Locked On Suns - Daily Podcast On The Phoenix Suns

On today’s episode, we break down the Suns’ 98-85 loss to Orlando at home without Devin Booker or T.J. Warren.

It was Elie Okobo’s first start in weeks and coach Igor Kokoskov brought out Ryan Anderson and Troy Daniels to manufacture spacing, meaning the rotations were drastically different.

We discuss the good and bad of Josh Jackson’s high-volume playmaking night as well as a lot on Trevor Ariza’s waxing and waning effort.

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On today’s episode, we answer Twitter mailbag questions on the state of the Suns through 20 games.

Topics include:Is there a future for Markelle Fultz in Phoenix?How do the Suns best use Trevor Ariza as a trade chip?What portion of the blame this year falls on coaching versus roster construction?Did the Suns miss out on their chance to strike gold on a superstar trade?

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On today’s episode, we break down the first poor showing in a while from the Suns, a 115-99 loss to the Clippers in Los Angeles on the second night of a back-to-back.

The Clippers, coming off two nights of rest, throttled the Suns in the second half, led by Danilo Gallinari, Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. They also gave Deandre Ayton a peculiar matchup between Harrell’s punch-you-in-the-mouth energy and Boban Marjanovic’s ridiculous length and efficency.

In the end, it was too much for Phoenix, despite consistent effort and a career night for rookie Elie Okobo as the new (for now) backup point guard.

We also touch briefly on Isaiah Canaan’s release.

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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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