A New Energy in the Desert: Suns Starting to Shine Again
We’re a quarter of the way into the NBA season, and the Phoenix Suns are sitting at 13-9. That might not jump off the page, but considering where this team was just a year ago, it’s a promising sign. After a rocky 2024 campaign that left fans frustrated and frankly exhausted, the Suns are finally showing signs of life - and maybe even something more than that.
Phoenix just snapped the Lakers’ nine-game win streak in Los Angeles, and they’ve now won six of their last eight. That kind of stretch doesn’t happen by accident. Right now, they’re holding onto the No. 7 seed in the West - on pace for a 48-34 finish - and more importantly, they’re playing with a sense of purpose that’s been missing since the 2021 Finals run.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about how they’re winning.
The Suns are averaging 117 points per game while giving up 113.7 - a respectable margin for a team many expected to be a defensive liability. But this squad is proving to be more than the sum of its parts.
They’re engaged. They’re battling.
And they’re playing like a team.
The Ott Effect
First-year head coach Jordan Ott deserves a lot of credit here. He’s brought a fresh energy to the locker room, and it’s showing on the court.
This isn’t a top-heavy team relying on one or two stars to carry the load. Devin Booker hasn’t had to play hero-ball every night - and that’s a good thing.
Even with Booker leaving Monday’s game with a groin injury (he’s considered day-to-day), the team hasn’t skipped a beat.
The Suns have three days off, so there’s hope Booker won’t miss much time. But the bigger story is that they’re built to survive stretches without their stars. That’s a new development - and a critical one.
New Faces, Big Impact
A big part of this turnaround has come from unexpected contributors stepping up in a major way.
Dillon Brooks has brought a gritty edge to this team - the kind of edge that’s been missing for a while. He’s averaging a career-high 22.3 points per game, along with 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
But beyond the numbers, he’s been a tone-setter. Love him or hate him, Brooks plays with a chip on his shoulder, and that attitude has been contagious.
Collin Gillespie has been one of the biggest surprises of the season. Initially coming off the bench, he’s forced his way into the starting lineup with consistent production and fearless shooting.
He dropped a career-high 28 points - including eight threes - against the Lakers on Monday night. He’s now averaging 13.4 points, five assists, and 3.8 rebounds.
Not bad for a guy many didn’t even pencil into the rotation a month ago.
Mark Williams has quietly stabilized the center position - a longtime area of need for Phoenix. He’s pulling down nine boards per game and chipping in 12.7 points, all while anchoring the defense in the paint. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective - and that’s exactly what this team has needed.
Depth and Grit
It hasn’t just been the new guys. Booker has still produced when healthy.
Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro have had their moments. Grayson Allen made some early-season noise before missing time.
The depth has been tested - and so far, it’s held up.
The Suns have been without Jalen Green for most of the season, and now Booker could miss a few games, but the "next man up" mentality is more than just a slogan in Phoenix right now. It’s a reality. And it’s keeping them competitive on a nightly basis.
This team probably isn’t going to be hoisting a trophy in June, but they’ve brought something back that’s been missing: joy. The games are fun again.
The effort is real. And in a season that many expected to be another slog, that alone is worth celebrating.
Quick Hits from the Valley
Arizona Football on the Rise
The Wildcats jumped seven spots in the College Football Playoff rankings, moving up to No. 18 ahead of the Territorial Cup. A bowl game is on the horizon, and it’s been a thrilling ride for Arizona fans this season.
Arizona Women’s Basketball Stays Perfect
Becky Burke’s squad is off to a red-hot 6-0 start. They’ll look to keep that streak alive tonight at McKale Center against Southern University.
ASU Volleyball Racking Up Awards
Arizona State women’s volleyball is having a season to remember.
Junior Noemie Glover was named Big 12 Player of the Year, and head coach JJ Van Niel earned his third straight Coach of the Year honor. The Sun Devils went 26-3 overall and 17-1 in conference play.
They’ll host Coppin State tomorrow night in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament.
Cardinals Shuffle the Roster
The Arizona Cardinals made a few moves this week, signing running back Corey Kiner from the Vikings’ practice squad and linebacker Eku Leota. To make room, they released Jermar Jefferson, Montrell Johnson, and Sincere McCormick.
It’s been a mixed bag in Arizona sports lately, but the Suns are giving fans a reason to tune in again - and maybe even believe a little.