The Phoenix Suns have started the season in underwhelming fashion. For a team with title aspirations, the Suns have managed only 18 wins from 32 games. This record puts them outside the guaranteed playoff spots of the Western Conference. Their mediocre performance becomes even more puzzling considering the high level of talent that the Suns’ roster boasts. However, recurring injuries to Bradley Beal have had a detrimental impact on Phoenix’s season so far.
Nevertheless, with Bradley Beal’s return to the starting lineup, the Suns have shown a marked improvement. In a recent interview, Suns’ center, Jusuf Nurkić, acknowledged Beal’s transformative impact.
Bradley Beal’s transformative impact on the Suns’ fortunes
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During a post-match interview, following the Suns’ 21-point victory over the Trail Blazers, Jusuf Nurkić credited Beal for turning their fortunes around. He said, “Bradley Beal. Don’t even finish. Bradley Beal. He changed everything… Having a guard like that, who can score that much as his intention. People got to prepare for three of them. We demand for him to be out there, and when he is out there it doesn’t matter what he do for us. Just being out there makes a big difference.”
“Bradley Beal. Don’t even finish. Bradley Beal.”
Jusuf Nurkic when asked what has been the difference with Phoenix Suns as they’re on a four-game win streak. #Suns pic.twitter.com/wPRoJa27nC
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 2, 2024
The Suns are showing signs of improvement. They have won four consecutive games and three have come with Beal in the lineup. The prospect of facing Durant, Booker, and Beal is a daunting task for even the best sides in the league. However, keeping them fit has proven to be a challenging task. Beal, Booker, and KD have all missed some games due to injuries or fatigue. Phoenix’s success is closely linked to its “big-three”. If they fall short of winning a championship, it could be catastrophic, given that the Suns have invested heavily in this core trio.
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Will the Sun finally dawn in Phoenix?
The Suns have played in the NBA since the 1968-69 season. Despite being 56 years old, they are yet to win an NBA championship. They hold the inevitable title of the oldest team without a title. However, Mat Ishiba has made significant investments in the team, aiming to provide Suns fans with reasons to celebrate. Despite the heavy investment, things haven’t gone according to the script for Phoenix and Ishiba.
Read More: Isaiah Collier, DJ Rodman and Bronny James – Why Is the Trio of Brilliant Talent Unsuccessful?
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This season, the Suns currently occupy the 8th spot in the Western Conference standings, with 18 wins and 15 losses. The Suns must prompt work on their weaknesses, or otherwise, their title rivals will leave them in the dust. Any outcome other than an NBA title would be considered a disappointment for the Suns this season. Can the Suns finally win their first NBA title? Let us know in the comments below!
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