Three Notable Improvements Seen in Suns Preseason Play

The Phoenix Suns have drastically improved since the beginning of the preseason.

The Phoenix Suns preseason thus far has shown signs that the 2022-23 season may be much more of a struggle than previous years. 

The streaky play and overall roster changes make experts believe the Suns could be primed for a slow start. The loss to the Adelaide 36ers to open things up in Phoenix didn't exactly help, either. 

With just one game left before regular season action gets underway, there have been significant improvements since the infamous 36ers loss:

Three Notable Improvements Seen in Suns' Preseason

Bench Play

The Suns' bench has been a magnifying glass for what to expect from Phoenix this season. 

It was a bumpy ride at the start but even without Cameron Payne, the bench has turned their play around since. 

They were key in the comeback against the Lakers and while not able to complete the win against Denver, at least three Suns on the bench scored double digits for the second game in a row. 

With the hopeful presence of Payne, Landry Shamet and Dario Saric, play is expected to continue to rise as the regular season nears.

Deandre Ayton

From what happened last May to what was a very expressive offseason, it's easy to be critical of Deandre Ayton. 

After what was a good offensive game against the 36ers and a lackluster start against the Lakers, he seemed to have taken his biggest step against the Nuggets averaging a double-double and three steals. While Ayton has yet to live up to the expectations placed on him when he joined the league, he certainly has made himself a pillar to be leaned upon in the regular season.

Defensive Prowess

The Suns finished tied for 5th in steals this past season, averaging 8.6per night. The good news in Phoenix? Those numbers do not look to be slowing down leading in the category in each game played so far this preseason. 

The Suns have been able to keep up in the defensive rebound department as well, while scoring points off turnovers is the next step for the Suns that could be seen tonight vs. Sacramento.

Notable Mentions

• Chris Paul is in his 18th year in the NBA and does not look any slower than he has in his time in Phoenix.

• Dario Saric will only play one preseason game but did look like his old self with 12 points 4 rebounds and a steal.

• Damion Lee has put together quality back-to-back double-digit scoring performances and has shot well in both (3-5 on Monday and 4-8 on Wednesday).

• The Suns will have their final tune-up tonight against the Kings in Phoenix before hosting the Dallas Mavericks next Wednesday to kick off the season. 

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