Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia here, the hosts of the daily Locked On Suns podcast, with your daily Locked On Suns newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Suns and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Phoenix Suns vs. Washington Wizards: What Went Wrong?
Nov 20, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer yells a referee during the fourth quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas/Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns secured a win against the Washington Wizards, but it wasn’t without drama. What started as one of the better first 36 minutes of the Suns’ season ended with one of the worst 12-minute stretches, leaving us with mixed feelings about the team’s performance.
• The fourth quarter was reminiscent of last year’s struggles, despite having better point guard play this season.
• There’s a concerning lack of leadership and culture that the team can rely on in crunch time situations.
• We question the sustainability of playing Booker and Durant for such high minutes, even in games against weaker opponents.
• The team’s inability to maintain focus for a full game is alarming, especially given their precarious position in the standings.
• Tyus Jones’ fit with the team is becoming a concern, particularly on the defensive end where his size is a liability.
• The Booker-Durant pairing has shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency remains an issue, especially in fourth quarters.
• We’re grappling with the question of whether Durant should be more assertive in taking over games during crucial moments.
• Ryan Dunn’s performance was a bright spot, showcasing potential that could be crucial if the Suns decide to rebuild.
• Dunn’s development trajectory is reminiscent of young Devin Booker, hinting at possible star potential.
• We’re impressed with Dunn’s improving basketball IQ and his ability to channel his energy effectively on both ends of the court.
• There’s an intriguing comparison to be made between Dunn’s potential career trajectory and that of Mikal Bridges.
• Dunn’s defensive capabilities might surpass those of Bridges, particularly in terms of versatility and impact.
• The offensive development of Dunn remains a question mark, but his physical tools provide a solid foundation for growth.
The season is far from over, and we’ll be here to break down every game as the team navigates this challenging stretch. Stay locked in, and we’ll see you after the next game!
Jan 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives for a shot past Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. | Bill Streicher/Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the rest of the NBA season could just be various instances spent listening to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander go WOOOO to varying decibels and degrees of excitement? It would be, to borrow from a master gone too soon, Lynchian.
If not that, then to watch the Thunder and Cavaliers play each other, over and over, until April 13th. I suspect we still wouldn’t have our fill of these two teams but don’t fret, we’d have a riveting seven game series. Each game a competitive and tight feast for the eyes.
To really get an understanding of how, though relentless pressuring and seamless switching, the Thunder have run away with the first overall defensive rating. That even against a team like Cleveland who pride themselves on the way they’re able to take care of the ball, and their communication skills, OKC can pluck the ball out of the hands of an opponent on a fastbreak, a drive, as if they were walking right up to a kid and taking candy from their hands.
Of course, this all makes it sound like watching these two teams in perpetuity is going to look heavily lopsided for the Thunder. The matchup last night was a wallop for the West, for sure, but Cleveland showed why they’ve been coolly leading the East and the entire league. Rainbow threes from Mitchell, light lobs over the heads of every Thunder player — just then upturned to watch — between Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen, and fadeaway shots from the corner care of Max Strus.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Analysis Inside the Suns discusses the impact of Nick Richards vs. Jusuf Nurkic and the timing of potential future trades. Detailed insights highlight team dynamics and strategic considerations. (Bright Side of the Sun)
Analysis Discover what Nick Richards brings to the Phoenix Suns, from his defensive strengths to his potential role in the team’s rotation. (Sports Illustrated)
Replay The Phoenix Suns’ offense was in top form as they secured a victory against the Washington Wizards. Read more about their impressive performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Ranking The NBA Power Rankings highlight a statement week for the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Suns’ position in the rankings can be explored here. (Bleacher Report)
Fans Kevin Durant and Devin Booker received widespread praise from NBA fans after the Suns’ win against the Wizards, despite Bradley Beal’s injury. Check out the fan reactions here. (Bleacher Report)
Honor Kevin Durant has been passed by LeBron James in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game voting. Despite this, Durant remains a significant figure in the league. See the standings. (CBS Sports)
Fantasy Basketball News Roundup: The Tanking In Utah
Jan 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) looks on against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images | Joe Camporeale/Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers are taking tanking to a whole new level. The Jazz have been sitting players like John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Walker Kessler for various reasons. While I understand the incentives for tanking, the odds of getting the number one pick are not high. The NBA has been cracking down on teams resting healthy players, but these two franchises seem to be pushing the boundaries.
As a fantasy analyst, I’ve been advising people to avoid high picks from these teams due to the risk of shutdowns and reduced playing time. It’s frustrating to see this level of blatant tanking, especially when it impacts fantasy basketball managers.
The Memphis Grizzlies are another team to watch, with Ja Morant constantly appearing on the injury report. While they’re not tanking like Utah and Portland, Morant’s frequent injuries are concerning for fantasy managers.
In other news, Donte DiVincenzo is out with a toe sprain for the Knicks, which could lead to increased minutes for Mike Conley. However, I wouldn’t rush to add Conley in most leagues.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Suns podcasts.
Phoenix Suns Eek Out Victory Over Washington As Ryan Dunn Posts Career Night
The Phoenix Suns escaped Washington with a win over the Wizards despite an ugly fourth quarter from Devin Booker and Co. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia recap the 130-123 win, including how the fourth quarter slipped away, continued questions around Tyus Jones, the solid flow between Booker and Kevin Durant, and Ryan Dunn’s career night.
Phoenix Suns Acquire Nick Richards: How Much Of a Boost Will He Bring?
The Phoenix Suns upgraded their center rotation on Wednesday by trading for Nick Richards, who is expected to start right away. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia break down the deal, including the price of the deal sending Josh Okogie out, how much better Richards makes the Suns, and what comes next ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Phoenix Suns Lose Tight Game In Atlanta Despite Kevin Durant & Devin Booker Combining For 66
The Phoenix Suns dropped a tight game in Atlanta despite Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combining for 66 points on the road. Brendon Kleen and Ben Garcia break down the loss, including how Bradley Beal came up short late, how familiar issues plagued the Suns again, and the night of growing pains for the Suns’ rookies.
