On Monday night the rise of the Phoenix Suns began when they beat the Philadelphia 76er’s 114-109. Yes, the same Suns that have finished at the bottom of the west for a while now. But this is not just one win against a good team. Sure in past that would be enough, but no, they are 5-2 right now with big wins. The Suns beat the Clippers this year as well and even with the two losses, they were close.
During the Suns rise their wins have been done so decisively. They have their five games by an average of 12 points. Devin Booker is on an average of 26 points a game as we would expect from him. It is the contribution of the other Suns that has them winning. Kelly Oubre Jr. It has been one of the biggest surprises for them. He is giving them 17 points and 6 boards a game. He does it with the confidence one should play with.
In fact, they had a chance to win the Denver game with the ball in the hands of Devin Booker with a chance at a game-winning shot. Booker took it to the rim only to be denied by Denver’s Torrey Craig at the buzzer. The great effort that night and by all rights, they should have won that game. The game against Utah was much the same and they lost that one by a point as well. The Suns could be 7-0 right now but for a couple plays.
Offseason pick-up Ricky Rubio has been a great addition. He is giving them 13 points and 8.5 assists a game with 6.5 boards. He has control of the team and it has been showing. The Suns were in desperate need of a guy that could have the ball in his hands all game and make the rest better around him. With Rubio, they have found that.
When Deandre Ayton went out Aron Baynes stepped up to be a force in the middle. He gives them points and defense that was needed to win. They have all come together and credit must be given to coach Monty Williams. This team looks completely different from the team that was playing last season. The confidence this team has and the will to win. This has to be installed by Williams and his staff.
I know, this is just the beginning of the season. It has only been seven games, but not since the 2014-15 season have the Suns won more than 24 games in a season. So five and two to this team and their fans mean something. I have seen three of their games this year and each time for me it has been the way they carry themselves that is so different. They are here to play and compete. They play really good defense and can score with the best.
Can it last? The season is long and when you are young the ebb and flows of the season may take a toll. When they lose a couple of games in a row will they start to go back or pick it up and win? When they get injuries, can the next man up contribute the same way as these starters have? All these and a few more questions are still pending, but again it is only seven-game into the year.
But keep an eye on these Phoenix Suns as they are playing a good brand of ball and don’t seem to be afraid of anyone. Take note of the Phoenix Suns’ rise.
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