Phoenix Suns Showing Optimism Through First Eight Games

The Phoenix Suns’ 2-6 record doesn’t do this team justice, as they’ve played surprisingly well against some of the best teams in the Western Conference.

The Phoenix Suns are off to another dreadful start with a 2-6 record. But, don’t let their record fool you; they’re actually playing better than you think.

The Suns kicked off the 2016 campaign with a 113-94 loss against the Sacramento Kings at home. They followed that with three straight losses, and an 0-4 record to begin the year. Here we go again, right?

After the opening loss to the Kings, they played four straight games against some of the best teams in the Western Conference (Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Portland Trail Blazers).

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And believe it or not, they actually played good basketball.

Just two days following their home-opening loss, the Suns aimed to get into the win column against the Kevin Durant-less Thunder. The Suns got off to a hot start, leading 40-25 in the first quarter, and hanging on to a 53-49 advantage at halftime. But ultimately, Russell Westbrook and his 51 points were too much for the Suns, who lost 113-110 in overtime.

With a three-game skid on the line, they weren’t intimidated against the reigning-Western Conference champs, who trailed the Suns 57-55 going into the half. The Warriors would eventually squeak out a 106-100 win, but it was good for Suns’ head coach Earl Watson and his team. His baby-faced squad could play with the big boys.

The next night, the Suns were tired. It also probably didn’t help that back-to-back nights of games came against the Warriors and Clippers, which was a telltale sign in their 116-98 loss in Los Angeles.

The Suns finally got into the win column in the season’s fifth game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Eric Bledsoe hit a three-pointer to break a 115-115 tie as the buzzer expired in overtime. Although it was the team’s first win, it was three well-played games against the Western Conference’s best. All three games could have easily resulted in three Suns’ wins.

The drama would continue for the Suns just two nights later in New Orleans. This was a 1-4 team whose record didn’t do the team justice. They forced another game into overtime, and again came out on top with a 112-111 win against the Pelicans.

In the Suns’ latest contest with the Trail Blazers, they almost pulled out another thriller, but instead lost 124-121. Another loss, but another positive showing for Watson’s squad.

A sluggish start record-wise doesn’t surprise people. The Suns are extremely young and have a tough schedule out of the gate. Not to mention, it’s not like this team was expected to run away with the Western Conference.

Don’t focus on their record. Instead, focus on the way the team has been playing. The fact that they’ve been able to hang with some of NBA’s elite is encouraging. Give it some time until chemistry is built, and more games are won.

Next: Phoenix Suns: Tough Stretch of Games to Begin Season

It’s only a matter of time with this young, exciting bunch.

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