Beal wasn’t available, and then after that their sixth man extraordinaire. Like Nurkic, Allen has started every game so far this season.

He has shot an insane 48.6 percent from deep on over five attempts per game so far, and it is clear when watching the Suns that Durant and Booker really trust him. The “dirty player” tag that has followed Allen throughout his career has yet to rear its head, and really he makes the right play often, whether that is passing to others or taking the shot on himself.

Next. 3 former Suns struggling elsewhere this season. dark

In the last five games, Allen has posted a positive plus/minus rating in all but one game, and at its highest against the Timberwolves, was a +22. In his last four games (including that double-overtime win in Utah), Allen has played 30, 43, 35 and 34 minutes. It is clear coach Vogel trusts him as much as any player on the roster, and in the big moments, Allen is out there.

Some may say that if the Suns keep relying on Allen this much, then they will only be able to go so far in the playoffs. That may be true, but he has filled in admirably for Beal at a time in the season when the Suns are more than happy for him to do so. Averages of 12 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists are all career highs, making Allen the most unsung hero this roster has in their winning run.

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