Shuffling the Deck: Suns Adjust Lineup Amid Struggles
In a strategic shakeup, the Phoenix Suns are set to alter their lineup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Notably, Bradley Beal, a seasoned starter, and Jusuf Nurkic, fresh off a suspension, will begin the game from the bench. This marks Beal's first non-starting appearance since the 2015-16 season, a surprising shift for a player who historically leads his team onto the court in 95.6% of his games.
New Faces in the Starting Lineup
With Beal and Nurkic on the bench, Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee will be stepping into the starting roles. The Suns are clearly looking to address pressing issues on the court, particularly their defensive woes. Head coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized the need for improvement, saying, "We gotta be better at [the defensive] end of the court, give ourselves to get out and play."
Current Season Performance and Challenges
Beal has been averaging a solid 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season, yet the Suns are grappling with significant challenges. With a current record of 15-18 and placing 12th in the Western Conference, they are far from their early-season form, which saw them surge to an 8-1 start. Unfortunately, the team has since stumbled, losing four consecutive games and seven of their last eight outings.
Defensive Struggles and Potential Trades
The Suns' most-used starting lineup is performing dismally on defense, allowing a staggering 122.3 points per 100 possessions while being outscored by 17.7 points per 100 possessions. Ranked 24th in overall defense and 28th in half-court defense, there's an evident need for change. Additionally, the rumor mill is buzzing with talk of a potential trade involving Jusuf Nurkic before the February 6 deadline. As the center enters the third year of his lucrative four-year, $70 million contract, this possibility adds another layer of intrigue to the Suns' evolving dynamics.
Opportunities on the Horizon
Interestingly, the Suns' upcoming schedule offers a glimmer of hope. In the next 11 games, only one opponent currently boasts a winning record. This stretch could be pivotal for the team to reclaim their footing and realign their season's trajectory. Whether Dunn and Plumlee's addition to the starting lineup will start a turnaround remains to be seen, but the upcoming games certainly provide a platform to reverse their fortunes.