Phoenix Suns Last Season Performance
The Phoenix Suns had a historic 2021-22 season. They broke the franchise’s record with a 64-win, which included 32 road wins, the best in the league. In their 63rd win, the Suns eliminated the Lakers from playoffs contention. It was a sweet win because Los Angeles beat the Suns the year before.
Phoenix reached the Western Conference First Round to face the New Orleans Pelicans; the Suns won 4-2. The Series was full of adrenaline and playoffs records. In Game 6, Chris Paul scored 33 points and shot a pristine 14-for-14 from the floor; The Point God became the first player in the Association’s history to make 13+ shots in a playoff game without a miss.
With the Suns’victory over New Orleans, the Suns advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals to meet the Dallas Mavericks. Phoenix lost the series 3-4; the Mavs eliminated them from the postseason.
While the playoff loss was bitter, Phoenix’s regular season had many accolades. The Suns went on an 18-games winning streak from October 30 to December 2, setting a new franchise record for the longest consecutive wins. By November, they had a perfect 16-0 record.
The Phoenix Suns rosteris one of the best teams in the league. In terms of individual performances, the Suns always shine. Phoenix’s core is solid. First, they count on Devin Booker, who is a scoring beast. Booker scored the most points in a Suns game with 49 versus de Nuggets.
DeAndre Ayton was a rebound leader who took over scoring when Booker was out. Chris Paul led in assists, Cam Johnson glowed as the team’s 6th Man, and Mikal Bridges had a breakout season. The list of achievements goes on and on for the rest of the Suns.
The team finished fifth in Offensive Rating with 114.2 and third in Defensive Rating with 106.8, which marked the first time the Suns had the best Net Rate in the league (+7.5). While they didn’t win the championship, they did have the potential to do so. Take notes for the upcoming season.
Phoenix Suns Offseason Changes
After months of rumors and negotiations that included the addition of Kevin Durant in exchange for DeAndre Ayton, the Suns ultimately decided to keep their Big Man. Nonetheless, trade rumors might resurface in 2023.
Moreover, Phoenix resigned Devin Booker, Bismack Biyombo, (and DeAndre Ayton). The Suns already counted on Chris Paul, who signed a 4-year contract in 2021.
The Big Three Booker, Ayton, and Paul complement each other splendidly on the floor. This upcoming season might be the time for the three to lead the team and bring the title to the Valley.
For the 2022-23 season, the Suns starting five should stay put, which makes sense based on their extraordinary performance last campaign. On the bench, they kept Cam Johnson and Cam Payne, who had an outstanding previous season.
On the draft end, Phoenix did not select any draftees in the offseason.
Phoenix Suns Key Additions
The Suns traded Jock Landale from the Atlanta Hawks and signed contracts with Damion Lee, Josh Okogie, and Duane Washington Jr.
The addition of Australian Jock Landele will add depth to the center. Most likely, he will cover DeAndre Ayton from behind. Landele played last season for the Spurs averaging 4.9 rpg, 2.6 rpg, and 0.8 apg. He was part of the Dejounte Murray trade.
The Suns signed free agent Damion Lee, who played with the defending champion GSW for four seasons. Lee’s contribution to the Warriors’ win was little; his stats don’t show he will be a game-changing addition to the Suns’ court, so he must work hard to get minutes on the floor.
Lastly, Phoenix added young blood to their roster by signing 22-years-old Duane Washington Jr. and Josh Okogie. It is expected of Washington Jr. to create opportunities and from Okogie to bring energy. Time will tell how they unfold as part of the Suns’ roster.
Phoenix Suns Key Subtractions
Phoenix lost Aaron Holiday, Gabriel Lundberg, Elfrid Payton, and JaVale McGee.
The Suns lost center JaVale McGee in free agency to the Dallas Mavericks. McGree brought outstanding rim protection, undeniable energy, and competitive spirit to Phoenix.
The Suns’ center suffered with McGee’s loss; this is where Bismack Biyombo and Jock Landele will take over.
Phoenix Suns Coach Analysis
The Suns revolve around 2022 COTY award winner Monty Williams. The team defines Coach Monty as a true mentor, leader, and communicator. He has guided the Suns for three seasons, and now he is heading into his fourth one with the franchise.
After years of struggling, the Suns found a culture change under Coach Monty’s hat. Their roster has grown into a more solid and reliable team.
Williams took over the Suns in May 2019; they reached an impressive 8-0 Bubble Record. In the 2020-21 season, he led Phoenix to its first NBA Finals appearance in over 27 years, and last campaign, the Suns had a historic regular season.
While many criticized Monty’s adjustments during the Mavs series last season, it was a no-brainer for the Suns executives to extend Monty William’s contract for the upcoming season.
Phoenix Suns Betting Prediction for the 2022-23 Season
At the time of writing, the sportsbook has the Suns at +1000 odds to win the 2023 NBA Championship, sixth favorite. And at +500 to win the Western Conference, third favorite.
The Suns entered last season as heavy favorites to win the NBA championship. They finished with the best record in the league but fell short in the Western Conference Semifinals to the Dallas Mavericks. Their exit from the NBA championship run was disappointing.
This season, the Western Conference run will be more challenging and will have a long shot of defeating the teams in the conference. However, they count on Coach Monty Williams’ guidance and playoff experience to thrive and pass to the conference semifinals round.
The Suns Big Three and bench are hungry to win the title. Will they feed on revenge and thrive? Phoenix’s competitive spirit and strong core could get them back to title contention.
Phoenix Suns Team Leaders
Phoenix Suns Team Ranked Stats
Phoenix Suns Team Scorebox
Phoenix Suns Team Injuries
Phoenix Suns Team Schedule/Results
Phoenix Suns Team Standings
Phoenix Suns Team Roster
The odds on this piece might have moved since the piece was written. For updated odds, please check NBA Odds
Phoenix Suns FAQs
When was the last chance the Phoenix Suns made it to the playoffs?
The Suns last made it to the playoffs in 2022. They defeated the New Orleans Pelicans in the First Round of the Western Conference with a 4-2 record. Then, Phoenix advanced to their conference semifinals to face the Dallas Mavericks. They lost the series 3-4.
Do the Phoenix Suns have a chance of winning the Western Conference title?
Phoenix has three main advantages to win the Western Conference title: Playoff experience, a well-rounded roster, and a strong head coach. The competition is challenging as all other teams’ mindsets are to win. The odds have them as the third favorite to win their conference.
Do the Phoenix Suns have a chance to win the upcoming NBA championship?
The Suns are title contenders and have the resources to thrive. Phoenix must play consistently in the playoffs and move past the second round.
Will Devin Booker win the 2023 MVP Award?
Phoenix’s best player Devin Booker finished in the fourth position on the 2022 MVP ladder last season. While he is an elite player and has a strong case to win the MVP race, he hasn’t gotten close to winning the award or being the runner-up. This year, the sportsbook has Booker at +2800 odds, the 11th-favorite.
