Numbers are in, Suns ranked 11th in power rankings
The Phoenix Suns are currently 4-4 after a shaky 1-3
start, yet they’re ranked 11th in the league according to
ESPN analyst John Hollinger’s power rankings.
The system is based off of points allowed and scored,
recent performance, road and home games, and the strength
of schedule. This method provides a better display of a
team’s quality rather than looking at just wins and
losses, according to Hollinger.
Hollinger explained that the Suns are ranked so high
because of the resurgence in Steve Nash after dealing with
a bruised rib at the beginning of the season. Nash
faltered on Dec. 28 against the 76ers, shooting 2-11, but
was a perfect 7-7 against Portland on Jan. 6 and dished
out 17 assists in Milwaukee two nights later.
The daily rankings also put the Suns at a tie for 10th in
defense efficiency and 11th as the slowest team in terms
of pace factor.
As for the division, the Suns are behind the Los Angeles
Lakers and Clippers.
“I’m taking this eight-game sample with an entire pillar
of salt, but the Suns have played like a fringe playoff
team thus far,” Hollinger said.
