The Phoenix Suns have shocked many with their positive record so far through eleven games at 6-5. This has been led by a new identity for the Suns, which always gives 100% effort on the court and is fun
to watch on offense. Led by Devin Booker and new head coach Jordan Ott, this team has gotten off to the right start, and there is one major factor to that on the offensive end.
That being said, their terrific three-point shooting, both as a team and individually, is setting them apart.
Team Shooting Percentage
When looking at NBA.com’s advanced statistics, you can see the Suns are one of the league’s best three-point shooting teams while also firing some of the most shots in the league.
By looking at the frequency of three-pointers taken compared to other shots, it is clear that the team prioritizes the three in Jordan Ott’s system. The Suns are shooting 48% of their shots as three pointers, which is higher than in previous years.
Not only are they taking more threes — the fourth-highest in the league — but they are making them too. They are third in 3-pointers per game this season, averaging 16.4 per game, which is impressive given the volume they take. Last season, the Suns averaged 14.3 threes made per game, and this season, the difference has been shown in the role players.
Looking at their attempts, they rank fourth in the league, with attempts once again higher than last season. With Budenholzer, they were supposed to be this lethal offense, but it is clear Ott is bringing that out now. The Suns are attempting 42.7 threes per game — a high number —but they’re affordable when they make them. Last season, they attempted 37.9 threes per game.
Lastly, in three-point percentage, they rank 7th at 38.5%. Last year, they shot 37.8%. Something to keep an eye on is that, since it is early in the season, some stats are higher than others. With teams shooting 40% from three all season, I do not think it will last. If the Suns can stick to the course, they can find themselves in the top half once again, as they did last season.
For the Suns, though, they are making threes more prevalent, taking more while making more, and also shooting a higher percentage. These are all positive signs of the offense growing, with certain players stepping up when needed. The real question, though, is: is it a hot streak, or are they just thriving in this offensive system?
Players on Fire
With the season start, we have seen some great three-point performances from many individuals on this team, like Grayson Allen, who has been absolutely lethal from beyond the arc this season. In the Suns’ recent game vs. the New Orleans Pelicans, he set a career high with 42 points and a franchise record 10 threes in one game. A record he had previously tied three times, amongst many others. He also leads the NBA in threes made this season with 46 and will look to add to that in this back-to-back.
Then there is Devin Booker, who had one big game from three vs the Utah Jazz on Halloween (6-9 from three). He is also shooting his career-high three-point percentage at 39.7% and has been incredible as of late. After a slower start than some fans expected, he has been showing that he can be the playmaker for the offense and their go-to guy in the clutch.
Royce O’Neale has also been the exact representation of what you need from a consistent role player. O’Neale is also shooting a career-high 44% from three and has been a major factor in their success from there. Not only has he been consistent, but he has had some big-time threes to seal the deal for the Suns. He is also on the list of most threes made this season, currently ranked 4th in the NBA with 40 made.
Lastly, I want to mention Collin Gillespie, who has gone on massive runs to keep the Suns in these games.
I vividly remember the game against the Memphis Grizzlies when Devin Booker sat; he went off and hit three triples to keep the team in the game. He and Allen have been able to do this and help the Suns keep their offensive punch throughout, with or without Booker on the court. With his ability to play with the centers in the pick and roll but also give the extra pass, Gillespie has made himself very valuable for Phoenix.
