At the halfway point of the NBA season, the Phoenix Suns find themselves with a 19-18 record, facing challenges and expectations that come with a “superteam” status. Coach Frank Vogel, known for his stoicism and ability to navigate adversity, remains confident in the team’s potential despite a rocky start.
Vogel, previously the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, led them to a championship in his first season, displaying resilience amid disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now with the Suns, Vogel maintains a calm demeanor, emphasizing the long season and the time required for the team to gel.
The Suns recently secured a crucial victory with a 22-point fourth-quarter comeback against the Sacramento Kings. This win marked their third consecutive victory, showcasing the potential of a team loaded with star players like Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. However, injuries and absences have disrupted the continuity, with the trio of Beal, Booker, and Durant only playing together in nine out of 40 games.
Despite defensive struggles, fourth-quarter issues, and injuries to key players, Vogel and the Suns remain focused on self-improvement. Vogel emphasizes working through problems and not getting too concerned about opponents. Booker acknowledges the team’s areas for improvement, stating, “We have a lot to work on.”
The Suns face challenges in defense, ranking in the league’s bottom half throughout the season. Additionally, they hold the undesirable title of being the NBA’s worst fourth-quarter team, with a significant point differential in the final 12 minutes of games.
In response to these challenges, Vogel and the team have adopted a collaborative approach, working through film sessions and practice to address shortcomings. The positive influence of Beal, known for his upbeat attitude, contributes to maintaining high morale within the team.
While the Suns’ record might not fully reflect their talent and championship aspirations, there is optimism about the team’s progress. Beal’s return from injury has provided a boost, allowing Booker to share playmaking duties and creating opportunities for Durant and other players.
Vogel experiments with lineups to mitigate fourth-quarter struggles, showcasing flexibility in adapting to the team’s needs. The Suns’ lineup of Durant, Booker, Allen, Gordon, and Nurkic boasts the best defensive rating among lineups playing over 100 minutes together this season.
As the Suns continue to grind and figure out optimal rotations, Vogel expresses trust in his players and believes in the team’s championship potential. Despite their current eighth position in the Western Conference, the Suns aim to capitalize on their star-studded roster and make a deep playoff run.
In the midst of challenges, the Suns’ focus remains on the process of improvement, with Vogel’s trademark stoicism guiding them through adversity. The second half of the season will provide further opportunities for the Suns to solidify their chemistry and make a push towards playoff success.
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By- Sahiba Suri