5 things I like through the Suns first 8 games

The Phoenix Suns are 7-1 through their first 8 games of the 2024-25 season, tied for the best start in franchise history. It’s time for an 8-game review of what has stood out from this resilient bunch.

1) Clutch record: 6-0

The sun has gone back to their roots. From the worst 4th quarter teams ever to one of the best in the (very) early stages of the season. It’s a sight for sore eyes.

More importantly, they are tenacious opponents in “clutch” moments, which are defined as “the final five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime when the score is within five points.”

Much of that 6-0 record has to do with Kevin Durant putting teams away late in games. He is at or near the top of almost every category at these moments.

Along with the clutch record, the comebacks have been remarkable. It shows that there is no stopping this team and they have quickly formed an identity while working through some of the kinks.

2) Kevin Durant: Still good at basketball

The last point is a good segway into the next topic – Kevin Durant. The early returns of Kevin Durant have been nothing short of incredible. At age 36, he’s still playing at an MVP level. He averages 39.0 minutes per game. game, which is worrying and not something that feels sustainable over 82 games.

Through 8 games, he is averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.4 blocks on 55.1% shooting from the field. His shot split is 55/42/81 on a 66 TS%. He has made 10 clutch shots this year, which leads the NBA. He shoots 10 of 15 from the field and also has 3 “clutch” blocks, leading the Suns to a 6-0 clutch record.

He currently leads the NBA in 30 point games and it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down anytime soon.

3) Three-point attempt: They fly

The Suns are averaging 39.5 three-point attempts per game and hitting 38.3% of them, which both rank in the top-8 in the association.

They are certainly effective this season and more importantly, not sacrificing efficiency for volume from long range. Increasing the volume while staying in the upper 30s in 3-point percentage is a recipe for great offense.

Last season, the team played only 32.6 threes per game. match, although they connected on 38.2% of those attempts. Keep ’em flying guys.

4) Sharing the wealth

The Suns have 7 players averaging 8.9 or more points per game this season. Everyone steps in as they settle into their roles early on. Booker and Beal’s numbers are down a bit, but more importantly, they’re finding ways to win games despite that.

In order:

• Kevin Durant: 27.8
• Devin Booker: 24.4
• Bradley Beal: 15.5
• Jusuf Nurkic: 10.5
• Royce O’Neale: 9.5
• Grayson Allen: 9.5
• Tyus Jones: 8.9

Honorable Mention: Ryan Dunn: 6.8.

This team is balanced and they have some depth. It’s a welcome sight after the rocky rotation a year ago. Having 8 rotation players (9 including Plumlee) consistently contributing is a good sign early.

Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images

5) Taking care of the cliff

Turnovers as a team have still been problematic at times, but that’s through no fault of Tyus Jones or Monte Morris.

Tyus currently has 54 assists to 8 turnovers, good for a 6.8 assist-to-turnover ratio, which is 6th in the NBA. Morris, on a smaller scale, leads the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio at 9.0 with his nine assists to just one turnover.

As a team, they rank 14th in turnovers per game at 14.6, right near the middle of the pack, so there’s room for improvement.

Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images

BONUS STAT

A Weird State: Block City?!

The obscure stat that you never knew existed, but you should, since the Suns lead the league in it. The Suns lead the NBA in net ranking for blocks, shots versus blocked shots against. They average 6.3 blocks per game. match (4th) and is only blocked 4.3 times per game by their opponents (9th), placing them at (+2.0) and first overall in the NBA.

Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images

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What has stood out for you Suns fans so far? Let us know in the comments below.