The Phoenix Suns are making strategic adjustments as they prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers, shaking up their lineup in an effort to reverse their recent downward trend in performance. Notably, veteran guard Bradley Beal, a near-permanent fixture in the starting rotations throughout his career, will find himself on the bench at tip-off for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Beal, who has historically started in 95.6% of his games, will be joining Jusuf Nurkic on the sidelines at the start. The Suns hope this move will ignite a spark that has been missing in recent outings.
Stepping into the starting roles are Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee. This change comes amid a period of turbulence for the Suns, who after a promising start of 8-1, have seen their momentum stall, losing four consecutive games and seven of their last eight. The team's current record stands at 15-18, placing them 12th in the Western Conference. Compounding their woes is their defensive performance, ranking 24th overall and a troubling 28th in half-court defense. These metrics have prompted head coach Mike Budenholzer to emphasize the necessity for improvement. "We gotta be better at [the defensive] end of the court, give ourselves to get out and play," Budenholzer remarked, encapsulating the urgent need for a defensive overhaul.
Bradley Beal, who has been a consistent offensive contributor with averages of 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, will likely be a key figure in bringing depth and experience from the bench. Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic, returning from a three-game suspension, faces an uncertain future with the Suns. Despite being in the third year of a hefty four-year, $70 million contract, there are whispers of a potential trade before the February 6 deadline. Nurkic, who is attempting 4.8 three-pointers per 100 possessions with a 30.4% success rate, remains a versatile asset but may soon find himself on the move as the Suns explore roster changes in pursuit of a turnaround.
The Suns' most-used starting lineup has struggled defensively, allowing 122.3 points per 100 possessions and being outscored by an alarming 17.7 points per 100 possessions. It's a statistic that underscores their current challenges and the need for strategic realignment. With Dunn and Plumlee stepping in, the coaching staff appears to be experimenting with combinations that might resolve their defensive lapses and reinvigorate their campaign.
The upcoming games could present a golden opportunity for the Suns to regain their footing, as only one of the next 11 opponents holds a winning record. This stretch will be crucial for the team to make necessary adjustments and execute their strategies effectively. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on how the Suns navigate their roster decisions and whether these lineup tweaks pay dividends.
As the team continues to grapple with these challenges, the focus remains on honing a defensive identity that can complement their offensive potential. While the leadership of players like Beal, despite his temporary shift to the bench, will be essential, the Suns’ broader success will hinge on finding and maintaining balance on both ends of the court.