For all the talk about the Phoenix Suns this offseason, they were poised to be a scrappy defensive team. At least, that’s the vision shared collectively by Dillon Brooks and head coach Jordan Ott.
However, through the first three games of the season, the Suns have allowed 116, 129, and 133 points respectively. Granted, the last two games came against the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets—two elite offensive units. Regardless, both Brooks and Ott feel this isn’t a worthy enough excuse.
Brooks pointed to one underlying issue following the game against the Nuggets. While it is a major concern, it makes sense considering the current state of the season. The team is only three games in, currently missing Jalen Green due to a lingering hamstring injury, and has a new cast of players. Additionally, this is Ott’s first season as the Suns’ head coach, so there are still adjustments being made in rotations and schemes.
Still, the standard is high, and the team hasn’t yet met it. The Suns did show promise defensively against the Sacramento Kings in the second half of their lone win this season, which could signal good things on the horizon. However, one strong half across six quarters isn’t enough to justify a solid defensive scheme just yet.
It’s not just Dillon Brooks criticizing the Suns’ defense. Currently, Phoenix holds the second-worst defensive rating in the league. While this is a small sample size, Brooks will continue to analyze the team’s performance as the season progresses. His previous teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets, have all improved drastically under his influence through strong defensive philosophies and principles.
Head coach Jordan Ott also keeps a close eye on advanced metrics to identify what’s going wrong. Much like Brooks, Ott knows the current point totals won’t cut it.
“There’s no excuse for that. We’re going to have to be better defensively,” Ott said. “This is a defensive-minded group at times, and we just lose our way, but we’re three games in.
“There’s a sample size to all this. A lot depends on who you play. I think we’ve faced some good offenses. We’ll keep looking, find ways to guard better, find ways to attack better. But 133 points allowed—it doesn’t matter where you’re at, that’s probably not going to get it done.”
### The Suns Can Make Strides Defensively
In this early part of the season, Mark Williams is making a gradual return to being the team’s starting center. The franchise has carefully managed his minutes, especially following a back-to-back schedule where Williams wasn’t expected to play either half. In his first game, Williams posted a plus-15 in the box score along with two crucial blocks. His defensive impact as a rim protector and shot alterer often goes under the radar.
Moreover, reinserting Jalen Green back into the starting lineup could be a game-changer. While he hasn’t been labeled an All-NBA defender, his athleticism complements the rest of the group. Pairing Green with Brooks and the coaching of Ott can help him use that athleticism to navigate screens, hound ball handlers at the point of attack, and execute cross-matches more effectively.
### Looking Ahead
The Suns will travel to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz on Monday, concluding a three-game road trip. While the start of this road trip may not have gone as planned, it’s how the Suns finish defensively that could help them take away something positive.
The season is still young, and with key players returning and adjustments underway, Phoenix’s defense has the potential to improve significantly as the games progress.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/phoenix-suns/suns-news-dillon-brooks-1-word-fix-kryptonite-start-season
