Suns Change Who They Are After Durant Leaves
The Phoenix Suns have become one of the NBA’s best teams, moving up to the Top 5 in power rankings. Their recent stretch of nine wins in the last eleven games shows that they are clearly turning things around by focusing on balance and defense. This change comes after the well-known trade of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets last summer.
Even though they lost one of the best scorers in basketball history, Phoenix seems to be back on track. Frank Vogel, the head coach, has turned the team into a strong, defense-first group. Devin Booker, who is now the clear offensive leader, has stepped up his game while leading a more disciplined team that values teamwork and resilience.
Source: The Sporting News
Durant Thriving in Houston, But Suns Benefit Too
Kevin Durant, a former Sun, is doing great with the Rockets, scoring at an elite level and making Houston a dark horse contender. But the trade that sent him away seems to have helped both sides. The Suns have found a way to win that does not rely on star power but instead on chemistry.
After making a game-winning shot against Phoenix in Houston’s 100–97 win, Durant thought about how he felt about leaving. “A place I didn’t want to leave… my first time being kicked out,” he said. His comments showed that he was still angry, but Phoenix’s success shows that the split was good for both growth and balance.
Booker Leading New Look Suns Offense
Since Durant left, Devin Booker has fully taken on the role of leader, averaging more than 27 points per game during the team’s recent surge. Booker’s ability to get things done, especially when it counts, has been the most important part of the Suns’ comeback. Phoenix’s offense is both patient and powerful because he can control the pace of the game and read defenses.
Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen, who are both supporting cast members, have been very important for spacing and consistency on the outside. Their contributions have made it easier for Booker to score and given Vogel’s playbook more options. The team’s balanced scoring has taken the place of the dependency that was a big part of the Durant era.
Recommended Article:
Defense Becomes the Suns’ Best Trait
Phoenix’s defense has probably changed the most since they got better. The Suns are now one of the best teams in the league at stopping opponents from making field goals and scoring. Better communication, stronger rotations, and working together have made defense the key to their success.
The Suns are hard to break down now that Jusuf Nurkić is in the paint and Josh Okogie’s defense on the outside is so strong. Vogel’s plans focus on denying the ball and keeping the ball moving, which has made it harder for opponents to make fast breaks. This new defensive identity has given Phoenix back the competitive edge they lost last season.
Key Wins Show That the Team Is Growing Up
During their current stretch, the Suns have beaten teams that are good enough to make the playoffs, like the Lakers, Knicks, and Thunder. These wins show that the team can consistently compete against tough opponents. Phoenix showed poise and structure even when they lost close games to Houston and Cleveland.
This level of consistency has put the Suns among the best teams in the Western Conference. Players and coaches have both said that mental toughness is a big part of their turnaround. The team is now more confident going into each game because they have better chemistry and are more responsible.
Vogel’s Coaching Impact Becoming Evident
Frank Vogel, the head coach, deserves a lot of credit for how the Suns have changed. Vogel is known for his defensive skills, and he has successfully brought together veterans and new players into a single system. His rotations are now more flexible, which makes it easy for Phoenix to adjust to different matchups.
Players have praised Vogel’s calm leadership style and focus on the basics. The coaching staff’s ability to stay calm during the rough start to the season has made the players trust them more. This stability has helped Phoenix rise in the standings in the middle of the season, making them a real threat in the playoffs.
Suns Ready for Long Term Success
The Suns should be able to keep up their momentum through the second half of the season because their chemistry is getting better and their defense is working well. As they keep fighting for home-court advantage in the Western Conference, health and depth will still be very important. Booker’s leadership and Vogel’s tactical changes have made Phoenix a real contender again.
When Durant left, there were doubts about the franchise’s future, but the Suns have shown that they are strong. The team’s rise in the power rankings shows that they are not only playing better, but they are also finding their identity again. Phoenix has shown that sometimes taking something away really does add something.
