The numbers since the All-Star break are hard to overlook for the Phoenix Suns.
In a league where pace and scoring are king, the Suns have struggled to hit 100 points in regulation across four games: 94 against San Antonio, 96 against Orlando, 77 against Portland, and 81 against Boston. This scoring drought is a glaring concern.
With six losses in their last eight games, the absence of Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks looms large. Jordan Goodwin is also out, leaving the team without a clear timetable for his return. The Suns have managed wins despite missing key players throughout the season, but this feels different.
Grayson Allen summed it up: “There is work to be done on that end of the floor.”
Shorthanded Suns
Injuries are undeniably part of the narrative here.
Booker and Brooks missing from the lineup significantly alters the Suns' offensive dynamics. Booker’s mere presence on the court shifts defenses, opening up opportunities for teammates.
Brooks adds a toughness that keeps defenses on edge. Without them, the team’s roles are shuffled, and responsibilities spread thin.
This context is crucial. The drop in offensive performance without these two stars is no accident.
Shot quality has noticeably declined. Against Boston, the Suns often found themselves scrambling against the shot clock, forced into tough shots by the Celtics' defensive pressure. The third quarter, where they managed just 11 points, was particularly telling.
Portland posed different challenges, but the outcome was similar. The ball movement stalled, and possessions turned into isolated, rhythm-less plays.
Orlando’s size clogged the paint, disrupting driving lanes, and the Suns couldn’t adjust with effective cutting or ball movement. Are we giving too much credit to the opponents?
Perhaps.
The rhythm that once defined their play has slipped. Paint touches, free-throw attempts, and assisted field goals have all decreased.
When the ball moves fluidly, defenses are forced to react. When it stagnates, defenses settle in.
The Suns have drifted away from what worked earlier this season.
Slump Solutions?
The Suns find themselves in a tempo limbo. They haven’t pushed the pace off misses to create easy scoring opportunities, and their half-court execution lacks the sharpness needed to thrive in slower settings.
This gray area is manageable with elite shot creators, but without them, it feels burdensome. The combination of a slowed pace and stagnant offense is piling up.
Rebounding has offered second chances, but converting those opportunities has been inconsistent. Resetting into deliberate sets allows defenses to regroup, closing the window for advantage quickly. In today’s NBA, failing to capitalize on transition and half-court opportunities spells trouble.
Scoring droughts also carry an emotional weight. Jalen Green’s return amid the absence of Phoenix’s top scorers has been challenging, with his shooting at just 29.3% over the last three games.
When early shots don’t fall, confidence wanes. The extra pass becomes less intuitive, and open shots feel more critical as the team searches for momentum. Against Boston, missed early attempts seemed to build pressure with each possession, creating a snowball effect.
There are solutions, even with current limitations. Increased ball movement, active weakside play, early-clock actions, and decisive cuts can create scoring angles without relying on isolation plays.
Emphasizing transition opportunities can generate easier looks before defenses set. Making shots can be contagious, especially for role players.
Slumps happen, but Phoenix needs a quick turnaround to avoid deeper issues.
Defining roles clearly can stabilize lineups, allowing players to act with confidence. Consistent rim pressure can lead to free throws, slowing the game and providing stability to an offense searching for its rhythm.
Injuries are a reality. Booker’s presence and Brooks’ intensity reshape the court, but the Suns have the defensive tools and connective pieces to help the offense find balance again.
This stretch highlights how fragile rhythm can be, but it also offers a chance for growth. Upcoming games will test whether Phoenix can recalibrate, focus on structure and pace, and turn this challenging period into a learning opportunity rather than a defining moment.
Jordan Ott, the spotlight is on you.