Phoenix Suns' 1-3 Start Shows 3 Bright Spots in Recent Play

Phoenix Suns Open Season With 1–3 Record As Defensive Shortcomings Spark Concern

In a column for brightsideofthesun.com, a local sports observer details the early turbulence facing the Phoenix Suns as the team stumbles out of the gate to a 1–3 record.

Defense traditionally dictates championship trajectories, but the early-season Suns squad has allowed opponents to execute game plans with relative ease. Yet, beneath an ugly start and persistent weather gloom across the Valley, the team’s statistical profile reveals three distinct bright spots: resilient three-point shooting volume, productive secondary scoring from Miles Bridges, and a remarkably connected bench unit.

Three-Point Shooting Recovers After Opening Night Disaster

Major doubts hovered over outside shooting prior to the start of the year following the exits of Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, who currently combine for a 41% three-point shooting clip with the Charlotte Hornets. On a holistic level, the Suns rank 17th in the NBA by shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc. However, they maintain strong volume by ranking seventh in the league with 40.3 three-point attempts per game.

Phoenix Suns' 1-3 Start Shows 3 Bright Spots in Recent Play — Photo: sports.yahoo.com

That volume and percentage have been heavily weighed down by a single statistical disaster. In the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix shot a miserable 6-of-31 from beyond the arc, translating to 19.4%. Since that opening contest, the Suns have rebounded to shoot 38.8% by connecting on 50 of 129 attempts—a figure that would rank fifth across the NBA.

The bench unit has driven much of this perimeter success. Phoenix reserves are shooting 38.8% from deep, good for sixth-best in the league. Excluding the Portland game entirely, the Suns’ bench boasts the top shooting mark in the NBA at 45.9%. Individual contributors stand out within these figures:

Luke Kennard leads the team shooting 53.8% from deep.
Ryan Dunn connects at a 40% clip.
Dillon Brooks shoots 42.9% from beyond the arc.
Jordan Goodwin converts at 39.1%.

Miles Bridges Generates Reactive Offense Despite Defensive Struggles

While defensive assignments and positioning have drawn heavy criticism early on, Miles Bridges provides valuable offensive production. Bridges ranks third on the team in scoring at 16.3 points per game while leading the squad in blocks and total rebounds. Although Bridges’ 22.2% shooting from beyond the arc requires correction, his overall activity level adds essential versatility to the lineup.

Bench Continuity Establishes a Strong Second-Unit Identity

The unquestioned heartbeat of the early-season roster resides in the second unit. Benefiting from offseason continuity where Luke Kennard serves as the sole new addition replacing Grayson Allen in the rotation, the bench has established a palpable connectivity.

When looking at the numbers, Phoenix’s reserves hold the No. 10 spot in the association behind a +2.2 net rating, capture third place with a 72.5% assist percentage, and secure fourth position courtesy of a 1.94 assist-to-turnover ratio. While the starting unit works through chemistry hurdles, the reserves continue to deliver consistent pressure that keeps the team competitive.