The Phoenix Suns just wrapped up a five-game homestand with a 3-1 record, and they did it shorthanded. Devin Booker was sidelined for the entire week, while Jalen Green and Collin Gillespie missed time as well.
Still, the Suns found ways to win, knocking off the Nets, Pistons, and Cavs, with their lone loss coming against the Clippers. It’s a stretch that says a lot about this team’s resilience - and raises some key questions as we head into Week 15 of the NBA season.
Dillon Brooks Left Off the All-Star Roster - Right Call?
Devin Booker will be the Suns’ lone representative at this year’s All-Star Game, and that’s raised some eyebrows - especially when it comes to Dillon Brooks.
Brooks is putting up a career-best 21.1 points per game, and he’s been a tone-setter for Phoenix all season. He just dropped a career-high 40 points against Detroit, and it wasn’t just a stat-padding night - it was a performance that helped cement a blowout win.
Beyond the numbers, Brooks has become the heartbeat of a Suns team that many expected to be in the middle of a rebuild. Instead, they’re in the thick of the playoff race.
His defensive edge, energy, and swagger have helped reshape the Suns’ identity - and that’s no small feat. Just a year ago, questions about the team’s culture were swirling.
Now? Brooks is one of the main reasons that conversation has flipped.
So, should he be an All-Star? That’s up for debate.
The numbers are solid, and the impact is real. But in a loaded Western Conference, sometimes even standout seasons get lost in the shuffle.
What’s clear is this: Brooks might not have the All-Star nod, but he’s playing like a guy who belongs in that conversation.
Another Statement Win - Even Without Booker or Green
Let’s talk about that 114-96 win over the Pistons. Yes, Detroit is near the bottom of the standings, but this was more than just a routine victory. Phoenix was without Booker and Green, and still controlled the game from start to finish.
Brooks’ 40-point explosion led the way, but this was a full-team effort. The Suns out-rebounded the Pistons 47-37 and held them to just 20.7% from beyond the arc.
Defensively, they made life miserable for Cade Cunningham, forcing him into tough looks and keeping him out of rhythm. Offensively, they got to the line, hit timely shots, and never let Detroit build momentum.
This win comes on the heels of January victories over both the East and West’s top seeds - a sign that Phoenix isn’t just beating the teams they’re supposed to beat. They’re taking down contenders, too.
So, what does that mean for their playoff outlook? It’s still early, but wins like this - especially without key players - show that the Suns have depth, toughness, and a belief in their system.
Seeding may matter less than it used to. If they’re healthy and playing like this come April, they’ll be a tough out for anyone.
Trade Deadline: Stay the Course?
With the trade deadline looming, the Suns don’t appear to be in a rush to shake things up. Team owner Mat Ishbia hinted last week that Phoenix is likely to stand pat, and that might be the right move.
This team has been one of the season’s biggest surprises, and part of that success has come from chemistry and continuity. Making a splashy trade might bring in more talent on paper, but it also risks disrupting the dynamic that’s been working.
One name that’s surfaced is Nick Richards, but he’s been out of the rotation for a while. Any deal involving him would likely be more about salary flexibility than on-court impact.
Bottom line: the Suns are on a 49-win pace, and they’ve built something that’s working. Unless there’s a move that clearly makes them better without messing with the core, it makes sense to ride this wave and see how far it can take them.
Phoenix may not have the flashiest roster or the most All-Stars, but they’re playing with purpose. They’re tough, they’re connected, and they’re proving each week that they belong in the playoff conversation. The road ahead won’t be easy, but if the last few weeks are any indication, the Suns won’t be backing down from anyone.