Suns Set to Tweak Lineup in Crucial Matchup Against 76ers
The Phoenix Suns are gearing up for a strategic shift in their lineup as they face the Philadelphia 76ers, hoping to reverse their recent slide. The team, currently holding a 15-18 record, has found itself in a rough patch, losing four consecutive games and seven of their last eight. This marks a stark contrast to their impressive start to the season, where they won eight of their first nine games.
Lineup Changes
In a surprising decision, head coach Mike Budenholzer has opted to have star guard Bradley Beal and center Jusuf Nurkic start the game on the bench. Instead, the Suns will see Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee stepping into the starting lineup. This move is particularly notable for Beal, who finds himself relegated to a bench role for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Throughout his career, Beal has been a consistent starter in 95.6% of his games, a testament to his enduring prowess on the court. This season, Beal is averaging a solid 17.8 points, alongside 3.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Nurkic's Return and Future
For Jusuf Nurkic, this game marks his return to action following a three-game suspension. There is speculation surrounding Nurkic’s future with the Suns as the team is reportedly considering trading him before the February 6 trade deadline. This comes as Nurkic, currently in the third year of a four-year, $70 million contract, continues to work on expanding his game, notably attempting 4.8 three-pointers per 100 possessions and connecting on 30.4% of those shots.
Defensive Woes
Defense has been a weak point for the Suns this season, with the team ranking a disappointing 24th overall and 28th when it comes to half-court defense. Their most commonly used starting lineup is yielding a whopping 122.3 points per 100 possessions, being outscored by 17.7 points per 100 possessions – numbers that underscore the defensive struggles they face. Budenholzer acknowledged the need for improvement in this area, saying, "We gotta be better at [the defensive] end of the court, give ourselves to get out and play." This is a clear indication that defensive issues are at the forefront of the coaching staff’s agenda.
Opportunity for Redemption
Currently positioned 12th in the Western Conference, the Suns are at a critical juncture in their season. The upcoming schedule could offer some respite, as only one of their next 11 opponents holds a winning record. This presents a prime opportunity for the team to regain momentum and improve their standings. The Suns are aiming to capitalize on these matchups to propel themselves back into the playoff conversation.
The decision to adjust the lineup highlights the Suns' proactive approach in addressing their shortcomings and making the necessary tactical adjustments. It remains to be seen if these changes will bear fruit, but the commitment to improvement, particularly on the defensive end, is evident.
As the Suns prepare to take on the 76ers, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how these lineup changes impact the team's performance. With key players like Beal and Nurkic on the bench, albeit temporarily, the focus will be on how effectively the new starters can execute Coach Budenholzer's game plan.