The Phoenix Suns are back in Emirates NBA Cup action Friday night, as they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unfortunately they're going to have to try and earn what would be their second cup win - putting them in a good spot to qualify out of the group - without one of their best players, as Grayson Allen will miss the contest with a right quad contusion.
Allen's absence a massive blow for surging Suns.
The inability of Allen to suit up is a loss for several reasons, and there is no doubt he has been an integral part of the quietly impressive offensive game plan head coach Jordan Ott has put together. He's also giving his team 18.5 points per night, by far a career high and also a massive boost given Jalen Green has barely featured all season.
Suns coach Jordan Ott on Grayson Allen (right quad contusion, who is ruled out for Friday's game against Minnesota): “He was able to participate (in Thursday's practice). We didn’t go 5-on-5 or anything like that. It’s definitely trending in the right direction.”
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More than that, the 44.7 percent he's shooting from deep is coming on another career high in attempts at 8.8 per game. Consider that two seasons ago - when Allen led the entire league in 3-point shooting at 46.1 percent - he was taking 5.9 each night. To add that many extra shots yet remain consistent with some of the best marksmen in the league is hugely impressive.
Taking outside shots and not mixing it in the paint as much has been one of the key strategies of coach Ott, and it has led to a surprising 9-6 start. The ability of Allen and O'Neale to be regular contributors in that area again means that part of the offensive game plan is going to have to change, while we know guys like Oso Ighodaro and Ryan Dunn can't replicate what Allen does each night.
This cup game is also a chance - in a group featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder no less - to go on a cup run. It is a common theme in European soccer especially, but if you know you can't win a championship, then a cup represents a chance at silverware and the opportunity to prove to your fan base that you're trending in the right direction.
It would be nice to give Devin Booker some more hardware to hoist for The Valley as well, even if it is not the real thing. Depending on what you think of Dillon Brooks, Allen is either the second or third most important player in Phoenix. Missing this Timberwolves matchup is a blow, but he should be back out there again soon.