Join us as we review the highs and lows of the last week, as well as previewing the week ahead.
Week 11: 30 Dec 2024 - 5 Jan 2025
Week Record: 0-2
Overall Record: 15-18. 12th in the Western Conference.
Games Played and Results:
L - 112 - 117 Vs Memphis Grizzlies
L - 108 - 126 Vs Indiana Pacers
Centre of The Sun
My optimism was high when news came through that Book would be back to face the depleted Grizzlies, but instead I had to sit through low to no effort and what seems like a complete reversion into last season's offense - no ball movement and no 3's.
And that trend continued in the game against Indiana. It looks like they've given up and don't even want to play. There could be some truth to that, as trade rumours have revolved around Beal, who apparently is unsure of his role on the team.
What's more, Chris Haynes reported today (Monday) that the Suns plan to have Beal and Nurkic come off the bench. I'm not sure that is the answer, but our current starting line-up is -16 in net rating and I'm happy that they're trying SOMETHING to right the ship.
Superstar Watch (Season stats):
Devin Booker - 24.6 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 6.6 Assists, 1.1 Steals, 43.0 FG%, 34.3 3PT FG% & 2.3 Turnovers
Kevin Durant - 27.6 Points, 6.6 Rebounds, 4.0 Assists, 0.7 Steals, 1.3 Blocks, 51.6 FG%, 40.9 3PT FG% & 3.4 Turnovers
Bradley Beal - 17.8 Points, 3.7 Rebounds, 3.1 Assists, 1.2 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 48.0 FG%, 39.2 3PT FG% & 2.2 Turnovers
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Scorching Suns:
Kevin Durant
As always, our steady force on offense. Even when the team is playing poorly, KD can be relied upon to carry the offense.
His stats for the week:
27.0 Points, 8.5 Rebounds, 6.5 Assists, 1.5 Blocks, 60.6 FG% & 37.5 3PT FG%
Struggling Suns:
Bradley Beal
With all the Jimmy Butler rumours swirling around and Beal being the key piece on the Suns side of those rumours, it wouldn't be a surprise for me if human nature for Brad has set in this week and it's become a distraction. He has to be better though. His play this week was terrible, even if he does have a sore hip. We'll see if coming off the bench will help him.
His stats for the week:
5.5 Points, 2.0 Rebounds, 2.5 Assists, 1.0 Steal, 23.5 FG% & 50.0 3PT FG% (4 attempts)
Stat Line(s) of the Week:
Kevin Durant vs Memphis Grizzlies
Game stat line:
29 Points, 10 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks, 11/19 FGs (57.9%) & 2/5 3PT FGs (40.0%).
Rookie Watch (Season stats):
Ryan Dunn - 29 games, 13 starts
6.5 Points, 2.9 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 0.6 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 43.4 FG%, 30.2 3PT FG% & 0.5 Turnovers
Oso Igodharo - 26 games, 2 starts
3.8 Points, 3.7 Rebounds, 0.9 Assists, 0.5 Steals, 0.3 Blocks, 59.5 FG%, 0.0 3PT FG% (0 attempts) & 0.6 Turnovers
Jalen Bridges - 2 games
0.5 Points, 0.5 Rebounds, 0.0 Assists, 0.0 Steals, 0.0 Blocks, 0.0 FG%, 0.0 3PT FG% & 1.0 Turnovers
Upcoming Games:
Here are the UK tip-off times:
A few weeks ago I would have been confident of Suns wins looking at the games, but we're so unpredictable at the moment. It's a pain this section ends with a prediction.
We beat the 76ers earlier in the season, but not before Maxey lit us up for 32. Luckily we had KD drop 35 and it was Paul George's 1st game with them. Embiid is back now, however he is questionable for the game with a sprained foot and broken nose.
Next is the Hornets, our 1st meeting with them for the week and season. The Hornets have only won 7 games so far and lost 10 in a row. The Hornets are young, not good at winning, but really fun to watch.
Atlanta are as mid as they have been for the last few seasons at 18-18, but sit at 7th in the East. Trey Young is always on the cusp of a 40 point game, but we're their last stop on a 6-game road trip, so hopefully we can take advantage of that.
Last up is the Jazz, our 3rd meeting with them of the season. We've won both of the previous match-ups with them and I'd expect that trend to continue.
Prediction:
On paper these teams should be easy for us, but not only have we looked terrible, we have the additional issues. How will the team fair with Beal and Nurk moving to the bench, especially as Royce O'Neale is going to be out all this week as well.
I'm going with to say the Suns have the following results:
76ers - Lose
Hornets - Win
Hawks - Lose
Jazz - Win
Hornets - Win
Predictions League:
Other Suns Stuff:
Opportunity
With Beal going to the bench and Royce O'Neale out, Ryan Dunn will start for the Suns. He's been so impressive this season, I hope this works out well for him and the Suns.
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