I don’t think I’m alone in saying I don’t really understand how the Phoenix Suns have been so good this season.
They looked to be a prime candidate for regression after their spectacular 2021-22 campaign flamed out in the 2nd round, and the ‘bad vibes’ of not adding much in the offseason and retaining a grumpy Deandre Ayton and sidelining an also-grumpy Jae Crowder. All that, and they have had long-term injuries to Chris Paul and 6th man turned starter Cam Johnson. Their starting backcourt is Torrey Craig and Cam Payne!
And yet they are 1st place in the Western Conference with a top-10 defense (6th) and offense (2nd).