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’ Consistency Issues: Can They Turn the Season Around?
Dec 23, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) reacts towards the Denver Nuggets bench in the first quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy/Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Phoenix Suns suffered another frustrating loss, falling 122-117 to the Atlanta Hawks. Despite Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combining for 66 points, familiar problems resurfaced, highlighting the team’s ongoing struggles.
• We’re seeing the same issues that plagued us last year: poor offensive rebounding, weak three-point defense, and too many turnovers.
• It’s disheartening to lose when Book and KD put up such big numbers. We can’t afford to waste these performances.
• Bradley Beal’s struggles were particularly noticeable. He missed some crucial shots late in the game after returning from an ankle sprain.
• The refs made some questionable calls, especially that late foul on Trae Young. But officiating isn’t why we lost this game.
• Trae Young torched us for 43 points. Our perimeter defense needs serious work.
• Our margin for error is razor-thin now. At 19-20, we can’t afford to drop winnable games like this.
• The lack of easy wins is exhausting. Every game feels like a battle, and we’re not stacking leads or resting guys in the fourth quarter.
• Kevin Durant’s lack of touches in the fourth quarter is concerning. We need to find ways to get him more involved down the stretch.
• Rookie Oso Ighodaro had a tough night. He looked overwhelmed at times, but that’s part of the growing pains with young players.
• Our rebounding woes are glaring. Giving up 20 offensive boards while only grabbing 4 is unacceptable.
• Ryan Dunn had some good moments defensively but struggled with his shot. Again, these are the ups and downs you get with rookies.
• We’re in a worse spot now than we were at this time last year. The improvements we expected haven’t materialized.
• The upcoming stretch against weaker teams is crucial. We need to stack wins and climb back into playoff contention.
Remember, Suns fans, we’re frustrated too, but we’re not giving up on this team. Keep supporting, and let’s hope for a turnaround soon.
Have potential contenders figured out the Celtics?
Jan 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) fouls Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the first half at TD Garden. | Paul Rutherford/Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
It’s always risky, doubting the Celtics. Not for Celtics fans, but for the rest of us. On Friday night, at home, Boston fans booed their team as they let the Kings take an uncontested rebound and take (then make) the same 3-point attempt. The Celtics lost, recording their 11th of the season. That’s only four games more than this time last year.
Going back, Boston recorded most of their losses last season in the winter stretch leading up to All-Star Weekend, the same stretch they’re in now. I would chalk a lot of those losses up to fatigue and deft competition who could sense the Celtics easing up on the gas, if briefly. The Nuggets, Bucks, Cavaliers and (then) white hot Pacers took advantage of those minor slumps. The losses now, though coming this season within the same stretch with the same fatigue taking a portion of the toll, have to do more with opponents figuring out how the Celtics tick.
This season, the Celtics are a known quality. Their brand of basketball last year overwhelmed the majority of their opponents, teams not built to withstand a barrage of incessant 3-point shooting backed by a quick and smothering defence without a moment to recalibrate or catch their breath. Most teams spent entire games, and all their energy, trying to chase Boston off the line. This season the Celtics have slipped to a 7th overall (from 3rd) defensive rating, and are currently 3rd overall (from 1st) in offence — teams have figured them out.
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
Trade The Phoenix Suns are eyeing a potential acquisition as Jimmy Butler has reiterated his trade request from the Miami Heat. This move could significantly bolster the Suns’ roster. (Sports Illustrated)
Roster With rebounding issues still plaguing their game, the Phoenix Suns are reconsidering their center rotation. Potential trades are on the horizon to address these deficiencies. (Bright Side of the Sun)
Analysis Continuing their struggle with rebounding, the Suns faced another setback against the Hawks. Evaluating their defensive strategies has become crucial for future games. (Bright Side of the Sun)
Trades Here’s the latest on the NBA trade deadline and rumblings around the league. (The Athletic)
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.
