Join us as we review the highs and lows of the last week, as well as previewing the week ahead.
Week 16: 30 January - 5 February 2023
Week Record: 3-1
Overall Record: 29-26. 5th in the Western Conference.
Games Played and Results:
W - 114 - 106 Vs Toronto Raptors
L - 100 - 132 Vs Atlanta Hawks
W - 106 - 94 Vs Boston Celtics
W - 116 - 100 Vs Detroit Pistons
Centre of The Sun
(Editor's note: Just after publication the Suns confirmed Booker's return vs the Nets).
The Suns are 8-2 over their last 10 games - the best current 10-game record in the West.
This run has vaulted them from 12th in mid-January to only half a game out of 4th (as of writing).
We have no players representing the team at this year's All-Star game, but don't worry we all get to enjoy..... Jaren Jackson Jr?! instead.
Book was playing at an MVP level before his injuries, so it is insulting for him not to get recognised, but this is the NBA and recency bias is a big, big thing in this world.
Speaking of Book, there's speculation that he could return as early as Tuesday's game against the Nets!!!
Trade rumours have started and one of the biggest the Suns were linked to was Kyrie Irving. I was so against this, that I wrote an open tweet to our new owner to try and stop it.
According to Chris Haynes, my letter didn't work and the reason Irving didn't end up in Phoenix was that the Nets preferred the Mavs' offer. The Suns reportedly offered Chris Paul, Jae Crowder and a 1st round pick.
In more positive trade discussion, we've also been linked to the Raptors' OG Anunoby. Imagine the combined defensive power of Kal and OG!! 🤤
Superstar Watch (Season stats):
Booker (Out with Injury) - 27.1 Points, 4.6 Rebounds, 5.6 Assists, 0.9 Steal, 47.7 FG%, 37.0 3PT FG% & 2.4 Turnovers
Deandre Ayton - 18.0 Points, 10.2 Rebounds, 2.1 Assists, 0.5 Steals, 0.7 Blocks, 58.0 FG%, 30.4 3PT FG% & 2.0 Turnovers
Chris Paul - 13.8 Points, 4.4 Rebounds, 8.6 Assists, 1.4 Steals, 43.5 FG%, 38.9 3PT FG% & 2.0 Turnovers
Scorching Suns:
Deandre Ayton
After getting his legs back under him, following injury and shaking off the lackadaisical effort against a Doncic-less Mavs (don't be fooled by that box score), Ayton has put together one of his best weeks of the season.
His stats for the week:
21.8 Points, 12.0 Rebounds, 2.3 Assists, 0.5 Blocks & 66.7 FG%.
Mikal Bridges
Mikal has continued to carry us, being our 1st scoring option. He scored at least 23 points in every game this week. He's found a great amount of confidence in his own ability to create for himself, as well as setting up the offense for everyone else. His percentages don't jump off the page, but we don't win these games without him.
He's also on a career long 12 consecutive games with at least 15 points.
His stats for the week:
25.3 Points, 3.0 Rebounds, 4.8 Assists, 1.3 Steals, 0.5 Blocks, 50.0 FG%, 33.3 3PT FG% & 91.7 FT%.
Struggling Suns:
Looking through the stats, no one particularly struggled.
Chris Paul went 0 for 7 against Detroit and 1 for 6 against Atlanta, but he was so key in the other wins, he doesn't deserve this spot.
Stat Line(s) of the Week:
Deandre Ayton vs Detroit Pistons
This was the first time that DA put up 30+ points and 15+ rebounds in a game. That plus his incredible shooting percentage, earns him this spot.
Game stat line:
31 Points, 16 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Blocks & 13/15 FGs (86.7%).
Mikal Bridges vs Toronto Raptors
Game stat line:
29 Points, 3 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 3 Steals, 1 Blocks, 12/19 FGs (63.2%) & 3/4 3PT FGs (75.0%).
Honourable mentions:
Torrey Craig vs Detroit Pistons
Torrey ties his season high for three's again, going 4 for 4 from downtown.
Game stat line:
14 Points, 5 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 5/8 FGs (62.5%) & 4/4 3PT FGs (100%).
Dario Saric vs Boston Celtics
Game stat line:
14 Points, 13 Rebounds, 3 Assists & 4/7 3PT FGs (57.1%).
Upcoming Games:
We have 3 games this week, all of them on the road.
This week continues our 5-game road trip and we kick things off visiting the Nets. With Kyrie on his way to Dallas and KD still out, we have a good chance to take this one.
Next it's off to Atlanta, where we have a chance to avenge last week's 30 point blow-out. Hawks have been their usual up and down in terms of results, even with their big acquisition of Murray in the off-season.
Our last game of the week and this road trip is against the Pacers. They were having a surprisingly good season until Haliburton went down with injury. They're currently 11th in the East and have lost 8 of their last 10.
Predictions:
We're currently in form and with speculation that Booker will return this week, I think we'll pick up 3 wins, capping off a great road trip.
Predictions League:
Any Other Business:
Saben Lee Signed to a Two-Way Contact
After playing excellently across his two 10-day contracts, the Suns signed Saben Lee to a two-way contract for the remainder of the season.
Teams can only have 2 two-way contracts on their rosters, so the Suns released Washington Jr to make room for Lee.
Ish with the ARM
🚨 You can also use the code 'SUNSFANSUK' on The Throwback Store to receive a 10% discount on any order you make 🚨
Comments