Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

On today’s episode of Locked On Suns, we go through our usual ‘Free Throws’, ‘Flagrant Fouls’, and ‘Stats to Watch’ from tonight’s 109-104 loss at home to the Indiana Pacers.

The Suns are sitting atop the reverse standings for the first time all season, but that might not be for long with how they are playing on both sides of the ball. Not only is Devin Booker functioning as the primary ball handler, but his effort on defense is visibly better over the past week.

Also, Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren seem to be rounding into form over this sash stretch as well. Jackson is continuing to play more within himself while not forcing mistakes, while Warren’s newfound three-level scoring attack is turning into one of the league’s more efficient scorers from all areas.

We also spoke on Deandre Ayton’s double-double, even though it seems the Suns are still trying to strike a balance between feeding him the ball while running effective perimeter sets.

Is this team starting to turn a corner? Find out as we discuss that idea, plus plenty more on our latest episode.

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On today’s episode, we break down what is behind the Suns’ big improvements over the past two weeks, from Devin Booker’s quick recovery from nagging hamstring problems to Trevor Ariza returning to ordinary on offense.

The Suns are simplifying their system to take advantage of the Booker-Deandre Ayton two-man game with Booker the nominal point guard, and the offense is taking off.

Defensively, Ariza’s more consistent effort and the larger presence of Mikal Bridges has lifted the team to a league-average mark the past six games.

Finally, a quick preview of this week’s slate of games in which the Suns can take advantage of their growth.

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On today’s episode, we highlight all the progress and luck that went into the Suns’ best win of the season, a 116-114 shootout in Milwaukee.

The Bucks shot just 10-44 on threes, so Phoenix survived Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35 points to get the win.

We also talked about:Deandre Ayton’s improving switch defenseDevin Booker’s improved health and efficiency the past three gamesJamal Crawford’s smooth pull-up, which saved an otherwise ugly nightThe horrendous shooting of Brook Lopez

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On today’s episode, we break down the Suns’ 124-116 loss to the Bulls in Chicago, their third straight defeat.

As always, there are many nits to pick after an ugly loss, but some specific problems stick out. We discuss:Chicago’s hot shooting and the Suns’ bad defenseWhy Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton should never be on the bench togetherHow Ayton’s passing is coming alongThe continued progress of Jamal Crawford in the Suns’ offense

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On today’s episode, we dissect the latest Wizards rumors and decide whether it moves the Suns any closer to a trade with Washington.

John Wall reportedly cursed at coach Scott Brooks at practice over the weekend, and young star guard Bradley Beal responded, according to reports, by expressing anger over the last SEVEN YEARS of his career. Not great.

Can (and should) the Suns swoop in and grab one of these guys?

Finally, a quick reaction to Terry Rozier’s Tuesday morning tweet and Devin Booker liking it.

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On today’s episode, we break down the many good things we saw in the Suns’ third consecutive competitive game, a close loss in Philadelphia, 119-114.

Devin Booker, in his first start of the season at point guard, scored 37 points on 28 shots to go with eight assists despite a matchup against Jimmy Butler.

Other topics include:Mikal Bridges keeps up the smart, solid play in the new starting lineupDeandre Ayton makes the most of his tough matchup against MVP candidate Joel EmbiidThe bench disappoints in a huge waySuns’ small mistakes like free throw shooting the difference in five-point game

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On today's episode, we come to you live from Talking Stick Resort Arena recapping the Suns' latest loss. This time around, the Oklahoma City Thunder led by Paul George and Steven Adams had their way against Phoenix.

Per our usual recap format -- free throws, flagrant foul, and stat to watch -- we highlighted what stood out from both sides.

Not only did Devin Booker continue to focus on facilitating as he nurses his hamstring injury, but Mikal Bridges continues to prove he's already the Suns' fourth-best player behind Booker, T.J. Warren, and Deandre Ayton.

Speaking of Ayton and Warren, we also analyzed their matchups against OKC alongside other notes.

With the Suns traveling to Philadelphia on Monday, they begin their East Coast road trip.

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On today’s episode, we break down the three biggest things the Suns can do to maintain their winning ways.

First, how Mikal Bridges’ impact can be maximized to help on both ends of the court.

Then, playing more aggressively and with better effort on defense, plus potentially switching more consistently to help out Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.

Finally, Booker’s offensive burden being lifted a little and making life easier for him as a scorer and playmaker.

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On today’s episode, we recap the Suns’ 116-96 blowout of the Spurs at home in typical Locked On Suns fashion, tossing up some free throws, calling a flagrant foul and then digging deep on a number to watch.

Topics include:Mikal Bridges’ first start and the ripple-effect on the rest of the rotationT.J. Warren’s continued scoring dominance (along with a stat comparing Warren to Steph Curry so far this season)Deandre Ayton vs. LaMarcus AldridgeJamal Crawford’s impact in the second quarter and throughout the game

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On today’s episode, we recap the Jimmy Butler trade to Philadelphia from the Suns’ point of view and break down Josh Jackson’s struggles this year.

We also break down two non-Suns games that show the excitement and fear around Phoenix’s inability to consistently develop star talent during its rebuild.

Listen in for which Timberwolves point guard could be on his way to the Suns and which Duke star we like best so far.

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