Around the Suns - Weekly Roundup - Week 6
- Matt Elvy
- Dec 4, 2023
- 4 min read
Join us as we review the highs and lows of the last week, as well as previewing the week ahead.
Week 6: 27 November - 3 December 2023
Week Record: 1-2
Overall Record: 12-8. 5th in the Western Conference.
Games Played and Results:
L - 105 - 112 Vs Toronto Raptors
L - 111 - 119 Vs Denver Nuggets
W - 116 - 109 Vs Memphis Grizzlies
Centre of The Sun
Another week, another set of injuries to deal with for the Suns. Grayson Allen missed the Raptors game due to illness, Book twisted his ankle vs Toronto and missed the Nuggets game and Eric Gordon knocked knees with a Denver player, missing the Grizzlies game.
We should have beat the Raptors, but for the last few years, they've had the Suns' number. Ignoring the injuries, they had more energy than us and the momentum sat with them all game.
Denver was always going to be the tough one - they're the defending champs. They didn't have Jamal Murray, but they have so much continuity within the team (and a two-time MVP), that was hard to overcome. This was especially difficult when, after going top 10 in All-Time scoring, KD didn't make a single field goal in the second half. Had he hit a few, we could have had the W.
We had Book back against the Grizzlies and despite their standing, they put up a much better fight against us than they did in the previous game. Overall though the game felt like it was ours all along.
Durant made history, cracking the top 10 on the NBA's All-Time scoring list. I'd usually have this in the "AOB" section later, but this is a huge milestone that deserves to be celebrated.
Superstar Watch (Season stats):
Devin Booker - 27.9 Points, 5.8 Rebounds, 8.4 Assists, 0.7 Steals, 47.2 FG%, 39.7 3PT FG% & 2.9 Turnovers
Kevin Durant - 31.0 Points, 6.4 Rebounds, 5.8 Assists, 0.8 Steals, 1.2 Blocks, 51.2 FG%, 49.4 3PT FG% & 3.6 Turnovers
Bradley Beal - 17.3 Points, 5.3 Rebounds, 3.7 Assists, 0.7 Steals, 39.1 FG%, 33.3 3PT FG% & 3.0 Turnovers (3 Games)
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Scorching Suns:
Jusuf Nurkic
With the team missing multiple guys throughout the week, Nurk took a step up. To be honest he's been improving consistently for the last couple of week, but it all came together against the Nuggets. He was ready for the Jokic challenge and had his best game as a Sun. He also used his size greatly against Toronto, only missing 4 shots and grabbing 14 rebounds.
His stats for the week:
21.3 Points, 9.7 Rebounds, 3.7 Assists, 1.3 Blocks, 51.9 FG% & 30.0 3PT FG%.
Honourable Mention
Eric Gordon
Gordon has been dependable all season, stepping into the starting line-up with Book and Beal missing o many games.
He missed the Grizzlies game with a sore knee, but shot great in the other two games.
His stats for the week:
13.0 Points, 2.5 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 1.0 Steal, 50.0 FG% & 50.0 3PT FG%.
Struggling Suns:
Yuta Watanabe
The SunsJAM pod have asked, "Has Yuta entered the Shamet Zone?" Unfortunately I think he has.
He's able to knock down a 3 here and there, but has been missing more often than not. He also seems to foul someone as soon as he enters the game.
His stats for the week:
2.5 Points, 1.5 Rebounds, 1.0 Steal, 1.0 Block, 14.3 FG% & 20.0 3PT FG%.
Stat Line(s) of the Week:
Devin Booker vs Memphis Grizzles
Book missed the Nuggets game, after rolling his ankle vs Toronto, but came back against the Grizzlies, leading the team with a near triple-double.
Game stat line:
34 Points, 10 Rebounds, 7 Assists, 1 Steal, 9/21 FGs (42.9%) & 3/8 3PT FGs (37.5%).
Nurk vs Nuggets
As mentioned earlier in the roundup, Nurk had his best game as a Sun, topping 30 points for the first time since February 2022. He really stepped up, taking on former teammate and two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Game stat line:
31 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 1 Block, 13/22 FGs (59.1%) & 2/6 3PT FGs (33.3%).
Honourable Mention:
Kevin Durant vs Memphis Grizzlies
Having Book around makes the game too easy for KD.
Game stat line:
27 Points, 5 Assists, 1 Steal, 1 Block 10/14 FGs (71.4%) & 2/3 3PT FGs (66.7%).
Upcoming Games:
We have 3 games this week, but as far as what they all are, we don't 100% know yet. The only confirmed fixture is vs the Lakers on Tuesday, in the first knockout round of the In-Season Tournament.
Prediction:
Not sure where to go this week, so I'm just going to say we win the West side of the tournament bracket, but lose to the Bucks in the Finals 🤷♂️
Predictions League:
Any Other Business:
More Kevin Durant Milestones
As discussed above KD moved into 10th on the NBA's All-Time scoring list. I thought this post from NBA Stats was interesting going into the Denver game:
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