The Phoenix Suns’ early-season struggles aren’t caused by a deliberate small‑ball strategy but by injuries to both primary big men, forcing coach Jordan Ott to field undersized lineups. In the first three games the usual five—Booker, Brooks, Bridges, Green and Khaman Maluach—posted a dismal net rating of –35.5, while a tiny combo of Collin Gillespie, Jalen Green, Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges recorded a –105.2 net rating over just six minutes. By contrast, a five with Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Luke Kennard, Miles Bridges and Ryan Dunn posted a +31.8 net rating (offensive 131.8, defensive 100.0). The article argues that small‑ball is a forced necessity, not a tactical choice, and urges patience until the Suns regain healthy center depth.
The latest "Fanning the Flames" podcast dives into the Phoenix Suns' opening games, questioning whether the team is headed for disaster, dissecting Devin Booker's recent performance, and exploring any signs of optimism for the season. Hosts Paul, Dan, and Justin break down the early trends and invite listener feedback, with links to subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
The Phoenix Suns have moved away from what made Devin Booker and the team successful last season, as Sam Vecenie has painfully and perfectly highlighted.
Collin Gillespie can help the Suns rediscover their spark from last season, but inserting him into the starting lineup will not fix every problem this team has.
The Suns need to undo this dreadful Miles Bridges trade, and getting the Thunder to overpay with picks for some of their role players would be a massive help.
Phoenix Suns struggle on both ends of the floor without second‑round pick Oso Ighodaro, who is out with an oblique injury. In the 129 minutes he’s missed, the Suns are a –36 point differential, with assist percentage down 6.7% and steal percentage down 8.3%. Ighodaro’s passing, rebounding, switchable defense and rim protection keep the team organized, and his absence has led to defensive confusion and offensive disjointedness. Despite criticism of his shooting, the blog argues his intangibles are vital as Phoenix works to regain stability ahead of the upcoming Denver game.
Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander already has two straight MVP awards. The Thunder’s injury report is giving him plenty of opportunities to demonstrate why. Oklahoma City improved to 4-0 with Monday’s win over the Suns, despite losing Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to injuries that will sideline them for months. Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso are also […]
The post NBA Notes: Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cavs, Peyton Watson, Hawks appeared first on Hoops Wire .
The Phoenix Suns' defense has unraveled early in the 2026‑27 season, allowing 123.7 points per game—the fifth most in the league—and posting the worst defensive rating (124.5). In just three games they’ve surrendered 143 points to Portland, 122 to a weakened Golden State squad, and 125 to Oklahoma City, while ranking 29th in perimeter defense (opponents shooting 40.7% from three) and dead‑last in rebounding at 42.9%. Injuries to Booker, Brooks, and Williams may be a factor, but the article argues the issues stem from systemic lapses, with guards penetrating unchecked and the big men arriving too late. The piece warns that without a major defensive fix, Phoenix could repeat last season’s late‑year collapse.
OKLAHOMA CITY — In the wake of Oklahoma City Thunder’s Jalen Williams to a season-ending injury, Isaiah Hartenstein sent an emotional tribute. Thunder guard Cason Wallace will miss significant time due to a left shoulder tear, as GM Sam Presti announced in a special press conference ahead of Oklahoma City’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns […]
The post Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein sends emotional tribute to Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace appeared first on ClutchPoints .
Throughout a surprising 45-win campaign a season ago, defense was the Phoenix Suns' calling card. It's almost entirely disappeared to start the new season.
The Suns need a new small-ball center, and Ryan Dunn is in desperate need of a role in Phoenix, meaning this could pay off in a big way for both sides.
After a 43‑point explosion against Golden State, Devin Booker rattles off a dismal 3‑point night (1‑of‑7) as the Phoenix Suns fall to the Oklahoma City Thunder 105‑84 on Oct. 26, exposing deeper flaws. The loss highlights a hit‑or‑miss franchise star, chronic rebounding woes, and an offense lacking identity, with the Brooks‑Bridges pairing shooting just 5‑of‑20 from three. While Jalen Green posts 20 points and the bench hits 10‑of‑21 from deep, the starters struggle to sync, stall possessions, and rely too heavily on Booker. Despite early‑season optimism about continuity, the Suns appear structurally unbalanced and in need of significant adjustments to avoid repeating a 1‑4 start.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso suffered a right ankle sprain during his team’s 125-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns. Caruso exited the game in the first half and did not return. Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault confirmed afterward that the veteran guard had suffered a sprain and “nothing else.” The injury adds to Oklahoma […]
The post Alex Caruso suffers ankle sprain as Thunder injury concerns grow appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Phoenix Suns drop to 1-2 after a 125-114 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting ongoing defensive woes. While the early-season loss raises concerns about the team's preparation, analysts argue it's premature to panic. Reporter Wendy Lopez notes the Suns' slow start but emphasizes the need for further work before drawing conclusions.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jaylen Williams says he stayed up texting teammate Jalen Williams until 2 a.m. after Jalen’s season‑ending fibula fracture and ankle dislocation was confirmed by GM Sam Presti. He also offered support to Cason Wallace, who faces shoulder surgery, and reflected on the team’s effort to stay positive despite missing Jalen, Wallace and All‑Star Chet Holmgren (right knee). The Thunder still beat the Phoenix Suns 125‑114 to go 4‑0, with Jaylen contributing six points, six rebounds and three assists. Coach Mark Daigneault praised the squad’s compassion and focus heading into a road game against the Mavericks.
Khaman Maluach remains a raw prospect on the rise, and Isaiah Hartenstein showed the youngster as the Thunder beat the Suns how to one day reach his level.
Devin Booker wants the Suns to be more creative in how they get him the ball, in what could be the clearest indication yet that the team needs to change.
Miles Bridges might work as a small-ball center for the Suns on certain nights, but against the Oklahoma City Thunder, it was not the time to try this move.
In a disappointing 3‑0 start, the Phoenix Suns struggle as a whole against an injury‑hit Oklahoma City Thunder, losing the rebounding battle 48‑38 and failing to contain drives from players like Ajay Mitchell. Coach and fans are urged to stop scapegoating individuals—whether it’s Devin Booker, Miles Bridges, or the bench—and focus on collective accountability, better execution, and communication. The piece also highlights Booker’s 43‑point home‑opener record and his 85% win in the Bright Side Baller fan vote, while listing the Thunder’s top performers from Game 3.
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s composure, preparation and collective effort after a difficult 24 hours, as the short-handed OKC defeated the Phoenix Suns 125-114 on Monday to remain unbeaten at 4-0. The Thunder played without Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace after both suffered serious injuries expected to sideline them for […]
The post Mark Daigneault praises Thunder’s response after devastating injuries appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Ajay Mitchell scored a career-high 30 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 26 as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Phoenix Suns 125-114 on Monday night at Paycom Center to remain unbeaten through four games. Mitchell shot 10-for-16 from the field and 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, adding five assists and a block in 25 minutes. […]
The post Mitchell, Gilgeous-Alexander lead Thunder past Suns to stay unbeaten appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
With Jalen Williams sidelined for the season and Cason Wallace headed for shoulder surgery, Oklahoma City thrust Ajay Mitchell into the starting lineup. Mitchell responded with a career‑high 30 points, five assists and a block as the Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 125‑114. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Mitchell’s “hard, smart, and skilled” play, noting his unique ability to impact both ends of the floor. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander highlighted Mitchell’s consistency when starters go down, and Jared McCain added 18 off the bench. The win sets the Thunder up for a road trip to Dallas.
Oklahoma City clinches a 125-114 win over Phoenix to start 4-0, but the celebration is muted as Jalen Williams (fractured fibula/dislocated ankle) and Cason Wallace (torn labrum) face long‑term absences. Analyst John Hollinger warns Williams could be a season‑ender, reshaping a Western Conference once seen as a two‑team race with San Antonio. Guard Alex Caruso exits early with a right ankle sprain, while Chet Holmgren sits out due to right patellar tendinitis. In their stead, Ajay Mitchell (30 pts), Jared McCain (18 pts), rookie Bennett Stirtz and Kenrich Williams see increased minutes. The Thunder now have a 15‑man roster spot and several cap exceptions to consider adding depth.
The Oklahoma City Thunder lose guard Alex Caruso to a right‑ankle sprain early in their 125–114 win over the Phoenix Suns, adding to a nightmare 24‑hour injury stretch that already sidelined Jalen Williams (dislocated ankle, fractured fibula) and Cason Wallace (torn left‑shoulder labrum). MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander expressed disbelief and frustration over Williams' setbacks, while Caruso’s brief nine‑minute cameo yielded nine points, two rebounds and three assists. Despite missing Chet Holmgren (knee tendinitis), OKC stays 4‑0, with Ajay Mitchell scoring a career‑high 30 and Jared McCain adding 18. The Thunder now face a thinned guard rotation ahead of Wednesday’s matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
Even with several players sidelined, the Thunder look dominant as they notch a 125-114 victory over the Suns on Monday night.