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  6. <title type="text">Bright Side Of The Sun</title>
  7. <subtitle type="text">Your best source for quality Phoenix Suns news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.</subtitle>
  8.  
  9. <updated>2025-11-01T16:35:18+00:00</updated>
  10.  
  11. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" />
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  13. <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/rss/index.xml" />
  14.  
  15. <entry>
  17. <author>
  18. <name>Holden Sherman</name>
  19. </author>
  21. <title type="html"><![CDATA[A look at the Suns schedule for the month of November]]></title>
  22. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-schedule/91670/suns-november-schedule-western-conference-matchups-kevin-durant-return-nba-cup-games" />
  23. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=91670</id>
  24. <updated>2025-11-01T12:35:18-04:00</updated>
  25. <published>2025-11-01T14:00:00-04:00</published>
  26. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Schedule" />
  27. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Phoenix Suns’ start to the season in the month of October mostly went as expected. They literally won every game they were favored to win and lost all they were under dogs in. 2-4 to start the season, the Valley enters its first full month of the 2025-26 campaign not whole with Jalen Green [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  29. <content type="html">
  30. <![CDATA[
  31.  
  33. <figure>
  34.  
  35. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2243147792.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  36. <figcaption>
  37. </figcaption>
  38. </figure>
  39. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">The Phoenix Suns’ start to the season in the month of October mostly went as expected. They literally won every game they were favored to win and lost all they were under dogs in. 2-4 to start the season, the Valley enters its first full month of the 2025-26 campaign not whole with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks still out with hamstring and core injuries respectively.</p>
  40.  
  41. <p class="has-text-align-none">Here’s a peek at the Suns’ schedule this month.</p>
  42.  
  43. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  44.  
  45. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Staying mostly in division</h2>
  46.  
  47. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  48. <li><strong>Sunday, November 2nd vs San Antonio Spurs</strong></li>
  49.  
  50.  
  51.  
  52. <li><strong>Tuesday, November 4th @ Golden State Warriors</strong></li>
  53.  
  54.  
  55.  
  56. <li><strong>Thursday, November 6th vs Los Angeles Clippers</strong></li>
  57.  
  58.  
  59.  
  60. <li><strong>Saturday, November 8th @</strong> <strong>Los</strong> <strong>Angeles Clippers</strong></li>
  61. </ul>
  62. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2243190842.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,8.3246798200069,100,83.350640359986" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  63. <p class="has-text-align-none">Outside of the Spurs, the Suns will play three-straight games against their Pacific Division foes. As of publishing, the Spurs remain one of only two teams in the Western Conference still undefeated. The Warriors and Clippers, while not undefeated, are looked at as some of the top teams in the conference and both are above .500 and in the top-eight of playoff seeding to start the season. </p>
  64.  
  65. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns will get two shots at revenge against the Clippers after they dominated them in their second game of the season.</p>
  66.  
  67. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Games against struggling teams</h2>
  68.  
  69. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  70. <li><strong>Monday, November 10th vs New Orleans Pelicans</strong></li>
  71.  
  72.  
  73.  
  74. <li><strong>Wednesday, November 12th @ Dallas Mavericks</strong></li>
  75.  
  76.  
  77.  
  78. <li><strong>Thursday, November 13th vs Indiana Pacers</strong></li>
  79.  
  80.  
  81.  
  82. <li><strong>Sunday, November 16th vs Atlanta Hawks</strong></li>
  83.  
  84.  
  85.  
  86. <li><strong>Tuesday, November 18th @ Portland Trailblazers</strong></li>
  87. </ul>
  88.  
  89. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Pelicans remain one of the few winless teams left in the league. Many people are continuing to question their decision to give up full control over their first-round pick in this year’s upcoming draft. Speaking of the draft, the Suns will get their first look at the first overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, when they face the Maverickss. Cooper Flagg is off to a strong to his career, putting up historic numbers for an 18-year-old. </p>
  90.  
  91. <p class="has-text-align-none">Just like the Mavericks and Pelicans, the Pacers and Hawks and have struggled out the gate due to various injuries and team growing pains. The Suns will get one of their best chances to work their way up the standings with this stretch early in the season. The Trail Blazers have had the strongest start to the year for all these teams, but their head coach Chauncey Billups remains away from the team after a federal investigation opened up with his name involved. </p>
  92.  
  93. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NBA Cup games and KD’s return </h2>
  94.  
  95. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  96. <li><strong>Friday, November 21st vs Minnesota Timberwolves</strong>* </li>
  97.  
  98.  
  99.  
  100. <li><strong>Sunday, November 23rd vs San Antonio Spurs</strong></li>
  101.  
  102.  
  103.  
  104. <li><strong>Monday, November 24th vs Houston Rockets </strong></li>
  105.  
  106.  
  107.  
  108. <li><strong>Wednesday, November 26th @ Sacramento Kings</strong>*</li>
  109.  
  110.  
  111.  
  112. <li><strong>Friday, November 28th @ Oklahoma City Thunder</strong>*</li>
  113.  
  114.  
  115.  
  116. <li><strong>Saturday, November 29th vs Denver Nuggets</strong></li>
  117. </ul>
  118.  
  119. <p class="has-text-align-none">(*=NBA Cup Games)</p>
  120.  
  121. <p class="has-text-align-none">After their first NBA Cup game of the month and another look at the Spurs, the Suns mini home stand will conclude with the much-awaited return of Kevin Durant to Phoenix. Durant played three years in the Valley, and led the team in scoring in two of his three seasons, helped them win a playoff series in 2023 and reach the playoffs in 2023 and 2024. After his return, the Valley will finish up their NBA Cup play with games against the Kings and the defending champion Thunder before ending the month, hosting the Denver Nuggets.</p>
  122.  
  123. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  124.  
  125. <p class="has-text-align-none">  How do you think the Suns will do with their mostly Western Conference schedule in November? </p>
  126.  
  127. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-polldaddy wp-block-embed-polldaddy"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  128. <div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><a href="https://poll.fm/16225197" data-iframely-url="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?maxheight=750&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fpoll.fm%2F16225197&#038;key=a95589c51263af39f0de8ef8737db4f3"></a></div></div>
  129. </div></figure>
  130. ]]>
  131. </content>
  133. </entry>
  134. <entry>
  136. <author>
  137. <name>John Voita</name>
  138. </author>
  140. <title type="html"><![CDATA[Bright Side Baller: Phoenix held a 20-point lead and made it stick]]></title>
  141. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/91671/suns-season-growth-win-over-jazz-devin-booker-mark-williams-bright-side-ballers" />
  142. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/91671/bright-side-baller-the-suns-arent-far-theyre-just-unfinished</id>
  143. <updated>2025-11-01T01:52:53-04:00</updated>
  144. <published>2025-11-01T08:00:00-04:00</published>
  145. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" />
  146. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Phoenix Suns are in a season where victories feel rare. But victories do not always show up in the win column. You can have victories on the court with rotations, with culture, and with effort. Friday night against the Utah Jazz, a team projected near the bottom of the NBA, they did what they [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  148. <content type="html">
  149. <![CDATA[
  150.  
  152. <figure>
  153.  
  154. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/11/imagn-27469660.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  155. <figcaption>
  156. </figcaption>
  157. </figure>
  158. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">The Phoenix Suns are in a season where victories feel rare. But victories do not always show up in the win column. You can have victories on the court with rotations, with culture, and with effort. Friday night against the Utah Jazz, a team projected near the bottom of the NBA, they did what they were supposed to do: <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-scores-results/91699/halloween-win-utah-jazz-devin-booker-season-high-ryan-dunn-defense-turnovers-analysis">they won</a>. That alone makes it a good victory.</p>
  159.  
  160. <p class="has-text-align-none">But it was a good victory for more than that. This team needed to feel success. They’ve been playing hard, grinding, and it hasn’t always translated to wins, and that can weigh on a squad. </p>
  161.  
  162. <p class="has-text-align-none">But when your relentless pressure forces a team to shoot under 40%, you leave the arena feeling alive. Even missing two starters, the Suns found ways to galvanize, to climb, to win. They didn’t just win, they jumped out and held a lead. When’s the last time you saw the Suns open up a 20-point lead and carry it all the way? You’d have to rewind to the 64-win season to find a moment like that. </p>
  163.  
  164. <p class="has-text-align-none">This game was supposed to be won. How they won it makes it feel like something the team can build on, a reference point for growth, a glimpse of what this squad can be when everything clicks.</p>
  165.  
  166. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Bright Side Baller Season Standings</h2>
  167.  
  168. <p class="has-text-align-none">Dude. Mark Williams is an absolute menace. Early in the season, he’s not just showing up in the box score, he’s owning the damn standings.</p>
  169.  
  170. <p class="has-text-align-none">Before last night, Devin Booker was sitting pretty at tenth in the NBA in scoring, averaging 29.2 a game. Impressive, right? Sure. But in the Bright Side Baller standings? Forget about it. One lonely win. That’s it. Why? Because this is Mark Williams’ world, and the rest of us are lucky he lets us visit.</p>
  171.  
  172. <p class="has-text-align-none">After another demolition job against the Grizzlies on Wednesday, Williams snagged 55% of the BSB vote. That gives him three Bright Side Ballers in four games. Three. In. Four. The man is stacking trophies like they’re empty Gatorade bottles.</p>
  173. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/Bright-Side-Baller.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,2.5925925925926,100,94.814814814815" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  174. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Bright Side Baller Nominees</h2>
  175.  
  176. <p class="has-text-align-none">Game 6 against the Jazz. Here are your nominees.</p>
  177.  
  178. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Devin Booker</strong><br>36 points (13-of-23, 6-of-9 3PT), 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, +19 +/-</p>
  179.  
  180. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Royce O&#8217;Neale</strong><br>13 points (5-of-10, 3-of-8 3PT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, +13 +/-</p>
  181.  
  182. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Ryan Dunn</strong><br>13 points (5-of-12, 1-of-7 3PT), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, +2 +/-</p>
  183.  
  184. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Grayson Allen</strong><br>14 points (5-of-15, 2-of-9 3PT), 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 1 turnover, +17 +/-</p>
  185.  
  186. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Collin Gillespie</strong><br>12 points (4-of-8, 4-of-7 3PT), 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 1 turnover, +16 +/-</p>
  187.  
  188. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Mark Williams</strong><br>9 points (3-of-6, 0-of-0 3PT), 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers, +3 +/-</p>
  189.  
  190. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  191.  
  192. <p class="has-text-align-none">Votin’ time!</p>
  193.  
  194. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-polldaddy wp-block-embed-polldaddy"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  195. <div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><a href="https://poll.fm/16217485" data-iframely-url="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?maxheight=750&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fpoll.fm%2F16217485&#038;key=a95589c51263af39f0de8ef8737db4f3"></a></div></div>
  196. </div></figure>
  197. ]]>
  198. </content>
  200. </entry>
  201. <entry>
  203. <author>
  204. <name>John Voita</name>
  205. </author>
  207. <title type="html"><![CDATA[Game Recap: Devin Booker slices up Utah for a season-high, Suns beat Jazz 118-96]]></title>
  208. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-scores-results/91699/halloween-win-utah-jazz-devin-booker-season-high-ryan-dunn-defense-turnovers-analysis" />
  209. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/91699/game-recap-suns-get-clipped-after-hot-start-fall-129-102-in-l-a</id>
  210. <updated>2025-11-01T00:37:21-04:00</updated>
  211. <published>2025-11-01T00:37:21-04:00</published>
  212. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Scores" />
  213. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[On Halloween night, the Mortgage Matchup Center glowed in shades of orange and black. The court, painted in blazing orange for the NBA Cup debut, gleamed beneath the lights like molten metal. The Suns, draped in their stark black Statement Edition uniforms, clashed with the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the season. The result? [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  215. <content type="html">
  216. <![CDATA[
  217.  
  219. <figure>
  220.  
  221. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/11/gettyimages-2244405140.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  222. <figcaption>
  223. </figcaption>
  224. </figure>
  225. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">On Halloween night, the Mortgage Matchup Center glowed in shades of orange and black. The court, painted in blazing orange for the NBA Cup debut, gleamed beneath the lights like molten metal. The Suns, draped in their stark black Statement Edition uniforms, clashed with the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the season. The result? A 118-96 victory for Phoenix.</p>
  226.  
  227. <p class="has-text-align-none">How’d they pull that off? By leaning into their new identity. They pressed. They clawed. Devin Booker led the charge, cool as ever, slicing up Utah like a pumpkin under a porch light, scoring a season-high 36 points. Oh, and his body language looked good.</p>
  228.  
  229. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns forced 21 turnovers and only coughed it up 12 times, cashing those mistakes in for a 29-13 edge in points off turnovers. Ryan Dunn was a machine again with 13 points and 11 rebounds, flying around like the court belonged to him. And even though Lauri Markkanen dropped 33, it didn’t matter. This one belonged to Phoenix from the opening tip. They trailed for all of 34 seconds, then grabbed a 20-point lead and never let it go.</p>
  230.  
  231. <p class="has-text-align-none">For one night in Phoenix, the haunted house was theirs. The Suns took home their second win of the season, and yeah, it was a little spooky how good they looked doing it.<br></p>
  232.  
  233. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Game Flow</h2>
  234.  
  235. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">First Half</h3>
  236.  
  237. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns found themselves in rare territory, jumping out to an 8-2 lead fueled by active hands and quick reactions. Three early Jazz turnovers turned into four of those points. Ryan Dunn let it fly from deep three times and came up empty each one. Man, if that shot could fall for him. </p>
  238.  
  239. <p class="has-text-align-none">One interesting wrinkle from Jordan Ott came early, with a lineup of Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Devin Booker, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro. Before long, Goodwin forced a turnover, Gillespie buried a pair of threes, and the Suns found themselves riding a smooth 13-0 run.</p>
  240.  
  241. <p class="has-text-align-none">It was a scorching quarter for Phoenix and a brutal one for Utah. The Suns closed on a 23-2 run, hitting 53.6% from the field despite going 5-for-16 from deep. They turned 9 Utah turnovers into 16 points, and behind Devin Booker’s 12 in the frame, stormed into the second quarter with a 20-point lead, 37-17. Phoenix had just 1 turnover in the quarter.</p>
  242.  
  243. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  244. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Book in the first:<br><br>📚 12 PTS<br>📚 4 REB<br>📚 3 AST <a href="https://t.co/DPmmUZKiTS">pic.twitter.com/DPmmUZKiTS</a></p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1984450107467841756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
  245. </div></figure>
  246.  
  247. <p class="has-text-align-none">The defensive intensity carried into the second quarter, where the team was flying around and getting production from everyone. Defesnive continued to lead to offense for Phoenix.</p>
  248.  
  249. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  250. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">DENIED BY GRAYSON. <a href="https://t.co/40xdXhdQZ4">pic.twitter.com/40xdXhdQZ4</a></p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1984452941227720862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
  251. </div></figure>
  252.  
  253. <p class="has-text-align-none">For the most part, the team stayed disciplined, although Oso Ighodaro found himself in foul trouble again, picking up his fifth with a little over five minutes left in the second.</p>
  254.  
  255. <p class="has-text-align-none">Phoenix stretched the lead to 24, but a 9-2 run from Utah, mostly fueled by free throws, cut into it.</p>
  256.  
  257. <p class="has-text-align-none">After dropping 37 in the first, the Suns managed only 17 in the second, shooting 22.7% in the quarter. Luckily, Utah couldn’t hit much either, finishing at 22.2%.</p>
  258.  
  259. <p class="has-text-align-none">Lauri Markkanen, who lit up the Suns for 51 earlier in the week, was quiet this time around. He had 11 in the half, with 6 coming at the line. Booker led all scorers with 17, while Grayson Allen pulled down six boards to pace Phoenix.</p>
  260.  
  261. <p class="has-text-align-none">At the break, the Suns were still in control, up 54-40.</p>
  262.  
  263. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Second Half</h3>
  264.  
  265. <p class="has-text-align-none">The start of the second half felt clunky. Utah leaned into physicality, testing the Suns’ patience and flow. Every whistle chipped away at the rhythm, turning the first five minutes into a foul-soaked grind.</p>
  266.  
  267. <p class="has-text-align-none">But once the stoppages slowed, Phoenix found its groove again. </p>
  268.  
  269. <p class="has-text-align-none">The ball started moving, the pace returned, and the lead swelled back to 20. Devin Booker took control, hitting threes, spinning into fadeaways, and torching defenders who had no answers. It was vintage Booker, smooth and relentless. He poured in 12 in the quarter, pushing his total to 29 on the night.</p>
  270.  
  271. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  272. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Baseline Book!<br><br>Turned 29 yesterday. Up to 29 PTS today. <a href="https://t.co/0Kvrf39niT">pic.twitter.com/0Kvrf39niT</a></p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1984468642764030259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
  273. </div></figure>
  274.  
  275. <p class="has-text-align-none">Lauri Markkanen found his rhythm in the third, outpacing his first-half production with 13 points in the period. Utah started to connect more, putting up 27 in the quarter, but Phoenix matched their energy and kept control. The Suns scored 29, maintaining their edge heading into the fourth. </p>
  276.  
  277. <p class="has-text-align-none">Phoenix 83, Utah 67.</p>
  278.  
  279. <p class="has-text-align-none">The fourth opened with Oso Ighodaro picking up his sixth foul, sending Lauri Markkanen to the line once again. Markkanen caught fire early, pouring in 9 quick points as Utah opened the quarter on a 12-8 run. Keyonte George and Markkanen had the scouting report down: go right at the Suns rookies. Oso and Dunn kept reaching into the cookie jar, and Utah kept cashing in at the line. With eight minutes left, the lead was trimmed to 10.</p>
  280.  
  281. <p class="has-text-align-none">Ryan Dunn was everywhere, especially on the glass. After playing only 17 minutes in the first matchup earlier this week, his athleticism made all the difference this time. The team focused on keeping Mark Williams off the boards, and Dunn cleaned up everything that came loose. He finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, earning every bit of it.</p>
  282.  
  283. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns kept their foot on the gas. Their defensive pressure never let up, and with timely threes dropping, every Utah run got shut down before it could breathe.</p>
  284.  
  285. <p class="has-text-align-none">As for Devin Booker, the talk around his body language can take a night off. He looked locked in, calm, sharp, and fully in control. He poured in a season-high 36 points and made it look effortless. Suns win, 118-96.</p>
  286.  
  287. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  288. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Up to a season-high 36 PTS for Book! <a href="https://t.co/4kbF832VOG">pic.twitter.com/4kbF832VOG</a></p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1984476948492664934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
  289. </div></figure>
  290.  
  291. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  292.  
  293. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Up Next</h2>
  294.  
  295. <p class="has-text-align-none">Wemby comes to town on Sunday night. The Alien. Be warned…</p>
  296.  
  297. <p class="has-text-align-none"></p>
  298. ]]>
  299. </content>
  301. </entry>
  302. <entry>
  304. <author>
  305. <name>Brandon Duenas</name>
  306. </author>
  308. <title type="html"><![CDATA[Game Thread: Suns (1-4) vs. Jazz (2-2)]]></title>
  309. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-game-threads/91646/game-thread-suns-1-4-vs-jazz-2-2" />
  310. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/91646/game-thread-grizzlies-2-2-suns-1-3</id>
  311. <updated>2025-10-31T01:03:41-04:00</updated>
  312. <published>2025-10-31T21:30:00-04:00</published>
  313. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Game Threads" />
  314. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Game 5: The Utah Jazz, again. This time, in Phoenix. Let’s get win number two. Happy Halloween!]]></summary>
  316. <content type="html">
  317. <![CDATA[
  318.  
  320. <figure>
  321.  
  322. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2243325146.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  323. <figcaption>
  324. </figcaption>
  325. </figure>
  326. <p class="has-text-align-none">Game 5: The Utah Jazz, again. This time, in Phoenix.</p>
  327.  
  328. <p class="has-text-align-none">Let’s get win number two. Happy Halloween! <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-game-threads/91351/game-thread-suns-1-2-jazz-1-1#comments"></a></p>
  329.  
  330. <p class="has-text-align-none"></p>
  331. ]]>
  332. </content>
  334. </entry>
  335. <entry>
  337. <author>
  338. <name>Brandon Duenas</name>
  339. </author>
  341. <title type="html"><![CDATA[Game Preview: Suns look to snap skid against Jazz in NBA Cup]]></title>
  342. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-game-previews/91645/jazz-vs-suns-preview-nba-cup-markkanen-booker-williams-injury-report-prediction" />
  343. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/91645/game-preview-suns-aim-to-tame-the-grizzlies-in-search-of-a-much-needed-win</id>
  344. <updated>2025-10-31T11:22:17-04:00</updated>
  345. <published>2025-10-31T16:00:00-04:00</published>
  346. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Game Previews" />
  347. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Who: Utah Jazz (2-2) @ Phoenix Suns (1-4) When: 7:00 pm Arizona Time Where: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ Watch: Suns+, Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports Listen: KMVP 98.7, KSUN The start of the Phoenix Suns’ season has been weird. Spooky, one might say. Especially looking at that injury report as we all await [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  349. <content type="html">
  350. <![CDATA[
  351.  
  353. <figure>
  354.  
  355. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2244077478.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  356. <figcaption>
  357. </figcaption>
  358. </figure>
  359. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Who</strong>: Utah Jazz (2-2) @ Phoenix Suns (1-4)</p>
  360.  
  361. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>When</strong>: 7:00 pm Arizona Time</p>
  362.  
  363. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Where</strong>: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ</p>
  364.  
  365. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Watch</strong>: Suns+, Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports</p>
  366.  
  367. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Listen</strong>: KMVP 98.7, KSUN</p>
  368.  
  369. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  370.  
  371. <p class="has-text-align-none">The start of the Phoenix Suns’ season has been weird. Spooky, one might say. Especially looking at that injury report as we all await the return of Dillon Brooks and the debut of Jalen Green. </p>
  372.  
  373. <p class="has-text-align-none">We will have to wait at least one more game, possibly more, depending on how they progress. </p>
  374.  
  375. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  376. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) has been downgraded to out for the Suns tomorrow against the Jazz. That’s now six missed games to open the year.<br><br>Dillon Brooks is out for the third straight game with what is now being listed as a core muscle strain.</p>&mdash; Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) <a href="https://twitter.com/KellanOlson/status/1984055600695947622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
  377. </div></figure>
  378.  
  379. <p class="has-text-align-none">Just four days after dropping a career-best 51 on the Suns, Lauri Markkanen and the Jazz get another shot at Phoenix, this time to open NBA Cup play on this Friday evening.</p>
  380.  
  381. <p class="has-text-align-none">Each team is coming off a disappointing, last-second loss on Wednesday night. It’s the first Cup game of the season and a Friday night game on Halloween, so there should be some extra juice in the building. </p>
  382.  
  383. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Probable Starters</h2>
  384. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/Game-Matchup-6-1.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  385. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Injury Report<a href="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/Game-Matchup-5.png?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;crop=0,0,100,100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></h2>
  386.  
  387. <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Suns</strong></h4>
  388.  
  389. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  390. <li><strong>Dillon Brooks</strong>&nbsp;– OUT (Core Muscle Strain)</li>
  391.  
  392.  
  393.  
  394. <li><strong>Jalen Green</strong>&nbsp;– OUT (Right Hamstring Strain)</li>
  395.  
  396.  
  397.  
  398. <li><strong>CJ Huntley</strong>&nbsp;– OUT (G League – Two-Way)</li>
  399.  
  400.  
  401.  
  402. <li><strong>Koby Brea</strong>&nbsp;– OUT (G League – Two-Way)</li>
  403. </ul>
  404.  
  405. <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Jazz</strong></h4>
  406.  
  407. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  408. <li><strong>Georges Niang </strong>— OUT (Foot)</li>
  409.  
  410.  
  411.  
  412. <li><strong>Isaiah Collier</strong> — QUESTIONABLE (Hamstring)</li>
  413. </ul>
  414.  
  415. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">What to Watch For</h2>
  416.  
  417. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Contain Lauri Markkanen</strong></h3>
  418.  
  419. <p class="has-text-align-none">The guy dropped 51 points on Phoenix just a few days ago, and I’m not sure what the answer is here for Lauri, but they will need to make defensive adjustments. It can’t happen again, and it’s going to take a full team effort to stop him, not just an individual or two.</p>
  420.  
  421. <p class="has-text-align-none">He followed that up with 32 points, three steals, and three blocks in Wednesday’s 136–134 loss to Portland. Markkanen is averaging 34.0 points (fifth in the NBA) while shooting 50.6% from the field and 40% from deep.</p>
  422.  
  423. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  424. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">CAREER-HIGH 51 FOR LAURI MARKKANEN 🚨<br><br>His CLUTCH free-throws seal the <a href="https://twitter.com/utahjazz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@utahjazz</a> OT win! <a href="https://t.co/3Tk4aDuYTo">pic.twitter.com/3Tk4aDuYTo</a></p>&mdash; NBA (@NBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA/status/1983020789101219919?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2025</a></blockquote>
  425. </div></figure>
  426.  
  427. <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>The Center Battle</strong></h3>
  428.  
  429. <p class="has-text-align-none">Mark Williams, Nick Richards, and Oso Ighodaro vs. Utah’s trees will be another fascinating subplot to watch. I’d like to see more two-big lineups, because I felt they were too small in their last contest for several important spurts.</p>
  430.  
  431. <p class="has-text-align-none">One trio I’d like to see get more minutes together: Collin Gillespie, Devin Booker, and Mark Williams. Against this bigger Jazz team, adding in two of Oso, Royce, Dunn, or Fleming would be ideal. I know, I know. Fleming is probably a long shot to see minutes, but dreaming is free. With Dillon Brooks out, they could use another forward to throw some physicality and athleticism at this Jazz team. </p>
  432.  
  433. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Keys to a Suns Win</h2>
  434.  
  435. <p class="has-text-align-none">A better start would be nice. The Suns need to quit digging themselves in early holes, and Devin Booker is aware, as he mentioned below to Duane Rankin after Thursday’s practice. That starts with team defense, but on the offensive side, Devin Booker needs to pick it up early. </p>
  436.  
  437. <p class="has-text-align-none">Book is shooting just 32% in the 1st quarter this season, which is extremely uncharacteristic of him. </p>
  438.  
  439. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  440. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">From Thursday&#039;s practice:<br><br>Phoenix Suns star guard Devin Booker&#039;s assessment of Wednesday&#039;s 114-113 loss to Memphis Grizzlies: &quot;A better start than what we&#039;ve been getting. It was a point of emphasis for us, but still got to clean up a lot of things. Transition defense sticks… <a href="https://t.co/Or1MOPY8CI">pic.twitter.com/Or1MOPY8CI</a></p>&mdash; Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) <a href="https://twitter.com/DuaneRankin/status/1984127544053133768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
  441. </div></figure>
  442.  
  443. <p class="has-text-align-none">Taking care of the ball also comes to mind. The Suns are coughing it up 17.2 times a night, third-most in the NBA, and shooting just 44.3% from the floor, the fifth-worst. </p>
  444.  
  445. <p class="has-text-align-none">“Our transition defense gave up like 30-plus points,” Mark Williams said after posting 20 and 11 in his first start against Memphis. “Cut that in half and it’s a different game.”</p>
  446.  
  447. <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams has now posted back-to-back double-doubles, including Monday’s 25-and-11 versus Utah. He was one of four Suns to hit that mark: Devin Booker (34 points, 10 assists), Royce O’Neale (17 and 13), and Collin Gillespie (15 and 13). O’Neale, by the way, has knocked down 11 threes over his last two outings. They’ll need more of that from the savvy veteran. </p>
  448.  
  449. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>How does the NBA Cup work? </strong></p>
  450.  
  451. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
  452. <p class="has-text-align-none">The five teams in each group all play each other in a round-robin format in the NBA Cup, then each group winner will advance to the knockout round Dec. 9-10. The runner-up with the best record from each conference will also advance to round out the field of eight teams. The Cup Final is Dec. 16 in Las Vegas.</p>
  453. </blockquote>
  454.  
  455. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Prediction</h2>
  456.  
  457. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns snap the streak, and Booker goes nuclear for 44 points. </p>
  458.  
  459. <p class="has-text-align-none"><em><strong>Suns 115, Jazz 111</strong></em></p>
  460. ]]>
  461. </content>
  463. </entry>
  464. <entry>
  466. <author>
  467. <name>Pano</name>
  468. </author>
  470. <title type="html"><![CDATA[6 takeaways from the loss against the Grizzlies]]></title>
  471. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/91627/suns-thriller-loss-grizzlies-mark-williams-dominates-gillespie-rising-booker-fourth-quarter" />
  472. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=91627</id>
  473. <updated>2025-10-31T11:08:20-04:00</updated>
  474. <published>2025-10-31T13:00:00-04:00</published>
  475. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" />
  476. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Another day, another thriller for our Suns. Sitting at 1–4, but still plenty to take away. Between efficiency, a potential MIP, and some nice sets, let’s dive into what we learned from this frustrating loss. Winning the first half…even without Booker That was one of the main concerns before the season started: the non-Booker minutes…or [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  478. <content type="html">
  479. <![CDATA[
  480.  
  482. <figure>
  483.  
  484. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2243552502.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  485. <figcaption>
  486. </figcaption>
  487. </figure>
  488. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">Another day, another thriller for our Suns. Sitting at 1–4, but still plenty to take away. Between efficiency, a potential MIP, and some nice sets, let’s dive into what we learned <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-scores-results/91561/devin-booker-mark-williams-collin-gillespie-grizzlies-edge-one-point-loss-game-recap">from this frustrating loss</a>.</p>
  489.  
  490. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  491.  
  492. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Winning the first half…even without Booker</h2>
  493.  
  494. <p class="has-text-align-none">That was one of the main concerns before the season started: the non-Booker minutes…or worse, the “Booker in slides” minutes.</p>
  495.  
  496. <p class="has-text-align-none">Well, his teammates actually held it down on Wednesday. The team went into halftime up by four — a first this season — after scoring 8 of their first 11 field goals off assists, and winning the second quarter for the second straight game.</p>
  497.  
  498. <p class="has-text-align-none">Everyone contributed, and we even saw some nice sets, like this one: cross-screen action, the defense loses track, and Mark Williams just finishes at the rim.</p>
  499.  
  500. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  501. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">(Première action du match) <a href="https://t.co/rmLrEmqtKs">pic.twitter.com/rmLrEmqtKs</a></p>&mdash; P🌵☀️| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanoTheCreator/status/1983924077032091932?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  502. </div></figure>
  503.  
  504. <p class="has-text-align-none">Or here: the play starts with a pick-and-roll between Richards and Allen on the left wing. Allen swings it to Gillespie on the right slot. Meanwhile, Dunn sets an off-ball screen for O’Neale in the right corner. He pops open and knocks down the corner three off Gillespie’s pass.</p>
  505.  
  506. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  507. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Second-side Action pour Royce O&#039;Neal <a href="https://t.co/udRYLJfgUk">pic.twitter.com/udRYLJfgUk</a></p>&mdash; P🌵☀️| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanoTheCreator/status/1983960290061652040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  508. </div></figure>
  509.  
  510. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  511.  
  512. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you, Mark Williams</h2>
  513.  
  514. <p class="has-text-align-none">As expected, he started. And <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/91557/mark-williams-first-start-grizzlies-game-analysis-20-points-11-rebounds-performance-breakdown">what a night again for our big man</a>: 20 points, 12 boards, 5 stocks, and 9-for-12 from the field. Always complete, always efficient, impactful, and dominant in his natural habitat: the paint.</p>
  515.  
  516. <p class="has-text-align-none">His impact shows up in his defensive reads: he uses his length to disrupt passing lanes or jump them entirely, like in this clip where, after a drop on the pick-and-roll, he contains and intercepts Ja Morant.</p>
  517.  
  518. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  519. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">La présence et la lecture de Mark Williams fait du bien — très bonne défense collective des Suns — Ja est isolé, c&#039;est une interceptions gratos pour notre pivot <a href="https://t.co/UZr44Lw9LY">pic.twitter.com/UZr44Lw9LY</a></p>&mdash; P🌵☀️| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanoTheCreator/status/1983866660822880403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  520. </div></figure>
  521.  
  522. <p class="has-text-align-none">Another key sequence: again on a drop, he contains Morant, which lets Dunn recover, before denying the pass to Jaren Jackson Jr.</p>
  523.  
  524. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  525. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-conversation="none"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Autre exemple ici — avec en plus l&#039;excellente défense de Ryan Dunn <a href="https://t.co/88j17eCXYz">pic.twitter.com/88j17eCXYz</a></p>&mdash; P🌵☀️| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanoTheCreator/status/1983867391915520088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  526. </div></figure>
  527.  
  528. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  529.  
  530. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Gillespie, the team’s potential MIP?</h2>
  531.  
  532. <p class="has-text-align-none">I don’t know about you, but I’ve found him super intriguing since the start of the season. Statistically, it’s shaping up to be his best year in almost every “visible” category, except shooting percentages and turnovers, which makes sense given his increased usage and responsibilities.</p>
  533. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2244091318.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0.0059844404548173,100,99.98803111909" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  534. <p class="has-text-align-none">Again tonight, he was solid: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. He especially stepped up in the second quarter to make up for Booker’s slow start.</p>
  535.  
  536. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  537.  
  538. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">A satisfying shooting night</h2>
  539.  
  540. <p class="has-text-align-none">Against the Grizzlies, the Suns finally found their offensive rhythm. Shooting 48% from the field, 40% from deep (16/40), and an impressive 88% from the line, easily their cleanest and most efficient game of the season so far.</p>
  541.  
  542. <p class="has-text-align-none">It’s also the first time this year the team has shot over 45% from the field, 40% from three, and 85% from the stripe. It’s a strong sign of offensive growth and better decision-making.</p>
  543.  
  544. <p class="has-text-align-none">Like in this clip: no set play called, just pure skill and IQ. <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/90835/defensive-identity-pressure-pace-high-risk-high-reward-nba-defense-strategy-analysis">Ott Ball</a> in motion?</p>
  545.  
  546. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  547. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Pas de système, juste du mouvement et de la justesse -&gt; filoche pour O&#039;Neal <a href="https://t.co/2vKrXjlJyq">pic.twitter.com/2vKrXjlJyq</a></p>&mdash; P🌵☀️| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanoTheCreator/status/1983960729113043322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  548. </div></figure>
  549.  
  550. <p class="has-text-align-none">Small details, sure, but to me they’re telling signs of progress, especially when you consider how rough Booker’s first half was…</p>
  551.  
  552. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  553.  
  554. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Sticking to the system in crunch time</h2>
  555.  
  556. <p class="has-text-align-none">In recent years, crunch time often meant hero-ball, turnovers, and stagnant offense. Not this time. Yes, Booker dropped 16, but it came within the flow. What really stood out was everything else: the ball movement, the spacing, the discipline. Everyone touched the rock before a shot went up.</p>
  557.  
  558. <p class="has-text-align-none">Perfect example in the clips below: one in transition, the other off a DHO (dribble handoff) with Mark Williams as the handler, setting up Booker in one of his favorite spots. That’s also what Ott Ball is about: finding each player’s comfort zone within the system.</p>
  559.  
  560. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  561. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Ça change du Hero-ball&#8230; <a href="https://t.co/oDkWjNqItu">pic.twitter.com/oDkWjNqItu</a></p>&mdash; P🌵☀️| #WorldBFree (@PanoTheCreator) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanoTheCreator/status/1984036190790803538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  562. </div></figure>
  563.  
  564. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  565.  
  566. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Booker might own fourth quarters this season</h2>
  567.  
  568. <p class="has-text-align-none">7 against the Kings, 12 against the Jazz, and now 16 against the Grizzlies. Devin’s playing with control, embracing his role as the offensive leader, taking the right shots at the right times, especially when the game tightens. Still, you’d love to see that same assertiveness earlier, when the team starts stalling.</p>
  569.  
  570. <p class="has-text-align-none">Phoenix still lacks that collective edge, that instinct to bury a team when they’re wobbling. That absence of a killer mindset. That’s exactly what cost us the game tonight.</p>
  571.  
  572. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  573.  
  574. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns aren’t far off, but they still lack that predator’s bite. Once they find it, close games won’t be left to chance…sorry — what am I saying? — games will be over long before that! Well…in my dreams.</p>
  575. ]]>
  576. </content>
  578. </entry>
  579. <entry>
  581. <author>
  582. <name>Bruce Veliz</name>
  583. </author>
  585. <title type="html"><![CDATA[A team searching for identity may have found its heartbeat in two players]]></title>
  586. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/91604/collin-gillespie-mark-williams-breakout-performance-stats-chemistry-early-season-analysis" />
  587. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=91604</id>
  588. <updated>2025-10-30T17:44:00-04:00</updated>
  589. <published>2025-10-31T08:00:00-04:00</published>
  590. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" />
  591. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Even with the Suns struggling to start with a 1-4 record, there have been some bright spots on this team. For a squad battling injuries, two guys have risen to the occasion, showing their true potential in the NBA and on outstanding contracts with the Suns. These two players have also demonstrated that not only [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  593. <content type="html">
  594. <![CDATA[
  595.  
  596. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">Even with the Suns struggling to start with a 1-4 record, there have been some bright spots on this team. For a squad battling injuries, two guys have risen to the occasion, showing their true potential in the NBA and on outstanding contracts with the Suns. These two players have also demonstrated that not only can they thrive individually on this team, but also work as a great duo, which we have also seen early in the year. </p>
  597.  
  598. <p class="has-text-align-none">You may be wondering who I am talking about, but if you have been watching, you would know who I am specifically referring to. That’s Collin Gillespie and Mark Williams.</p>
  599.  
  600. <p class="has-text-align-none">Both players have proven themselves this season and demonstrated that they deserve a long-term contract. Gillespie is on a one-year deal after serving as a two-way player last season, stepping up in the face of numerous injuries. Williams is in the final year of his rookie deal, and since he was not given an extension, he will enter the free-agent pool next year as a restricted free agent. This puts them in a position to play guns to the wall and show all they have to the organization, so they can ensure that contract on a rising team that already has roles carved out for them.</p>
  601.  
  602. <p class="has-text-align-none">So far this year, they have delivered in that department and only look to become more intriguing pieces throughout this season in this rotation. Colin has already impressed so much that you have fans and writers here (deservingly so) pushing for his start in this rotation with Jalen Green still recovering from his hamstring injury.</p>
  603.  
  604. <p class="has-text-align-none">Regardless of which camp you are in for that discussion, it&#8217;s your own opinion, but he definitely has shown the case warrants the debate. To start this season, this is Collin Gillespie’s averages courtesy of Basketball Reference in the first five games.</p>
  605. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/CG.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  606. <p class="has-text-align-none">Gillespie has been dominant to start the season so far, taking advantage of the minutes he has been given. He has risen to the occasion when needed, serving as the secondary ball handler alongside Devin Booker or initiating the offense on his own, as we saw last night against the Grizzlies. In that second quarter, Devin Booker was out for the first 5:27 into the second, and this is where Gillespie took off. The guard took control of the offense, scoring 10 of his 13 points with both of his assists in this short stint.</p>
  607.  
  608. <p class="has-text-align-none">This is where fans once again saw that Gillespie was not a fluke from last season. That he has the heart and passion to fight on both ends, even if he is undersized at 6’1”, he is never going to give up on that defensive end, making those hustle plays. As a fan, and given the promise of this change in identity and culture, this is clearly evident in the play from Collin Gillespie and only makes me more excited about what he can become here in Phoenix. </p>
  609.  
  610. <p class="has-text-align-none">Looking at some of his advanced stats on Databallr, we can see that what we see on the court is translating statistically. On the left are his stats in the last 40 games compared to the past 5. You can see that both his catch-and-shoot and pull-up three attempts are higher, with his pull-up three percentage also rising. His on-ball percentage is lower to start, as he has had more opportunities playing with Devin Booker, but with  Jalen Green coming back, I see that rising as he will be the lead playmaker for the secondary unit. What this tells me is that Gillespie will be valuable offensively wherever he is and will only continue to grow here in Phoenix.</p>
  611. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/CG2_887b99.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  612. <p class="has-text-align-none">Gillespie had a career-high in assists the other night vs. the Utah Jazz, notching 13. This is just another great area to see the young guard grow, feeling out his comfort in the pick-and-roll, while also having the knack for making the extra pass on the perimeter for an additional three points. Here is an incredible stat showing his ability to work with the centers the Suns throw at him this year.</p>
  613.  
  614. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  615. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">On the season Collin Gillespie has 28 Assists averaging 5.6 this season to start<br>10 of them (36%) have been to one of either of the bigs the Suns have mainly used this season<br>He is really working that connection with whatever center is tasked to do so, working the PnR game well</p>&mdash; BruceVeliz (@BruceVeliz) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceVeliz/status/1983963833699070141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  616. </div></figure>
  617.  
  618. <p class="has-text-align-none">Gillespie has effectively leveraged his connections with each big man, yielding some impressive results for his teammates, especially Mark Williams.</p>
  619.  
  620. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  621. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Williams says it’s been great building two-man chemistry with Collin Gillespie in the minutes they’ve shared the floor.<br><br>Also asked him about the areas he’s trying to improve defensively. He wants to be more intentional about protecting the basket. <a href="https://t.co/FV1VzJjmAz">pic.twitter.com/FV1VzJjmAz</a></p>&mdash; Shane Young (@YoungNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/YoungNBA/status/1983605138771280083?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2025</a></blockquote>
  622. </div></figure>
  623.  
  624. <p class="has-text-align-none"> Williams has seen his potential grow brighter and brighter since his debut, and that case has only been solidified with his recent two performances. His connection with Gillespie has been a significant factor in that success, but he has also shown he can be a threat without him.</p>
  625.  
  626. <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams came into this year with his highest game total being 44, and the Suns wanted to change that, not only for the player&#8217;s benefit, but also to get a complete evaluation of him leading up to his free agency. With the Suns also having frontcourt issues over the past few years, they needed someone to bridge that gap for rookie Khaman Malauch to learn behind. The Suns have definitely gotten a good bluepring for Maluach in Williams here, as he leads the team, averaging 10 rebounds in only four games (remember, he missed the Denver game). Not to mention that he has had double-digit boards and led the team in rebounds in three of four of these contests. </p>
  627. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/mark.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  628. <p class="has-text-align-none">This is all on a minute restriction, may I add. You were there when he came off the bench, besides vs. the Grizzlies, where he got his first start. Williams is proving to be the beast the Suns want on the boards and have desperately needed as well. So far, his averages are higher in his career, and this can only be a giant momentum swing for the big man this year. Even if fans want to complain about him not getting the start immediately, there are reasons for it, and for Williams, ramping him up this way was the best case, in my eyes.</p>
  629.  
  630. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  631. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">&quot;I&#039;m a little more familiar with that. Yeah, it felt good.&quot;<br><br>Mark Williams gets his 1st start with Suns, posting a second straight 20-point double-double of 20 points (9-of-11 FGs) and 11 rebounds to go with four steals and a block in loss to Grizzlies.<br><br>&quot;I don&#039;t think my mindset… <a href="https://t.co/O4OlnCGyyA">pic.twitter.com/O4OlnCGyyA</a></p>&mdash; Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) <a href="https://twitter.com/DuaneRankin/status/1983769254668464580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  632. </div></figure>
  633.  
  634. <p class="has-text-align-none">This quote from Duane Rankin, courtesy of azcentral, shows that Williams also agrees that getting to this spot his now great and comfortable for him. He will only continue to blossom in my eyes on both ends for this Suns team, as they still struggle in some rebounding areas compared to last year.</p>
  635. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/williams2.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  636. <p class="has-text-align-none">As you can see, even with the small sample size for Williams, he has been better on the defensive glass, something the Suns do need help with. With him starting for the near future as well, I only see these numbers inflating and becoming more dominant in the future.</p>
  637.  
  638. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  639. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Phoenix Suns rank 16th in the NBA in second chance points at 15.8 even with their struggles to rebound early it looks more promising compared to last year when they averaged 12.4 and were ranked 26th in the league.</p>&mdash; BruceVeliz (@BruceVeliz) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceVeliz/status/1983966451808792928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  640. </div></figure>
  641.  
  642. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  643. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true" data-conversation="none"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This compared to their offensive rebounds also shows growth as they were 27th last year averaging only 9.2 per gam. This season the Suns have 14.2 OREB per game placing them 7th to start<br>Defensive rebounds still are an issue though, the Suns are 26th at 28.6 per game</p>&mdash; BruceVeliz (@BruceVeliz) <a href="https://twitter.com/BruceVeliz/status/1983966453993726280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  644. </div></figure>
  645.  
  646. <p class="has-text-align-none">As you can see, the second-chance points (scoring and allowing them) have been an issue for this team, and this year, they are fixing it. Williams is also averaging 3.5 offensive rebounds, accounting for around 25% of the Suns&#8217; offensive rebounds, proving that his patience on the glass and relentless effort not to give up on multiple attempts have been key.</p>
  647.  
  648. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns have still struggled on the defensive boards, similar to last year, allowing opponents 19.8 second-chance points, ranking them 29th. They have struggled to control those possessions, but at least show growth in some areas. If you want to read more about Williams’ activity on the glass, check out this article I had from game one of the year.</p>
  649.  
  650. <p class="has-text-align-none">Arguably, though, the best thing about both of these players is the great chemistry they have formed early on. With Williams starting off the bench, he and Gillespie made some early magic, and the numbers prove it. Once again, shoutout to Databallr for these stats, but this is how the Suns look with Gillespie and Williams&#8217; numbers on and off the court. </p>
  651. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/CG-and-Mark.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=5.0624133148405,0,89.875173370319,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  652. <p class="has-text-align-none">As you can see, when Gillespie and Williams have shared the floor, even for 50 minutes, it results in an offensive rating of 126.4, a defensive rating of 105.6, and a net rating of +20.8. Just looking at that compared to when they are both off the court or one is there, it is a drastic difference. This team thrives with these two making plays for each other, and this connection will only grow throughout this year here in Phoenix! Clearly, they are difference makers and have both shown areas of growth from seasons past. We only hope this stays consistent, and I believe it is here.</p>
  653. ]]>
  654. </content>
  656. </entry>
  657. <entry>
  659. <author>
  660. <name>John Voita</name>
  661. </author>
  663. <title type="html"><![CDATA[Learning to win again means the Suns must first learn how not to lose]]></title>
  664. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/91596/learning-win-again-means-suns-must-first-learn-how-not-to-lose" />
  665. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=91596</id>
  666. <updated>2025-10-30T14:31:05-04:00</updated>
  667. <published>2025-10-30T19:00:00-04:00</published>
  668. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" />
  669. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[The Phoenix Suns blew up its Big Three in the name of alignment, culture, and identity. They wanted players who fit a certain mold, the kind who would make the fan base proud. Tough players. Gritty players. Guys who dive for loose balls, fight for rebounds, and refuse to back down. And in that sense, [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  671. <content type="html">
  672. <![CDATA[
  673.  
  675. <figure>
  676.  
  677. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/imagn-27435184.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  678. <figcaption>
  679. </figcaption>
  680. </figure>
  681. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">The Phoenix Suns blew up its Big Three in the name of alignment, culture, and identity. They wanted players who fit a certain mold, the kind who would make the fan base proud. Tough players. Gritty players. Guys who dive for loose balls, fight for rebounds, and refuse to back down. And in that sense, mission accomplished. </p>
  682.  
  683. <p class="has-text-align-none">But through five games, if you had to sum up this new version of the team in one word, it’s not culture or chemistry. It’s undisciplined.</p>
  684.  
  685. <p class="has-text-align-none">They’re not a great basketball team right now. They’re not going to win a ton of games. They fight, they compete, but they keep tripping over the same cracks in the floor. They don’t have enough shot-makers or creators to build leads through pure offense, which means they have to make up ground with effort, defense, and hustle. But here’s the problem: what started as preseason sloppiness has leaked right into the regular season.</p>
  686.  
  687. <p class="has-text-align-none">At 1–4, that kind of self-inflicted chaos is killing them. Missed assignments, bad fouls, turnovers; all the little things that turn winnable games into frustrating losses. If they want to start stacking wins, it starts with discipline. Because right now, their biggest opponent isn’t across from them. It’s themselves.</p>
  688.  
  689. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  690. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Couple of real “what were you thinking?” passes from the Suns this quarter, eh?</p>&mdash; John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarthVoita/status/1983725848235778141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  691. </div></figure>
  692.  
  693. <p class="has-text-align-none">Make no mistake, whistles are flying everywhere this season. The entire league is feeling it.  Tim Legler <a href="https://www.theringer.com/podcasts/the-bill-simmons-podcast">mentioned it on The Bill Simmons Podcast</a>, and the numbers back him up. </p>
  694.  
  695. <p class="has-text-align-none">Last year, the average team committed 18.6 personal fouls per game. This season, 29 of the 30 NBA teams are above that mark. More fouls mean more free throws, and the averages prove it. Teams took 21.7 free throws per game last year. Now, 27 teams are topping that number nightly. </p>
  696.  
  697. <p class="has-text-align-none">And while only one player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, averaged double-digit free-throw attempts a season ago, there are now eight players living at the line averaging 10+ free-throw attempts. Devin Booker is one of them, averaging exactly 10 free throw attempts each game.</p>
  698.  
  699. <p class="has-text-align-none">So yes, it’s a league-wide trend, but of course it hits harder here in Phoenix. Because if there’s one thing we know, the timing of Phoenix’s ambitions always seems cursed. The team finally decides to lean into an identity of toughness and defensive aggression, and the league immediately tightens up on physical play. It’s like clockwork. You want to spend big on a Big Three? Here come the new apron rules. You want to play with grit and edge? Get ready for the whistle symphony.</p>
  700.  
  701. <p class="has-text-align-none">That brings me back to the word “disciplined”. Because the way the team is racking up fouls right now isn’t out of effort, it’s out of sloppiness. </p>
  702.  
  703. <p class="has-text-align-none">These aren’t the kind of fouls that come from battling in the post or taking a hard charge. They’re hand slaps on drives, lazy reach-ins, overzealous closeouts, and collisions that any veteran scorer can turn into a trip to the line. The team wants to play with edge, and that’s good, but there’s a fine line between aggression and chaos. The next step for this group is learning how to defend smart, not just hard.</p>
  704.  
  705. <p class="has-text-align-none">Right now, they’re fouling 25.6 times per game, fourth-most in the NBA. They’re attempting 20.8 free throws per night, which ranks 22nd. Their opponents? 28 even, good for 12th-most. That -7.2 free-throw differential is ninth-worst in the league. Add in the fact that they’re coughing up 11.2 steals per game, third-most in the NBA, and the word “undisciplined” starts to feel more like a label than a description.</p>
  706.  
  707. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  708. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Suns shoot 20.8 free throws a night. Their opponents? 28.<br><br>That -7.2 gap ranks 9th worst in the league</p>&mdash; John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarthVoita/status/1983944302419177777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  709. </div></figure>
  710.  
  711. <p class="has-text-align-none">I do think the whistles will cool down as the season goes on. They usually do. Numbers like these tend to slide back toward the mean once the league collectively adjusts to how games are being called. But until that happens, this team has to adapt. The league is cracking down on contact, period. The Suns have to meet that reality with control, not frustration.</p>
  712.  
  713. <p class="has-text-align-none">These are the growing pains of a team trying to rebuild its foundation, trying to remember how to win the right way. Sloppy play turns winnable games into long nights. The silver lining? These aren’t problems of talent. They are problems of awareness and composure. And those can be fixed. If the team is willing to fix them.</p>
  714. ]]>
  715. </content>
  717. </entry>
  718. <entry>
  720. <author>
  721. <name>Brandon Duenas</name>
  722. </author>
  724. <title type="html"><![CDATA[Breaking down Mark Williams’ performance against the Grizzlies]]></title>
  725. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/91557/mark-williams-first-start-grizzlies-game-analysis-20-points-11-rebounds-performance-breakdown" />
  726. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=91557</id>
  727. <updated>2025-10-30T12:13:09-04:00</updated>
  728. <published>2025-10-30T16:00:00-04:00</published>
  729. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" />
  730. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[I had the pleasure (or displeasure based on the result) of being in the building for the Suns-Grizzlies game. Phoenix plugged Mark Williams into the starting lineup for his first start of the season. Minutes restriction be damned. I decided to track his every step with general thoughts. I am glad he showed out, because [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  732. <content type="html">
  733. <![CDATA[
  734.  
  736. <figure>
  737.  
  738. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2242718992.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  739. <figcaption>
  740. </figcaption>
  741. </figure>
  742. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">I had the pleasure (or displeasure based on the result) of being in the building for the Suns-Grizzlies game. </p>
  743.  
  744. <p class="has-text-align-none">Phoenix plugged Mark Williams into the starting lineup for his first start of the season. Minutes restriction be damned. I decided to track his every step with general thoughts. I am glad he showed out, because this could’ve been a very underwhelming write-up considering it was predetermined. </p>
  745.  
  746. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  747. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight&#039;s Starters.<a href="https://twitter.com/gobellbanks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@gobellbanks</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SunsUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SunsUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/ipcOAUnfJq">pic.twitter.com/ipcOAUnfJq</a></p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1983708730576490979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  748. </div></figure>
  749.  
  750. <p class="has-text-align-none">What better time to track every impactful moment from Mark Williams than on this fine evening? </p>
  751.  
  752. <p class="has-text-align-none">His stints: </p>
  753.  
  754. <ul class="wp-block-list">
  755. <li>Q1: 6 minutes, 34 seconds</li>
  756.  
  757.  
  758.  
  759. <li>Q2: 5 minutes, 27 seconds</li>
  760.  
  761.  
  762.  
  763. <li>Q3: 6 minutes, 34 seconds</li>
  764.  
  765.  
  766.  
  767. <li>Q4: 9 minutes, 8 seconds</li>
  768.  
  769.  
  770.  
  771. <li><strong>Total: </strong>27 minutes, 43 seconds</li>
  772. </ul>
  773.  
  774. <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Final line: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 4 steals, 1 block, 1 assist, 9-11 FG, 28 minutes</h4>
  775.  
  776. <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams had a lot of strong contests, deflections, and altered plenty of shots. Thought he was moving the best he has all year on both ends of the floor. Super impactful game beyond the box score.</p>
  777.  
  778. <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">1st Quarter</h4>
  779.  
  780. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Williams Q1 stats:</strong> 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 block, 3-3 FG, 7 minutes, +1</p>
  781.  
  782. <p class="has-text-align-none">Mark Williams started the game with a nice roll to the rim, finishing an easy two. He followed that up a couple of possessions later with a nice dish to Ryan Dunn for his first assist of the game. </p>
  783.  
  784. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  785. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark going to work down low 💪<br><br>He&#039;s up to 6 PTS early in the first! <a href="https://t.co/g79iUc5m3b">pic.twitter.com/g79iUc5m3b</a></p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1983721029135692092?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  786. </div></figure>
  787.  
  788. <p class="has-text-align-none">He picked up his first foul of the game at the 9:20 mark. His next two buckets were easy looks at the rim to get him up to 6 points in the quarter. Williams checked out after his first 7-minute stint. </p>
  789.  
  790. <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">2nd Quarter</h4>
  791.  
  792. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Williams Q2 stats:</strong> 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 2-3 FG, 5:30 minutes, +4</p>
  793.  
  794. <p class="has-text-align-none">Mark checked in with 5:27 left in the half for his second stint. Immediately catches and tips a lob; it rims out, but he’s able to secure the miss and put it in. His next bucket… wait for it… another easy 4-footer at the rim. </p>
  795.  
  796. <p class="has-text-align-none">He got beat off the dribble on a Jaren Jackson Jr. drive with a late contest towards the end of the quarter, but his movement overall looked the best it has this season. </p>
  797.  
  798. <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">3rd Quarter</h4>
  799.  
  800. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Williams Q3 stats:</strong> 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 3-4 FG, 6:30 minutes, +/- 0</p>
  801.  
  802. <p class="has-text-align-none">The first bucket of the third for Mark came off a lob for another easy finish from a Ryan Dunn dime. He continued to feast inside, with Memphis struggling to contain him at the rim. </p>
  803.  
  804. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  805. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="nl" dir="ltr">ALLEY OOOOOOOP 🗣️ <a href="https://t.co/FvmbVHhdrQ">pic.twitter.com/FvmbVHhdrQ</a></p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1983737617087902103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  806. </div></figure>
  807.  
  808. <p class="has-text-align-none">He followed that up with another inside look, cleaning up his own miss to give him 16 &amp; 6 through his first 16 minutes of action.</p>
  809.  
  810. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  811. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Mark Williams is a monster. <br><br>Super efficient tonight. In his first 16 minutes: <br><br>16 points, 8-10 FG, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, +2.</p>&mdash; Zona (@AZSportsZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZSportsZone/status/1983738170761150959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  812. </div></figure>
  813.  
  814. <p class="has-text-align-none">At the 6:40 mark, he ripped down his 7th rebound, then the very next defensive possession, he held his ground on a drive for a positive defensive stand. That vertical defensive threat we all hoped for. He checked out at the 5:26 mark, similar to his first 7-minute stretch in the opening quarter. </p>
  815.  
  816. <h4 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">4th Quarter</h4>
  817.  
  818. <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams Q4 stats: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1-1 FG, 2-2 FT, 9:05 minutes +1, </p>
  819.  
  820. <p class="has-text-align-none">The big fella drew a trip to the charity stripe at the 8:09 mark and connected on both to push his total to 18 points. The next possession down, he ripped a contested rebound away from Santi Aldama to collect his 8th board of the game. </p>
  821.  
  822. <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams’ 10th rebound was snared after an excellent contest to force a miss at the rim. It led to a transition jumper for Booker to cut the lead down to 4 with 4:05. </p>
  823.  
  824. <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams had a massive deflection that he tipped out and led to a Suns’ fastbreak, where Devin Booker drew the foul and hit both free throws to cut the lead to two. His hands were everywhere. Contests, deflections, you name it. </p>
  825.  
  826. <p class="has-text-align-none">A massive steal from Williams with just over a minute remaining led to a slam on the other end, shifting the momentum entirely. </p>
  827.  
  828. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  829. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">MARK WILLIAMS STEAL ON ONE END.<br><br>MARK WILLIAMS SLAM ON THE OTHER END.<br><br>SUNS LEAD.</p>&mdash; Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1983751438456254560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  830. </div></figure>
  831.  
  832. <p class="has-text-align-none">Unfortunately, the euphoria was short-lived as Ja Morant hit a game-winner with 7 seconds left. Phoenix had a chance, but Booker missed. Game over. Another heartbreaker for these Suns. </p>
  833.  
  834. <p class="has-text-align-none">On an encouraging note, at least Mark Williams showed out for the second straight game. We have something here. </p>
  835. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/Screenshot-2025-10-29-at-9.32.06%E2%80%AFPM.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  836. ]]>
  837. </content>
  839. </entry>
  840. <entry>
  842. <author>
  843. <name>John Voita</name>
  844. </author>
  846. <title type="html"><![CDATA[Bright Side Baller: The Suns aren’t far, they’re just unfinished]]></title>
  847. <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/91483/suns-grizzlies-one-point-loss-mark-williams-bright-side-baller-devin-booker-colin-gillespie-roster-progress" />
  848. <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/91483/bright-side-baller-a-loss-that-said-more-about-fight-than-failure</id>
  849. <updated>2025-10-30T12:09:43-04:00</updated>
  850. <published>2025-10-30T13:00:00-04:00</published>
  851. <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" />
  852. <summary type="html"><![CDATA[No matter where you are in the process, losing hurts. When you drop one by a single point, like the Suns did to the Grizzlies on Wednesday night, your brain starts spiraling into the Disease of What If. What if Royce O’Neale didn’t foul Ja Morant in transition? What if Nick Richards hadn’t launched that [&#8230;]]]></summary>
  854. <content type="html">
  855. <![CDATA[
  856.  
  858. <figure>
  859.  
  860. <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/gettyimages-2243558912.jpg?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" />
  861. <figcaption>
  862. </figcaption>
  863. </figure>
  864. <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">No matter where you are in the process, losing hurts. When you drop one by a single point, like the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-scores-results/91561/devin-booker-mark-williams-collin-gillespie-grizzlies-edge-one-point-loss-game-recap">Suns did to the Grizzlies</a> on Wednesday night, your brain starts spiraling into the Disease of What If. </p>
  865.  
  866. <p class="has-text-align-none">What if Royce O’Neale didn’t foul Ja Morant in transition? What if Nick Richards hadn’t launched that outlet pass to empty space? What if Booker kicked out one of those final threes? What if Khaman Malauch got a shot over Oso? What if those seven fourth-quarter turnovers didn’t turn into fifteen points the other way? You can see how it spreads, how it eats at you, until all that’s left is that sick feeling that you were right there.</p>
  867.  
  868. <p class="has-text-align-none">That being said, there’s still perspective when you zoom out a little. </p>
  869.  
  870. <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns were missing two starters, and they’re still in the middle of building their base. You can see the framework starting to form. Jordan Ott is testing what works, then rolling with it. Case in point? The closing five of Colin Gillespie, Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and Mark Williams. </p>
  871.  
  872. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  873. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Collin, Booker, Royce, Grayson, and Williams to close? That’s chaos, toughness, and shooting all in one. Chef’s kiss.</p>&mdash; John Voita, III (@DarthVoita) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarthVoita/status/1983751631020945440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
  874. </div></figure>
  875.  
  876. <p class="has-text-align-none">That group clawed back from ten down in the fourth and even took the lead for a moment. Losing still stings, but this team isn’t miles away. The execution needs tightening, and these are the aches that come with learning how to win again.</p>
  877.  
  878. <p class="has-text-align-none">It’s tough to find moral victories in Game 5 when you’re sitting at 1–4, but I’ll say it anyway. I was entertained. Disappointed, sure. The ending wasn’t what anyone wanted. But maybe this year isn’t about wins and losses. Maybe it’s about how they respond to nights like this.</p>
  879.  
  880. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Bright Side Baller Season Standings</h2>
  881.  
  882. <p class="has-text-align-none">Man, we really do love ourselves some Mark Williams, don’t we? </p>
  883.  
  884. <p class="has-text-align-none">It’s wild how much of a difference a big can make, and in limited minutes, he’s been a force. He didn’t start against the Jazz, but when he checked in, he took over. The fans saw it too. Williams ran away with 43% of the Bright Side Baller vote, while Collin Gillespie came in second at 29%. </p>
  885.  
  886. <p class="has-text-align-none">That makes it two wins in three games for Williams, who’s quickly becoming the early-season fan favorite.</p>
  887. <img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/10/Bright-Side-Baller-SL-3.png?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" />
  888. <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">Bright Side Baller Nominees</h2>
  889.  
  890. <p class="has-text-align-none">Who is nominated for Game 4 of the season against the Grizzlies?</p>
  891.  
  892. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Devin Booker</strong><br>32 points (10-of-26, 4-of-11 3PT, 8-of-9 FT), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 1 block, +4 +/-</p>
  893.  
  894. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Mark Williams</strong><br>20 points (9-of-12 FG, 2-of-2 FT), 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 4 steals, 2 turnovers, 1 block, +6 +/-</p>
  895.  
  896. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Royce O’Neale</strong><br>18 points (6-of-12, 6-of-11 3PT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 turnovers, +7 +/-</p>
  897.  
  898. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Collin Gillespie</strong><br>14 points (5-of-10, 3-of-7 3PT, 1-of-2 FT), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 1 block, +1 +/-</p>
  899.  
  900. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Grayson Allen</strong><br>14 points (4-of-10, 2-of-6 3PT, 4-of-4 FT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 turnovers, -2 +/-</p>
  901.  
  902. <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Ryan Dunn</strong><br>9 points (4-of-9, 1-of-4 3PT), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, 1 block, +4 +/-</p>
  903.  
  904. <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
  905.  
  906. <p class="has-text-align-none">Votin’ time!</p>
  907.  
  908. <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-polldaddy wp-block-embed-polldaddy"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  909. <div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><a href="https://poll.fm/16210254" data-iframely-url="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?maxheight=750&#038;url=https%3A%2F%2Fpoll.fm%2F16210254&#038;key=a95589c51263af39f0de8ef8737db4f3"></a></div></div>
  910. </div></figure>
  911. ]]>
  912. </content>
  914. </entry>
  915. </feed>
  916.  

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