PHNX Suns Podcast · ALLCITY Network, PHNX Sports

Why The Phoenix Suns Are STRUGGLING At The MOST Important Time

·11 min·1 clip

Dylan Brooks and Mark Williams are back, but why their return doesn't fix the Phoenix Suns' biggest problem.

This episode analyzes the Phoenix Suns' recent on-court struggles despite key players returning from injury. Hosts Steven and Jordan dissect the team's performance and the complex challenges facing coach Jordan Nott. They focus on the team's lack of continuity and the difficult task of reintegrating stars. The Suns have been under .500 since February 2nd, even after confirming a play-in tournament spot. Injuries have plagued core players like Dylan Brooks, Mark Williams, and Jaylen Green, preventing a consistent starting lineup. The team's most-used five-man unit, featuring Colin Gillespie, Brooks, Devin Booker, Royce O'Neale, and Williams, has logged 571 non-garbage time minutes. Other frequent lineups involve Grayson Allen and various big men, showing constant rotation flux. A central problem is asking role players like Gillespie, O'Neale, and Allen to scale back their expanded roles now that stars are healthy. The hosts compare getting the team to gel before the postseason to "capturing lightning in a bottle." They note Jaylen Green only started feeling like himself again in late February, and now Brooks and Williams face the same re-acclimation process. Coach Jordan Nott is dealt a "tough deck of cards," having to manage expectations and rotations amid constant personnel changes. The discussion explores using small-ball lineups as a proactive strategy to force opponents to play on the Suns' terms. A significant hurdle is whether to play rookie Richard Fleming in these crucial final games. The hosts acknowledge the team can still "make some noise" in the play-in or playoffs if they find momentum. They recall earlier in the season when the team successfully figured things out amidst similar uncertainty. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending statistical evidence with observational basketball insight. It adopts a problem-solving perspective, diagnosing issues without assigning overt blame. This episode is ideal for Phoenix Suns fans seeking a deep dive into the team's late-season roster and coaching dilemmas. Listeners looking for broad NBA news or highlights from other teams should skip it.

As heard by us

A Suns lineup discussion that turns repeated minutes and bigger roles into a clear basketball case.

This Suns discussion centers on the strain that builds when a team keeps leaning on the same core names and asks a handful of players to take on more.

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Why you'd press play

When you want the Suns' rotation pressure explained through real minute load.

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