Team checks each box on priority list
SUNS TUESDAYS
Expectations.
The Republic’s
Head coach Monty Williams had hoped the Phoenix Suns would start the season fast, but he’s staying true to his monthly plan no matter what is said.
“Our expectations were just to improve every month,” Williams said. “I know people are going to get sick of me saying that, if they’re boring enough to listen to me, but our expectations weren’t even set in stone other than we just want to be a program that improves every month because we’re new. That’s why I’m not in this mode of listening or looking at anything the numbers that we feel are important to improving every month.”
The only numbers that ultimately matter of course are wins and losses. Right now, the Suns are on the plus side of that at the start the season for the
first time in a long time.
Phoenix hasn’t had a winning record through six games since 2013-14 when it started 4-2. That’s the last time the Suns finished above .500 (48-34). when they just missed making the playoffs.
Here’s the Suns’ records through six games from the previous five seasons: ❚ 2014-15: 3-3 (Finished 39-43).
❚ 2015-16: 3-3 (Finished 23-59)
❚ 2016-17: 2-4 (Finished 24-58)
❚ 2017-18: 2-4 (Finished 21-61)
❚ 2018-19: 1-5 (Finished 19-63) Results trump everything, but what a team focuses upon and how well it executes those principles often determine its W-L record — along with talent of course.
Phoenix has talent and a priority list that set the standard it looks to uphold each game.
❚ Transition defense
❚ Rebounding percentage
❚ Fouls
❚ Live ball turnovers
❚ Passes per game
Out of the five, the number of passes is one they truly track. Williams said they want to pass the ball a minimum of 300 times per game. That sounds like a lot, but it’s part of their 0.5 offense and brings a feel-good element to the Suns.
“You can look at our offense and say some of those are fake passes because of the offense, but I think when guys touch the ball, they feel a part of the team,” Williams said. “When they’re just running around, it’s hard.”
That philosophy has also led to more assists. Going into Monday’s games, the Suns (28.3) were second in the NBA in assists per game behind the New Orleans Pelicans (29.7).
Players have to trust each other to play this way. Wins build trust. If the Suns continue to win, their ‘we score’ philosophy will grow even stronger.
If they hit rough patch, that trust will be tested.
Going backdoor
Mikal Bridges played a lot more as a rookie last season, but he’s trying to take it in all in stride.
Winning helps.
“I’m trying to do anything to help this team win,” Bridges said. “Minutes are down from last year, but we’re winning. So we have a better team. We’ve got a lot of depth. We’ve got a lot of players out there that are playing well. So just trying to fit in and find things I can do well.”
Bridges is trying to get in where he can fit in, but that’s easier said than done.
“Sometimes you struggle like, ‘Damn, I wish I was playing more,’ but you’ve got to sometimes sit down and really look at yourself in the mirror and think about it,” he said. “It’s like, whatever is working for the team and keep going.”
Bridges is averaging fewer points (8.3 to 4.5), 3-point shots (3.8 to 1.2) and playing nearly 11 fewer minutes a game from last season, but he’s taking it back to high school to score.
“Coach is pushing me to make sure I look for cuts,” he said. “I’ve always had the cut in me, really in high school. The offense helps it. Our players can pass.”
Bridges appeared ready to have a breakout season, but as he said, the Suns have more depth.
Plus that 3-point line is rather crowded with everyone is launching from out there including bigs Aron Baynes, Frank
Kaminsky and Dario Saric.
However, Bridges is setting the foundation to put up better numbers. He started showing signs of finding himself offensively with a 10-point effort in Saturday’s win at the Memphis Grizzlies.
Moving without the ball will make him difficult to guard. He also has the potential to be the Suns’ best perimeter defender. If Bridges start locking down the league’s top perimeter scorers, his minutes and points will likely rise.
Former Suns walking in Memphis
De’Anthony Melton came to Phoenix by way of a trade last season from the Houston Rockets and left the Suns in the same fashion this summer join the Memphis Grizzlies to mark his third NBA team in less than two full seasons. Crazy, right?
“It’s the NBA, you never know,” he said. “I’m not worried about one year, I’m worried about 10 years.”
He’s also chalks up his one season in Phoenix as a “learning experience” after averaging five points per game over 50 games with 31 starts.
Now, Melton is in Memphis recovering from a back injury and looking to contribute at some point.
“Physically and mentally, he’s in a good spot,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said.
“Over time, there’s going to be an opportunity for him.”
The Suns traded Josh Jackson, Melton and two future second-round picks to Memphis for Kyle Korver, who is now in Milwaukee after getting bought out, and Jevon Carter, who has been a spark.
The trade also cleared salary-cap space for the Suns so they could finalize Ricky Rubio’s deal.
While Melton is with the
Grizzlies,
Jackson isn’t.
The fourth overall pick in the 2018 draft is with Memphis’ G League team and must meet a number of benchmarks before he can join the Grizzlies.
“We’ve got a great plan in place,” Jenkins said. “He’s fully bought in. He’s getting his reps with the (Memphis) Hustle. Excited to see what he does in games with the Hustle. Then hopefully over time, there’s a path for him if he keeps doing the right things.”
Jenkins cut his coaching teeth in the G League. So he values it and Jackson will have to do the same in order to end up with the Grizzlies.
Upcoming games
Here’s a quick look at Phoenix’s next three games after Monday’s tilt with the Philadelphia 76ers:
Thursday vs. Miami Heat — Like Phoenix, Miami has been one of the league’s surprise teams. Kendrick Nunn is a player, Jimmy Butler is starting to find his way and the Heat are playing with purpose.
It will be a tough challenge for the Suns.
Sunday vs. Brooklyn Nets — Kyrie Irving will come to town looking to light it up. He’s averaging 30.5 points per game, but I’m looking forward to the Caris Levert-Devin Booker matchup. Levert got the best of Booker last season when the Nets won by 22 in Phoenix.
Tuesday vs. Los Angeles Lakers — The LeBron James-Anthony Davis show makes its first trip to Phoenix this season. That should lead to even more Lakers fans invading Talking Stick Resort Arena.
With the Suns being more competitive, it should make for a great atmosphere on Nov. 12.