The Phoenix Suns have been seeking to construct on a win in opposition to Portland, get some relaxation and are available again at full energy for the ultimate two of a three-game homestand in opposition to two sub-.500 groups.
They as an alternative misplaced Devin Booker to a groin damage and misplaced a second straight recreation Saturday, 133-125, to the Detroit Pistons (12-17) after dropping Thursday to the Pacers.
The Suns (14-13) have been as soon as once more doomed by turnovers, committing 19 Saturday for 34 factors in Detroit, two days after Indiana (13-15) scored 29 factors off 16 Phoenix turnovers.
Kevin Durant scored a season-high 43 factors, however he dedicated eight turnovers after recording 5 turnovers Friday in opposition to Indiana. Bradley Beal had 26 factors whereas Tyus Jones added 19 on 7-of-8 taking pictures.
Listed here are three takeaways because the Suns look to bounce again on Monday in Denver earlier than going through the Nuggets once more on Christmas. Phoenix is now 11 years previousth within the West after ending sixth heading into Thursday’s recreation in opposition to the Pacers.
Harm replace
Grayson Allen took successful to the again of the pinnacle late from Pistons ahead Simone Fontecchio, who caught him with an elbow within the third quarter as he scored on an offensive rebound.
Staying on the bottom and taking a couple of minute to get again up, Allen didn’t return to the sport after heading to the locker room with 2:10 left within the third. The Suns could possibly be with out Allen on Monday.
Bol Bol didn’t play Saturday due to a bruised left knee suffered in observe, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer stated. He is solely performed in seven video games this season, however the 7-footer is somebody who was productive final season when he did play.
Then there’s Booker, who has already been dominated out for Monday’s recreation. Booker can be re-evaluated early subsequent week.
The Suns may due to this fact lose three gamers simply two days after being at full energy for Thursday’s recreation.
Protection and turnovers doom the Suns as soon as once more
A workforce that shoots 57.7 p.c from the sector, hitting 14 of 29 from 3 whereas scoring 125 factors, should not lose, however the Suns are a nasty defensive workforce, particularly in opposition to the three.
Phoenix is 24 years previousth in defensive score. Solely Chicago, Portland, Brooklyn, New Orleans, Washington and Utah are worse. These groups all have dropping data; Phoenix is only a recreation above .500.
Detroit entered the sport taking pictures 35.8% from 3, however they made six extra 3s than their common whereas taking pictures 19 of 39 on Saturday.
The Suns at the moment are 26 years previousth by defending the three in proportion after permitting the Pistons to gentle them up at residence.
The turnovers put their protection in unhealthy positions, however the Suns have poor flooring stability and do not shut nicely from 3. The Suns appeared like they compelled tougher 3s later within the recreation, however the Pistons shot at them with the identical confidence.
Budenholzer advocates 1-on-1 particular person protection, however the Suns battle with that, particularly on the perimeter. When the Pistons acquired into the paint, they completed with both lobbed dunks or putbacks for 3 seconds.
Cunningham nearer
Being the primary decide within the 2021 draft put preliminary stress on Cade Cunningham to play at a excessive degree.
He is had his justifiable share of setbacks on a nasty workforce, some rising pains, however he is additionally progressed as a participant attempting to point out he generally is a chief.
Cunningham confirmed and proved it on Saturday along with his 28-point, 13-assist efficiency, with the flexibility to not solely dictate the sport, but additionally put away a playoff workforce that would not even make the play-ins if the playoffs began at present.
Loopy, proper?
Cunningham scored 13 of his 28 within the fourth in opposition to Jones and even Durant. He put the sport away with a 3 to place Detroit forward, 130-123, with 32.9 seconds left.
Detroit is on monitor to return to respectability below JB Bickerstaff. Cunningham could have a say in that and get that All-Star nod when the time comes.
Do you might have any ideas on the present state of the Suns? Contact Suns insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-810-5518. Comply with him on X, previously Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This text was initially printed on Arizona Republic: Turnovers and protection doom Suns once more in ugly loss to Pistons
