PHOENIX – Simply when it as soon as once more appeared like one thing was beginning to materialize for the Phoenix Suns over the previous week, one thing went mistaken.
Kevin Durant sprained his ankle in Tuesday night time’s win over the San Antonio Spurs — and it was speculated that the Suns might go at the least 2-1 on the corresponding East Coast street journey.
Effectively, the loss to the New Orleans Pelicans means sweeping the journey to Florida is critical to seize a 2-1 street journey earlier than one other massive break.
The loss to the Pelicans was inexcusable, regardless of how a lot the roster was bolstered final night time – listed here are three key observations that could possibly be taken from the loss, each good and unhealthy.
The workforce’s protection has failed in nearly each sport Durant hasn’t performed this season — and Ryan Dunn’s absence is precisely what the Pelicans ordered.
Brandon Ingram was capable of hit his spots within the mid-range sport whereas making an surprising influence on protection. CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray each had efficient outings. Trey Murphy III and Brandon Boston Jr. left their unmistakable marks on the bench — there’s merely no rational expectation for the failures we noticed final night time regardless of the Pelicans getting nearer to returning to full well being .
Brandon Ingram’s sport is fluid and refined. He is simply a top-five small ahead within the sport when it comes to pure skill. It is a disgrace it did not work in New Orleans. Tradition and atmosphere are every thing. He can elevate so many groups. pic.twitter.com/HO4vZ7NF7B
– The ball would not cease (@balldontstop) December 6, 2024
In a glimmer of hope – O’Neale seems to be returning to being the participant we noticed within the first two weeks of the season in comparison with the glacial interval from November 10-18.
The primary Solar of the total yr did its greatest to make up for main losses on the wing – with one specific second during which a success, a steal and a three-point dunk introduced the Suns inside one level after having misplaced 6 barely 20 seconds. Earlier than.
O’Neale was an outstanding acquisition in February and continues to be a terrific match, particularly in Mike Budenholzer’s offense. Getting again on observe is of the utmost significance shifting ahead – particularly with the possible unpredictability surrounding the general well being of the roster.
Maybe essentially the most encouraging end result of the previous two weeks has been Allen’s continued development in his new function.
Allen continues to get progressively higher on the intricacies of the sport – and has used his shifty athleticism to create benefits that are not often created by somebody like Tyus Jones – though Jones is a superb passer.
Transferring, cut up drive, no euro, informal end
1 of many spectacular drives tonight from Grayson Allen
As he is gotten extra into rhythm during the last 2.5 weeks, his drives have actually exploded – towards a shutdown protection or, as right here, with the rotation protection.
The delicate elevate earlier than… pic.twitter.com/uIYlB3ruz3
— Stéphane 🏁 | bsky: StephenPG3 (@StephenPG3) December 6, 2024
Allen’s strain within the paint led on to 10 assists – and the pattern of Allen turning into a creator for others can actually proceed with Phoenix’s top-10 end in nearly each measure of success.
Allen’s current rise might both make him one of many workforce’s 5 most vital gamers for this season or make him a priceless asset for an improve within the frontcourt.
Regardless, that is completely value watching within the center quartile. of the season.
As for what’s subsequent for the Suns, they are going to play back-to-back video games towards the Miami Warmth and Orlando Magic this weekend, as beforehand talked about, earlier than taking over the Utah Jazz on the street subsequent Friday.
The subsequent three video games could possibly be one other litmus take a look at to see simply how good this workforce is – and could possibly be a terrific alternative so as to add three wins to the full.
