Where Suns Fall in Updated NBA Power Rankings
PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns hope to have found their footing after winning their previous seven-of-ten games.
Recent NBA power rankings are reluctant to place them in the top echelon of teams - for now - though it's clear the Suns are building to something better as the postseason draws closer.
NBA.com: No. 14
"Bradley Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have played in four straight games together, but while the numbers have been great with all three on the floor, quality wins remain hard to come by for the Suns," wrote John Schuhhman.
"Two more games within the West’s top eight are coming this week, with the Suns currently (0-2) against the sixth-place Kings, who will be in Phoenix on Tuesday. Three nights later, the Suns will be in New Orleans to face the fifth-place Pelicans for the first time."
Bleacher Report: No. 9
"Whether because of injuries, inconsistency or some combination of those two things, the Phoenix Suns don't have the numbers-backed case that others do to suggest they're a contender," wrote Andy Bailey.
"Their season has been, in a word, underwhelming. But this is one of those teams where subjectivity weighs a little heavier on the scale, because it's impossible to ignore how good it can be.
"On Thursday, behind Bradley Beal's best game in a Suns jersey, Phoenix crushed the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena by 18 points.
"He had 37 points to lead the way, while Devin Booker had 31 and Kevin Durant barely broke a sweat getting to 18 on 7-of-12 shooting.
"When all three stars are healthy, there's just no good option for an opposing defense."
Clutch Points: No. 17
"The Phoenix Suns are beginning to look like the offensive force many imagined when they first traded for Bradley Beal in the offseason. This is due to the fact that their Big 3 is finally healthy and playing alongside one another," wrote Brett Siegel.
"As long as they are healthy, the Suns are going to be a force that is impossible to stop on offense. Defensively, this team has gaps to fill, ones that the front office will look to address at the trade deadline and possibly on the buyout market. Keep an eye on the Suns with the contracts of Nassir Little and Grayson Allen."
