Since Devin Booker’s return to the lineup on December 14, the Phoenix Suns have been cooking up something intriguing in the halfcourt - and it’s all rooted in pace, precision, and a whole lot of movement.
The Suns are operating out of a handful of core concepts, but what makes them so tough to guard is how fluidly they blend their personnel into those actions. It’s not just about getting Booker the ball - though that’s certainly a priority - it’s about how they get him the ball, and how everyone else on the floor becomes a threat in the process.
Booker’s Return Has Revamped the Suns’ Rhythm
Since Booker rejoined the rotation, Phoenix has leaned heavily into handoff actions, and the numbers back it up. Six of their ten highest-volume handoff games this season have come during this stretch. That’s not a coincidence - it’s a clear shift in offensive identity.
Booker has become one of the league’s most active participants in these sequences, ranking eighth in total handoffs received. But it’s not just the volume - it’s how they’re setting him up.
The Suns are using screen-into-handoff sequences to free him up, often with a decoy action or two layered in. That kind of movement keeps defenses guessing and opens up lanes for Booker to attack or facilitate.
The Power of “Zoom” Action
One of the Suns’ go-to sets during this stretch is what’s commonly referred to as “Zoom” action - a combination of a down screen into a dribble handoff. It’s a staple across the league, but Phoenix is putting their own spin on it.
Here’s why it works: the Suns have the personnel to keep every option live. Whether it’s Booker curling into a pull-up, a big slipping to the rim, or a shooter flaring out for a catch-and-shoot three, the defense has to account for multiple threats at once.
That’s where the Suns’ versatility shines. Their perimeter players - Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and even role guys like Grayson Allen - are interchangeable within these actions.
They can all handle, shoot, and read the floor. That makes it nearly impossible to key in on one guy without giving something else up.
Layered Offense, Layered Threats
Phoenix isn’t just running plays - they’re running layers of reads. A single possession might involve a pindown, a handoff, a ball screen, and a re-screen, all before the shot clock hits 10.
That’s by design. It’s not just about creating a shot - it’s about creating the right shot.
And with Booker back in the mix, the Suns have a dynamic engine to drive that process. His ability to read the floor while on the move, shoot off the catch or dribble, and make plays for others makes him the ideal hub for this kind of motion-heavy offense.
The Suns are still evolving, but there’s a clear blueprint taking shape. It’s fast, it’s fluid, and it’s fueled by intelligent movement - both of the ball and the players. If they keep executing like this, their halfcourt offense won’t just be hard to stop - it’ll be a nightmare to even keep up with.