Suns @ Bulls - Saturday Game Thread (02-22-2025)

[Mainstreet]

There were several times when I thought we were about to put Chicago away but even to the end, the outcome was sort of in doubt. I'm glad we won but I have a difficult time reconciling who we actually are with who we should be.

The Suns usually fold like a cheap suit when a team makes a run. Since it didn't happen today, it was refreshing.

I'm not saying the Suns have fixed their problem, but I felt they had control of the game down the stretch. And they actually made a couple of stops on defense when it counted.

I liked their rotation, even though Tyus didn't score off the bench.

 

[Yuma]

The Suns usually fold like a cheap suit when a team makes a run. Since it didn't happen today, it was refreshing.

I'm not saying the Suns have fixed their problem, but I felt they had control of the game down the stretch. And they actually made a couple of stops on defense when it counted.

I liked their rotation, even though Tyus didn't score off the bench.

My only complaint was Dunn should have been in the first quarter when Chicago was red hot. That screamed bring in a defensive specialist.

 

[Mainstreet]

My only complaint was Dunn should have been in the first quarter when Chicago was red hot. That screamed bring in a defensive specialist.

I hope Dunn is not in the doghouse like Nurkic. Something is going on.

 

[Phrazbit]

I hope Dunn is not in the doghouse like Nurkic. Something is going on.

He'd been struggling, the NBA season is like 3 times as long as college, it's pretty common for rookies to hit a wall, but, maybe reduce his role? I don't get benching him entirely.

 

[Phrazbit]

The more I watch this team the more I feel like it's not the scheme, it's not the coaching, it's not even the chemistry... it's just a flat out lousy team.

2 stars in Booker and Durant.

Beal is still a starting quality talent (but he doesn't really fit with Booker and Durant).

Then O'Neal and Allen are quality rotation guys but not starting caliber, at least not on a good team.

After those 5 guys it's a bunch of dudes who are fringe rotation pieces or just flat out lousy.

 

[sdscard4]

Gotta keep Beal starting

 

[Hoop Head]

The more I watch this team the more I feel like it's not the scheme, it's not the coaching, it's not even the chemistry... it's just a flat out lousy team.

2 stars in Booker and Durant.

Beal is still a starting quality talent (but he doesn't really fit with Booker and Durant).

Then O'Neal and Allen are quality rotation guys but not starting caliber, at least not on a good team.

After those 5 guys it's a bunch of dudes who are fringe rotation pieces or just flat out lousy.

That's why Bud often goes to a lineup of KD, Book, Beal, Royce, and Grayson. They're the only 5 legit NBA rotation players. Of course running those 5 together creates other issues as they're all offer essentially the same thing offensively and on defense none are standouts with Royce being the only one who doesn't take multiple possessions off.

Guys like Nick Richard and Tyus Jones are miscast backups. They shouldn't start but have due to horrible team construction. The rest are fringe rotation guys at best.

This mess is on management almost exclusively. It's such a poorly constructed roster.

Tyus and Nick Richards are miscast backups. They shouldn't start.

 

[Yuma]

We have been considered a soft team for so very long. Even with Ayton. I know this has been before current ownership. This has been a Suns identity for a long time. Now add slow and small. It's no wonder we can't compete. We have to start using draft picks and developing talent. Especially over the second apron.

 

[Hoop Head]

We have been considered a soft team for so very long. Even with Ayton. I know this has been before current ownership. This has been a Suns identity for a long time. Now add slow and small. It's no wonder we can't compete. We have to start using draft picks and developing talent. Especially over the second apron.

We need picks to get players to develop. Unfortunately we aren't looking at any quality picks. We need to hit home runs after every other team gets 2 turns up to to bat.

 

[Carolinacacti]

Have to start somewhere but nobody expects a run. At least Booker showed up

 

[Mainstreet]

I think this team is capable of winning, but it's like figuring out a Rubik's Cue.

If one knows how, the pieces are there.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I think this team is capable of winning, but it's like figuring out a Rubik's Cue.

If one knows how, the pieces are there.

I thought that for awhile but each game makes me believe in this team a little less.

 

[Mainstreet]

I thought that for awhile but each game makes me believe in this team a little less.

I'm not thinking the Suns will be the team we wanted.

However, I think the ingredients are there.

Maybe a Steve Kerr, an Erik Spoelstra or another great coach might figure out the key.

 

[Hoop Head]

I thought I said it before the game but I guess I didn't. We need Book to lead the team in scoring to win. Everyone else can get theirs. KD will get his, so will Beal, and opportunities for the rest will be there. I'll have to do some investigating to see the teams record when Booker leads them in scoring vs someone else. I'd guess we have a winning record when he does.

 

[Peter Sheldon]

Anyone else cringe when Plumlee scrambles to get a loose ball that is within his grasp but up for grabs? Has he every once secured one? Hands of bricks. Having said that, he had a reasonably good game.

 

[Superbone]

Anyone else cringe when Plumlee scrambles to get a loose ball that is within his grasp but up for grabs? Has he every once secured one? Hands of bricks. Having said that, he had a reasonably good game.

He should try using the palms of his hands sometimes rather than the backs of them.

 

[Yuma]

We need picks to get players to develop. Unfortunately we aren't looking at any quality picks. We need to hit home runs after every other team gets 2 turns up to to bat.

Look at last draft. It can be done. Plus with free agents, buy outs, etc, you have to start emphasizing different qualities. We go supposedly for skills, despite height or age. This has to change, too.

 

[Yuma]

Anyone else cringe when Plumlee scrambles to get a loose ball that is within his grasp but up for grabs? Has he every once secured one? Hands of bricks. Having said that, he had a reasonably good game.

What is worse, is when he grabs one, he almost always panics and throws the worst passes ever. Right under the opposition's basket and perfectly to their players! LOL!