The Phoenix Suns started one of their two six-game road trips of the season with heartbreaking losses to the Miami Heat and the Detroit Pistons, but ended it strong with a 106-99 victory over the New York
Knicks on Saturday. Devin Booker missed the team’s game against Detroit, but returned to score 27 points against New York.
Here are the main questions for Week 13 that we want your thoughts on:
Clutch Game Woes
Since all three of the Suns’ games this week were at one point within five points, all of their games were clutch games. Down the stretch with opportunities to beat the Pistons and Heat, Phoenix struggled to make shots and execute defensively. Against the Knicks, the Suns did a better job of weathering storms. When the Knicks cut the lead to five late, the Suns responded swiftly to secure the win. Both games in which the Suns struggled to execute late Devin Booker was either playing injured (he hurt his ankle in the second half against the Heat), or didn’t play.
Are you concerned about how the Suns played down the stretch this week, or was it a product of their best player’s health?
Jalen Green’s Return Looming
Listed as Questionable tonight against the Brooklyn Nets, Jalen Green could make his return from his hamstring injury after missing more than two months. It has been reported that Collin Gillespie will return to the bench when Green returns so the team’s starting lineup will consist of: Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Royce O’Neale and Mark Williams.
How should Jordan Ott handle the starting lineup and bench rotations with a career 20-point-per-game scorer about to return? How should Ott handle his minutes? Would you play him on both sides of a back-to-back?
Enduring Shooting Struggles
Dillon Brooks had a rough shooting week, to say the least. He shot 32% from the field and 17% from three, including 1/10 from deep on Tuesday against the Heat. Despite struggles from its second-leading scorer, the team stayed competitive in all of its games, and Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, and others stepped up. When Devin Booker was struggling with his shot last month, his teammates stepped up to secure victories.
How have the Suns been able to withstand some of their best players struggling to make shots? Are you concerned about Brooks’ efficiency for the longterm?
For more questions on the Suns follow @HoldenSherman1 on X for content after every game.
