The Phoenix Suns are navigating a challenging stretch this season, dropping seven of their last 10 games. However, there's a bright spot amidst the turbulence: their guards are lighting up the scoreboard.
In these 10 games leading up to their April 2 matchup against the surging Charlotte Hornets, Devin Booker or Jalen Green has topped the scoring charts in nine of them. The only exception was Collin Gillespie's standout 24-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs on March 19.
Jalen Green made Suns history by becoming the first player to rack up 30 or more points in just 22 minutes of play. This feat came during a commanding 134-109 victory over the Utah Jazz, where he scored 31 points without a single trip to the free-throw line, shooting an impressive 13-of-22 from the field and 5-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Not to be overshadowed, Devin Booker delivered a spectacular performance of his own. In a 131-105 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, he dropped 36 points on a remarkable 16-of-24 shooting, including 4-of-6 from three-point range, also without any free-throw attempts. His 36 points without a free throw were the second-highest in franchise history.
As the playoffs loom, the Suns' scoring prowess, led by Booker and Green, positions them as a formidable challenge. Their ability to rack up points without relying on free throws sets them apart in a league where drawing fouls is a common strategy for stars like Luka Doncic and James Harden.
Western Conference rivals like the Spurs, Lakers, and Clippers are known for their disciplined defense, ranking among the top in fewest fouls committed. However, this discipline might not be enough to contain the Suns' offensive firepower.
The Suns' dynamic duo shone even with Dillon Brooks sidelined due to a broken left hand. Brooks, having a career year, returned on March 31 against the Orlando Magic but struggled, scoring just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting.
Jalen Green also faced challenges in that game, scoring only eight points and missing all five of his three-point attempts. His season has been inconsistent, partly due to injuries that kept him out for much of the first half.
Despite these setbacks, if the Suns can build chemistry among Booker, Brooks, and Green before the Play-In Tournament, their scoring abilities could make them a tough contender. They've shown resilience against top teams, holding a 3-1 record against the Lakers, and 2-2 against both the Clippers and Spurs.
Under first-year head coach Jordan Ott, the Suns have embraced a style defined by hustle and high energy, with Brooks often setting the tone. This approach has kept them competitive against the league's elite.
If Ott can fine-tune the on-court synergy among his stars, the Suns' knack for scoring in bunches without frequent trips to the line could be the key to a surprising postseason run.