Despite Phoenix’s Vacant Forward’s Den, Suns the Most Improved in NBA Playoffs

Fernando Rodney hugs Grant Hill during a time out in Phoenix on Feb. 12, 2016. (Evan Vucci/AP Photo)

Unlike the Kings, Phoenix Suns are currently in a relatively advantageous position in the Western Conference playoff race.

Although the overall pace of the playoffs has not been that fast, the Suns are currently in the driver’s seat. With a clear path to the postseason being set up at the tip of the season, coach Willie Green could be in line for his first postseason as an NBA head coach.

Just look at this chart of Suns’ wins (Suns DC) and losses (Suns DC) since the beginning of 2014:

Coach Willie Green’s first year with the Suns Last season 5-12: 40.4 – 30.6

5-12: 40.4 – 30.6 2018-19 5-13: 34.8 – 25.3

5-13: 34.8 – 25.3 April 2016 4-8: 36.6 + 25.0

4-8: 36.6 + 25.0 March 2016 5-5: 34.0 – 24.0

5-5: 34.0 – 24.0 January 2016 5-6: 31.4 – 22.4

5-6: 31.4 – 22.4 February 2016 8-9: 36.8 – 19.8

7-7: 34.4 – 19.3

8-9: 36.8 – 18.3

The San Antonio Spurs are currently the highest-ranked team in the league, at the top of the standings based on wins and losses. The Suns are currently ranked third, due to their 58 regular season wins.

However, the Suns are currently last in the NBA in defensive efficiency, which is due to their record of allowing 106.3 points per 100 possessions.

According to Basketball Reference, the Suns’ free-throw shooting is only 32.3 percent, due to a regulation advantage of seven turnovers per 100 possessions. Additionally, Phoenix’s defense is only 42.8 percent in which defenders protect the rim and 14.5 percent against which scoring is allowed.

Marquis Teague and Goran Dragic have key offensive categories, but the Suns’ defense ranks as a lowly 44th in defensive rebound margin, limiting offensive rebounds to the point where they are statistically better than opponents in the league.

Related Posts

Leave a Reply