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The Phoenix Suns are a mixed bag from a zoomed-out national perspective.
On one hand, they exceeded expectations a year ago and became something of an underdog darling. Now, with their element of surprise a thing of the past, the Suns will have to prove themselves all over again. Every single night.
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The identity they want in Phoenix is clear at this point, but it’s one that is proven every game and earned over time. It’s predicated on intangibles over talent. Don’t get me wrong, they have talent… but their effort and doing the little things is what got them to where they are today.
Can they do it all over again this season? Could the ceiling be even higher than we’re giving them credit for?
I wrote about why they could disappoint in my most recent piece, so now it’s time to get more optimistic. Let’s jump in.
1) Improved Chemistry
Last season, they had a carousel of injuries and plenty of “breakout” players who were more focused on proving they belong on the floor than doing anything “extra”. Here’s how that could work in their favor.
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Collin Gillespie, for example, was constantly doing the little things, focused on intense pressure defensively, making the right reads, playing selfless, smart basketball as we expect out of a Villanova Wildcat.
Now, with a season under his belt and the “prove it” shadow not lurking as heavily around everything he does, it could feel like he has more freedom. Freedom to be aggressive and take more calculated risks on the basketball floor. And then you have Jordan Goodwin. He is a staple in the rotation now, and he knows exactly what his role is. All the extensions to bring back the glue guys, plus Mark Williams down low, give them some continuity they did not have a year ago.
Jordan Ott is one year wiser. No longer is he a rookie coach. He is a coach with a year under his belt and the respect of this locker room. And most importantly, all of these guys are more familiar with playing alongside Devin Booker, the Phoenix Suns’ engine.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 16: Head coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns talks with Collin Gillespie #12 and Jordan Goodwin #23…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-reasons-suns-exceed-expectations-120000469.html
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Publish date : 2026-09-08 12:00:00
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