Suns’ Success Depends on Bradley Beal’s Comeback – Will He Boost the Team?

In a direct clash with the seasoned and somewhat worn Boston Celtics, the Phoenix Suns saw their streak of victories come to a halt. Even without Jayson Tatum, Boston, having triumphed in 12 of their last 13 games, demonstrated their power as reigning champions.

The Suns? Not so much.

The humbling 132–102 defeat on national television served as a stark reminder that, despite recent improvements, Phoenix still doesn’t measure up to Boston’s caliber. The Celtics, functioning like a finely tuned machine, easily handled the absence of their All-NBA forward, while the Suns still seemed to be in the process of figuring out how to best utilize their expensive roster.

Yet, the Suns have indeed shown signs of progress lately. Prior to their defeat at the hands of Boston, they secured four consecutive victories, including games against the Toronto Raptors and Chicago Bulls, and notably more commendable wins over the Cleveland Cavaliers and Milwaukee Bucks. During this period, their offense ranked third in the NBA, while their defense climbed to 13th, a significant improvement from earlier in the season, according to NBA.com.

“I think we’ve become more proficient at finishing plays defensively,” commented Suns star Kevin Durant. “Be it diving for a ball or chasing down a block, we’re now consistently making those extra-effort plays we’ve only shown in spurts before. We need to keep building on this momentum.”

Key contributors include Durant, who averaged 40 points in the games against the Cavs and Bucks; Devin Booker, excelling as a playmaker; and the rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro, who are stepping up into bigger roles. Additionally, Collin Gillespie, a two-way player, has found his stride.

And all this without Bradley Beal.

Before we jump to conclusions, it’s important to acknowledge that Beal is an exceptionally talented player. A three-time All-Star and a career scorer averaging 21.6 points per game who has recently been shooting over 40% from three-point range, Beal’s absence is notable. However, the team has shown strong performance without him, going 13–4 in games featuring Durant and Booker but not Beal. Cody Martin, acquired from the Charlotte Hornets, has been filling in for Beal’s minutes, offering stellar defense and less need for ball handling.

This strategy suits Phoenix well. Durant continues to score efficiently even as he approaches his 37th birthday, Booker’s assists are at a career-high, and players like Dunn and Ighodaro are making significant contributions. Gillespie, now starting over Tyus Jones, has demonstrated his capability as a scorer without dominating the ball, recording 16 assists to just two turnovers over five games.

The approach is effective. Coach Mike Budenholzer, who previously clinched a championship in Milwaukee with a mix of superstars and capable role players, recognizes this. While the Suns’ current lineup isn’t quite on par with Milwaukee’s past glory, the strategy of building around a few stars with complementary players remains the same.

Looking ahead, Budenholzer faces decisions as Beal makes progress recovering from a hamstring injury. While Beal’s return to the lineup is anticipated, his role may need adjusting to ensure it doesn’t disrupt the team’s current dynamics.

Despite a challenging season, this recent upswing has revitalized the Suns’ playoff hopes. They’re currently vying for a play-in spot, contending closely with the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings. The upcoming schedule is daunting, with a road trip that includes games against top teams like Milwaukee, Boston, and New York, followed by home games against the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Securing a play-in spot might not be a complete salvage operation, but it’s certainly preferable to missing out. The chemistry on the court is palpable, and Beal’s integration should enhance, not hinder, this dynamic.

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