In a surprising tactical shift, the Phoenix Suns are seeking to reinvigorate their season by altering their starting lineup against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Suns have decided to bench Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic to begin the game, a move that invites both optimism and scrutiny as the team struggles to regain its early-season form. In their places, Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee will fill the starting positions, an experiment aimed at rectifying the team's defensive woes and providing a new spark on the court.
The decision to have Bradley Beal come off the bench is particularly notable, given his long-standing role as a starter. For the first time since the 2015-16 season, Beal will not be among the opening five. Historically, Beal has started in 95.6% of his games, which underlines the significance of this strategic adjustment. Despite the change, Beal remains a crucial offensive component for the Suns, averaging 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season.
Jusuf Nurkic returns to action following a three-game suspension. However, discussions around his future with the team are heating up, as reports suggest the Suns are considering trading Nurkic before the looming February 6 trade deadline. With Nurkic in the third year of his four-year, $70 million contract, his presence on the roster comes with significant expectations. Notably, Nurkic's performance from beyond the arc continues to be a work in progress, with him attempting 4.8 three-pointers per 100 possessions and connecting on 30.4% of those attempts.
The Suns are in dire need of defensive improvement, a sentiment echoed by head coach Mike Budenholzer, who stated, "We gotta be better at [the defensive] end of the court, give ourselves to get out and play." The team currently ranks 24th in overall defense and 28th in half-court defense. Furthermore, their most-used starting lineup has struggled considerably, conceding 122.3 points per 100 possessions and being outscored by 17.7 points per 100 possessions.
Finding themselves 12th in the Western Conference standings with a record of 15-18, the Suns are a far cry from the formidable 8-1 start they enjoyed at the beginning of the season. Recent form has been particularly troubling, with the team losing four consecutive games and seven of their last eight outings. Amid this rough patch, the adjustment in the lineup could signal a strong response from a team looking to turn its season around.
Adding a layer of complexity is the Suns' upcoming schedule, which could be seen as a double-edged sword. Over the next 11 games, only one opponent boasts a winning record, presenting both an opportunity to accrue crucial victories and a potential trap if the team fails to capitalize on perceived weaker competition.
This lineup shift underscores a broader theme of urgency within the Suns' camp, as they strive to adjust and overcome the adversity that has beset their campaign. As the season progresses, this proactive approach might be pivotal in ensuring they remain competitive in a tightly contested Western Conference.