The Phoenix Suns have returned to winning ways in recent games, and it is largely to do with the return of Kevin Durant. He's been fantastic since being inserted back into the starting lineup after an ankle sprain, and he's had a positive impact on Devin Booker as well.
The pair at this stage in their relationship know when to let the other go off, and slide into a secondary scoring role. This has spelled bad news for co-star Bradley Beal however, as the evidence continues to mount that this roster might actually be at their most cohesive when he is sitting out.
Tyus Jones is quietly emerging as their third star during this period too.
Point guard Jones is no secret to plaudits from us - he was named our first-quarter MVP of the season - but the love for his play extends far beyond The Valley. In the lead up to their most win over the Portland Trail Blazers, their head coach and former point guard himself Chauncey Billups was full of admiration for the game Jones possesses.
"This situation is tailor made for him."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 15, 2024
Chauncey Billups on Suns point guard Tyus Jones. #Suns pic.twitter.com/iBPS1ZWKS0
With good reason too, Jones is having a great year so far in being exactly what this group needed him to be. Mainly to limit the turnovers, organize the offense when the game slows down and know who to give the ball to and when. It also doesn't hurt that Jones is shooting a career high 44.1 percent from deep in the process.
The compelling case for Jones to actually step into the role of Beal has increased recently though - as in the absence of his All-Star level teammate - he has had notable scoring outbursts in his last three games. A 21 point performance and a pair of 19 point outings to go with the 6.9 assists he has dished out on the season as a whole.
This is notable because the fit with Jones next to a pair of superstars has always looked good in Phoenix - and while defensively he gives up a lot of height - the balance throughout the rest of the roster is better. With Beal not in the picture currently, Jones has slid into the role of their third best player as only he can.
He's not looking to score the ball every trip down - but because he's smart enough and has the confidence to take what the defense is giving him - is calling his own number more frequently. This is a much better outcome than having center Jusuf Nurkic hoist more 3-pointers, or even watching Grayson Allen force it if he is having an off night.
In fairness to Royce O'Neale, he too is having a career year to this point, but he also looks capable of doing this off the bench. Whereas Allen stepped up in the absence of Beal last season, Jones is doing this in an altogether different way in 2024-25. You could also make the case that it is a way that is leading to more wins, just when the Suns need it most.
Beal has every right to feel aggrieved however, as he has been exactly what the Suns have needed him to be when out there. Even better than advertized on the defensive end too, not that fans want to hear that. They just see the 1-8 run of Beal/Booker when Durant was out, and have begun itching for change. Jones represents just that, and he's making a strong case as their third star right now.