Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

After getting out to a 17-point lead in the second quarter, the Phoenix Suns were well on their way to bouncing back. Unfortunately for the Suns, it didn’t matter after Toronto finished off a comeback victory.

Where do the Suns go from here? If Deandre Ayton is out moving forward recovering from what appears to be a fairly serious ankle injury, what happens?

We go through our Free Throws, Flagrant Fouls, and Stats to Watch from Phoenix’s latest loss in this nightmarish homestand.

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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Kelly Oubre Jr.’s season with the Suns ended once more with an injury. After a thumb issue stopped his momentum last year, now a torn meniscus puts a damper on possible playoff hopes in 2019-20 for Phoenix.

Without Oubre, who is the most impacted? For Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson, it will mean more opportunities, and more pressure. Will Ayton become the true 1B scorer to Booker, and will Bridges ascend to new heights?

We get into the numbers with and without Oubre, as well as how the Suns’ style of play will change and what that means for all involved. It’s going to get interesting.

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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Losing to the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors is one of the worst imaginable outcomes of a season-defining homestand for the Suns. Not only is losing to two of the worst teams this season concerning, but also it should be considered rock bottom.

What went wrong against Detroit and Golden State, and who deserves blame for it?

Also, we quickly go over the Jordan McRae news. What kind of punch will he provide off the Suns’ bench?

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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We are joined by Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports, who writes and talks about the Suns perhaps even more than we do. Kellan joins to talk a bit about Ricky Rubio after writing about the Suns’ point guard this week, especially as we near the end of the season and a draft in which the Suns have a chance to find (finally) a point guard of the future.

We also quickly break down the draft and free agency at the point guard and power forward spots. The Suns figure to have a lottery pick and more cap space than most teams in 2020.

Do the Suns have the goods to be major players this summer, or will it be more about internal growth? We break down the team’s options with Kellan.

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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Coming to you live from Talking Stick Resort Arena, we recap the Suns’ defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers to begin their six-game homestand. Even though Deandre Ayton had himself a night on both ends, Phoenix was unable to contain Kawhi Leonard before the Clippers finally woke up.

Who stuck out the most for the Suns from a positive and negative standpoint? Tune in for our Free Throws, Flagrant Fouls, and Stats to Watch.

After tonight’s loss, it’s time for the Suns to regroup fast during an important stretch with playoff implications, so we dive into what comes next with regard to Kelly Oubre Jr.’s surprising right knee injury and the starting lineup while he is out.

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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Sitting 4.5 games back of the No. 8 seed at 24-34, can the Phoenix Suns somehow climb back into this tight race? The next six at Talking Stick Resort Arena will help decide their fate.

Who are the teams we’re buying and selling on over the next few weeks between the Suns, Kings, Spurs, Trail Blazers, Pelicans and Grizzlies? If Phoenix can keep up their strong play, there’s a chance they can reach near-equal footing with the top competition.

We have all the numbers and news you need to figure out the Western Conference playoff picture.

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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What a surprising victory that was for the Suns! Led by Ricky Rubio and Devin Booker, Phoenix defeated Utah in Salt Lake City 131-111 and are now only 4.5 games out of the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

Where does this win rank for Phoenix? After a sluggish start that led to foul-happy possessions and lots of turnovers, the Suns settled in behind their refreshed backcourt.

Elie Okobo headlined the main negative from a 20-point win with his continued inconsistent play. Is it time for Okobo to be phased out in favor of Ty Jerome?

Finally, can the Suns gain ground in the playoff race during an important upcoming six-game homestand?

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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It was a tale of two nights for the Suns over the weekend as they struggled with turnovers that ultimately cost them in Toronto against a more polished Raptors squad before they put together a great second half in Chicago to beat the Bulls.

Kelly Oubre Jr. couldn't get his shot to go in either game, but Deandre Ayton's impressive consistency helped the Suns stay afloat, as did continued versatile defense by Mikal Bridges and an energized version of Ricky Rubio.

On the other hand, the Suns still can't find a guard rotation they like, and now the power forward spot is in flux again as well. Can anyone on the roster help solve the shooting woes?

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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With the Phoenix Suns keeping their 2020 NBA draft pick for the time being, it’s time to start exploring this class more deeply. Which prospects make sense, if the Suns actually make their selection in June?

From Nico Mannion and Tyrese Haliburton to Obi Toppin and Patrick Williams, which young prospects best fit the Suns’ identity under general manager James Jones and head coach Monty Williams?

Also, who fits best next to this budding young core led by Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, and how will the team build around its pillars going forward?

Follow on Twitter: @LockedOnPHXSuns, @esidery, @BrendonKleen14

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As Brendon kicked us off yesterday, it’s time for Evan to unveil his three biggest storylines exiting the All-Star break. Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges have proven to be very important pieces to the Suns’ long-term puzzle. Their developments at rim protection and perimeter shooting have helped elevate the possible ceiling for this team.

If Ayton becomes a top-flight two-way big plus Bridges is a 3-and-D wing hitting 40 percent on 3s, then this entire calculus changes for the Suns. No surprise, those two are topping the list for what to watch for.

What’s the future hold for Bridges and Kelly Oubre Jr. as a frontcourt pairing next to Ayton? Could Bridges and Oubre hold their own alongside Ayton on a nightly basis against bigger lineups? So far, the advanced metrics suggest yes.

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