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The Phoenix Suns start the 2024/25 season with another championship coach in Mike Buldenhoiser. Frank Vogel lasted only 1 season. Vogel was able to make the playoffs but the the Phoenix Suns were swept in the first round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This will be the 2nd season with the big 3 of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal. Concerns remain about them being too similar in them making a lof ot their livings around the mid range. The lack of recognized point guard has been addressed this season with the addition of Tyus Jones.
Let’s Get Things Started
The Phoenix Suns began this season away at the Los Angeles Clippers who had lost Paul George to the Philadelpia 76ers in the off season. Bigger than that loss they also were without their best player Kawhi Leonard. Nevertheless it was still an entertaining game. Booker who wasn’t having his best shooting night or defensive night fouled out in the 4th quarter. The key player down the stretch was “The Beard” James Harden. At 103-103 he had a chance to win it in regulation but his shot hit the rim but stayed out. In overtime James had a chance to tie or win it the Phoenix Suns up 114-112 but uncharacteristically missed the 2nd of his 2 free throws. He was given another opportunity to tie it with the Phoenix Suns up 116-113 but the inbound to him was stolen giving the suns a winning start.
Next Up
The Los Angeles Lakers were the Phoenix Suns’ next opponent on this short road trip. The Phoenix Suns got off to a strong start and was up by about 20 at the half. However the Los Angeles Lakers came back and took the lead and extended it especially in the 3rd quarter. The Phoenix Suns had a lot of turnovers and lost the game 123-116.
For their home opener they face the newly minted 2024 Western Conference Champion Dallas Mavericks. Kevin Durant hit 29,000 points becoming only the 8th player to do so and perhaps one of the most efficient averaging less than 19 shots per game and knocking down over 50% of all his shots. It was his shooting that help the Phoenix Suns win the home opener and begin the season 2-1.
Early Thoughts
From a small early sample size the Phoenix Suns seem to have better spacing and ball movement. There will be concerns about Bradley Beal being out already though.
