How the Suns Broke Down in Their Loss to Washington

Phoenix's depleted roster and lack of vocal on court leadership to blame for Tuesday's loss.

December has been blue so far for the Phoenix Suns with just a 4-7 record in the month, and a long list of players being out due to injury. 

They were able to take advantage of an equally depleted Lakers team on Monday along with struggling Spurs and Clippers teams. 

The only team playoff-bound matchup that has ended in a win was the New Orleans Pelicans, who they have gone 1-2 against in the month. Against the Wizards on Tuesday, without Devin Booker, Cam Payne, and Cam Johnson, the depleted roster seems to have slowed down the Suns.

Phoenix slowing down showed on defense and in transition especially. In total, the Suns outnumbered the Wizards for fouls called against 23-14. The disparity led to 26 points for the Wizards compared to Phoenix's 15 points.

Suns head coach Monty Williams explained the issue: 

“(Bradley) Beal got some looks, our defense in the fourth broke down, we gave up 33 points and 25 points off turnovers for the game, that kind of put us in mud. I thought we got a bit tired. Missed some shots down the stretch, we didn’t execute well down the stretch for sure, but just a tough fourth quarter defensively.”

Also missing was Booker's leadership on the hardwood as well late in the game. Landry Shamet talked about what was missing late in the game: “We kind of lost our punch there defensively, we were getting hit first and not hitting first. Communication was a little late, quiet, or nonexistent at times.” 

He did though see what could be done while Booker is out with a groin injury, “The encouraging part is that is all stuff you can change right away. Just by opening your mouth and talking, we can do that at a higher level. Especially down the stretch, second game of a back-to-back.”

The Suns will now have enjoyed a few days off before hosting the dangerous Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. Afterwards, Phoenix will travel to Denver for Christmas Day basketball against the Denver Nuggets. 

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