PHOENIX SUNS

Elston Turner committed to improving Suns defense

Jul 21, 2011, 5:05 PM | Updated: 6:15 pm

Defense and the Phoenix Suns are words not often said in the same sentence.

The Suns are known for their fast paced offense and have relied on their ability to outscore teams rather than defend them and win low scoring games.

While the Suns may be fun to watch, this style of play is not conducive to winning when it matters most and new defensive coordinator Elston Turner is expected to change that.

Once the NBA lockout ends, Turner will begin his attempt to transform a defense that allowed just less than 106 points per game last season.

In a recent interview with NBA.com, Turner talked about his defensive philosophy.

It always takes a little time to analyze. If you’re cooking up something, you have to see what’s in the pantry to throw into the pot. I’ll tell you this though. We’re going to be the league-average or better next year. We have some goals that we’re going to meet. And from looking at the stats of where the team finished last year, we’re going to do better than that.

It may be a bit discouraging to see Turner say the team will be at the league average next season considering the fact that average or mediocrity is not often a team’s goal.

However, the Suns defense was near the bottom of the league in a lot of categories last season so a middle of the road defense would be a significant upgrade.

Phoenix Suns

Jusuf Nurkic...

Damon Allred

Jusuf Nurkic questionable for Suns’ matchup with Thunder; Bradley Beal no longer listed

The Phoenix Suns are listing center Jusuf Nurkic questionable for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

2 hours ago

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

20 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

24 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

1 day ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

Elston Turner committed to improving Suns defense