Shorthanded Suns’ Offense Stalls in Loss to Blazers
The Phoenix Suns faced a challenging game against the Portland Trail Blazers, losing 92-77 on Sunday. This marked the Suns’ second consecutive poor offensive showing. The absence of Devin Booker, who is recovering from a right hip strain, severely impacted the team’s performance.
Key Player Injuries and Team Performance
In addition to Booker, the Suns were also without Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, and Jordan Goodwin, all sidelined due to injuries. This lack of depth put significant pressure on Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie, who struggled to generate offensive momentum throughout the game.
Poor Shooting Night
- The Suns missed 23 of their first 27 three-point attempts.
- The team recorded point totals of 20, 20, 17, and 20 across four quarters.
- Overall, their shooting percentages were 34.8%, 34.6%, 30.4%, and 58.3% per quarter.
Their total of 77 points was the lowest since October 2017, according to Stathead. This ongoing scoring struggle has become evident in the team’s recent performances, with the Suns losing six of their last nine games.
Coaching Comments and Standings
Head coach Jordan Ott acknowledged the challenges his team is facing, stating, “This is not just a one-night thing. We’ve struggled to score for an extended period.” As of now, the Suns hold seventh place in the Western Conference standings, just 2.5 games ahead of eighth place.
Upcoming Challenges
The Suns have a brief respite, with only two games scheduled in the upcoming week. They will face strong opponents, including the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, which will further test the team’s resilience.
Rookie Contributions
Despite the overall struggles, some rookies provided a spark. Jamaree Bouyea showed promise as the team’s only scorer in the paint. Second-round pick Rasheer Fleming made a notable impression as he took on a larger role, and first-round pick Khaman Maluach made his debut in the rotation. Both players demonstrated potential for future contributions.
Statistical Highlights
Individual performances varied, with Green shooting 6 of 16 for 13 points. Gillespie led the team with 18 points and three assists, but he also recorded a high turnover count. Mark Williams’ defensive shortcomings were evident, contributing to the team’s struggles. His time on the floor coincided with an increase in opponents’ scoring efficiency.
Final Thoughts
This loss highlights the Suns’ need for improvement on both ends of the floor as they navigate injuries and regain their offensive rhythm. With crucial games ahead, the performance of emerging rookies and the return of key players will be pivotal in shaping the team’s playoff aspirations.
