Vinny’s View: Suns reminded what happens when you don’t max out effort
One of the things that's been so refreshing about the Phoenix Suns this season is the pride they've taken in effort. Then Thursday night happened.
Watch: Vinny's View: Suns lose to tanking Bulls | 1 min
One of the things that’s been so refreshing about the Phoenix Suns this season is the pride they’ve taken in effort.
Coming off an era in which effort was spotty and certainly not a hallmark of the team’s identity, this plucky group brought juice every night. Then Thursday night happened.
The Suns rolled the ball out against a tanking and injured opponent and got reminded about what can happen when you don’t max out your effort in a galactically frustrating 105-103 loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Yes, Devin Booker is back, but the Suns’ offensive struggles persist and they’re evident early in games. Last night, the Suns shot under 35% overall, hit just 2-of-12 3-point attempts and scored 20 points in the first quarter. Since the All-Star break, Phoenix is averaging just 23.8 points per game in first quarters and has been trailing after 12 minutes in six of their seven games.
But the more difficult swallow on Thursday were the defensive issues. The Chicago guard trio of Collin Sexton, Tre Jones and Rob Dillingham spent more time in the paint than Michelangelo. That triumvirate combined for 19 buckets in the paint and the Bulls outscored the Suns in that category, 68-44.
It was the worst loss of the year, because the Suns didn’t do what they do — they didn’t beat an opponent they should have, something they’ll have an opportunity to rectify Friday night against the Pelicans.
Vince Marotta has been the Phoenix Suns’ PA announcer since 2016 in addition to his duties as co-host of Bickley & Marotta. On weekdays after Suns home games, you can listen to Vinny’s View on Arizona Sports 98.7 at 7 a.m. or read what he saw from the front row at Mortgage Matchup Center here.
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Comments
1 Comments
"The Suns rolled the ball out against a tanking and injured opponent"
Very misleading statement. While it would be accurate to say that Chicago wouldn't mind a high lottery pick, they are currently at the 9th pick. Injured? Their injury reports reflects that they are. BUT look at whom they did play.
Nick Richards was discarded by the Suns. Richards has close to 300 games under his belt with over 100 starts.
Guershon Yabusele a former 16th pick of the Celtics who is looking to revive his career again.
Colin Sexton a former lottery pick at 8th. 350 starts and a career 18ppg scorer.
Former Kings point guard Tre Jones with 157 career starts. Career 9ppg 5 apg and a steal.
Rob Dillingham the 8th overall pick two years ago.
Isaac Okoro selected 5th overall six years ago. Almost 300 starts for the Cavs.
Leonard Miller drafted by the Spurs then flipped to the Wolves. The Wolves packaged Miller with Dillingham for Dosunmu and Phillips.
Nobody told these guys they were tanking and they collectively are playing to keep their careers going. They were left off the group text from Chicago to tank this game.