The Suns' shooting woes continue in a surprising loss to the Clippers - Arizona Sports
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns' recent struggles without key players have been well-documented, but their offensive woes took a turn for the worse in Sunday's 117-93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite a strong start, the Suns' shooting fell flat, and their offensive performance took a nosedive.
The Suns' 3-point shooting was actually their strength, as they made 19 of 46 shots (41%). Historically, teams that make 19 or more 3-pointers have an impressive record of 111-26, according to Stathead. However, the Suns' overall performance fell short.
So, how did they manage to score only 93 points? Well, it all came down to their shooting percentages. The Suns shot a mere 33% overall, with a concerning 26% mark on 2-point shots. The midrange shooting was particularly poor, with a 16% success rate, as per Cleaning the Glass.
The Suns' struggles extended to the paint, where they scored a season-low 18 points. They also struggled at the free-throw line, making only 12 points from 18 attempts.
Suns head coach Jordan Ott attributed the poor performance to their inability to get to the rim. He explained that when a team can't get to the rim, their 2-point shots become less efficient. This was a recurring theme for the Suns, who have struggled to maintain their high-scoring ways without key players.
The Suns' shooting woes were not limited to their starters. The trio of creators, including Grayson Allen, Collin Gillespie, and Dillon Brooks, all struggled with efficiency. Allen and Gillespie missed more shots than they made, while Brooks had a poor shooting night.
Despite the team's struggles, the Clippers' defense played a significant role in the loss. They kept the Suns' offense in check, especially with the absence of James Harden due to personal reasons. The Clippers' double-teams on Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac also disrupted the Suns' flow.
The Clippers' third-quarter performance was a turning point, as they outpaced the Suns 36-28. The Clippers' lead ballooned to 21 points in the final quarter, despite the Suns' efforts to mount a comeback.
A pivotal difference in the game was the Suns' inability to capitalize on turnovers. They only scored 13 points off 18 turnovers, and the Clippers' size advantage led to a 21-8 second-chance points differential.
The Suns' depleted offense, lacking talent and key players, struggled to find their rhythm. This was evident in their poor shooting percentages and inability to maintain a high-scoring output.
Despite the loss, the Suns' bench played a crucial role. Oso Ighodaro and Jordan Miller contributed positively, with Miller scoring 20 points off the bench. John Collins also kept his momentum going with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Clippers' head coach, Ty Lue, made a strategic adjustment by pairing the center duo of Zubac and Brook Lopez for 9:02, resulting in a +10 performance in those minutes.
The Suns' shooting woes and poor performance on the bench were a stark contrast to their previous wins, which often relied on blazing-hot shooting and strong performances from key players.
As the Suns continue to navigate injuries and player absences, their offensive struggles persist. The team's ability to adapt and find solutions will be crucial in their upcoming games.
The Suns' recent losses have highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency and finding solutions to their offensive woes. With key players returning, the team will need to re-establish their rhythm and shooting prowess to regain their winning ways.
