Reasons for the Phoenix Suns’ Fast Start

PHOENIX – The 2024-25 NBA season has already produced some fascinating results, creating compelling narratives and delivering a consistently excellent product that has likely been missing for some time. The Phoenix Suns are one of the great early stories.

After the Suns lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs in April, they were eliminated by the national media, fans and everyone in between.

The front office then hired Mike Budenholzer to shape the philosophy of the roster. They then decided to draft two possibilities to develop and build for the future. Several free agent signings were made shortly thereafter, raising the team’s base and in theory poised to optimize the big three. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have confirmed that they can both play basketball at a high level and also impact winning basketball in a variety of ways.

All of this has led to a perfect storm that has resulted in a 7-1 start to the season, which may very well be sustainable for a number of reasons tied to moves made in the offseason.

The Suns probably turn the ball over too much; It ranks 16th in the league with 14.1 points lost per game. This is still a marked improvement from last season, when the team finished 25th with the same amount of draws.

The takeaway here is that the additions of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris allow Phoenix to operate more effectively on offense while also avoiding untimely turnovers. Even though the turnover volume remains the same, the Suns are handling the ball at a better rate than their opponents and are also handling it in a more timely manner.

This has been key to the Suns’ 6-0 start to the year in clutch-time showings. While this is unlikely to be sustainable at this rate, it has created a clear correlation between staff movements and overall success.

One of the follies of last season was the razor-thin bench created by many high-return signings that didn’t work.

Mat Ishbia, James Jones and the rest of the front office set out at the trade deadline to acquire Royce O’Neale, who has made a huge impact since arriving in Phoenix in February. Signing Jones and Morris gave Budenholzer the opportunity to mix and match reliable field generals across a variety of game situations. This also pushed Grayson Allen to the bench. Mason Plumlee is a clear improvement over Drew Eubanks.

The pieces on this team are more resilient to potential injuries to a star player and will almost certainly lead to more rotational flexibility going forward.

The Suns currently have the best defense in the league in Minnesota last season, allowing 110.9 PPG.

They also rank 9th in defensive rating with 111.3.

This is actually a step up from last season under the leadership of a defensive head coach.

Some might argue this is due to the additions of Ryan Dunn and Plumlee and O’Neale’s increased comfort in the team structure. They will probably be correct.

However, activity, communication and off-ball awareness have increased tenfold compared to last season and the current season. While this team may not be the most collectively athletically talented team, it defends with purpose and passion.

Credit coach Budenholzer for that and hope this defensive level is sustainable for a potential playoff run in April.