Phoenix Suns: Five Things to Watch Post All-Star Break
Can The Bench Continue Their Hot Play?
Jan 27, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) is defended by Philadelphia 76ers center
Spencer Hawes(00) during the second quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking of Bledsoe, a big reason the Suns have been able to survive without him has been the stellar play of the bench. Ish Smith, Markieff Morris, Marcus Morris and Barbosa have done a terrific job in not only holding leads but in many cases, they’ve extended leads. When Bledsoe comes back, that’s going to be an even bigger boost.
One of the main benefits has been that the Suns haven’t had to burn out their starters. In fact, Dragic averages 34.6 minutes per game (33 over his last eight), P.J. Tucker averages 30.4 and no other Suns player averages over 30. This team has shown that they don’t completely shut down when the bench comes in and have been able to preserve their energy. This will be HUGE come playoff time, when the minutes will certainly start to rise.