Can the Phoenix Suns regain their magic in second half of season?

Can the Phoenix Suns regain their shine and revert back to their winning ways despite losing key pieces of their roster to injuries?

Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams has had his work cut out for him as he has had to figure out an effective rotation as the team’s roster has been decimated by injuries. The Suns have lost three out of their last 12 as they continue to struggle mightily without the contributions of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Cam Johnson, and Cameron Payne.

During their recent 6-game losing streak, the Suns only averaged 95 points per game which is a huge differential from the 112.7 they average on the season. Booker has been critical to the Suns’ success and it is showing as they have compiled a 3-10 record without him.

Paul was injured just days ago during the game against the Miami Heat but he is listed as day-to-day. There have been concerns about Paul’s decline in points per game and his field goal percentage as he is posting career lows in both categories.

Due to Paul’s lack of production, the Suns can’t expect him to carry them during Booker’s absence as they appear to lack a consistent scorer outside of their 3-time all-star. Paul’s value now lies within his ability to be a leader which is an attribute he has always had. Even when Paul underperforms, there is no denying that he is a respected voice of reason inside the Suns’ locker room.

With Booker, Paul, Johnson, and Payne all missing in action, that’s a combined 65 points they are missing from those players alone which is more than half of the points the team averages.

Who can the Suns expect to step up?

Mikal Bridges is scoring 15.4 points per game but can the Suns expect him to do more on the offensive end especially considering the fact that he exerts most of his energy on the defensive end? He is currently 10th in the NBA in minutes played but could the Suns find success by giving him more freedom to attack on offense while expecting him to slow down the opposing team’s top-scoring threat?

After forcing missed shots and disrupting the flow of the other team’s offense late in games will Bridges be able to exert the energy to run the floor on a fast break? Will he have enough gas in his tank to come through in clutch situations?

While Bridges may be great at many facets of the game more expectations should be placed squarely on Deandre Ayton’s shoulders. Since Ayton has been in Phoenix he has had the luxury of playing on good teams which gave him the chance to develop at his own pace and improve his game without having to worry about being the top option on offense.

However, Ayton is a former No. 1 overall selection and with that status comes unfair criticism and expectations to be great but Ayton has been good for the most part. With so many key players sidelined it’s due time for Ayton to come out of his comfort zone and become the dominating force he is capable of being. This is the perfect storm for Ayton to assert himself and prove to the front office that he is worth that massive contract he got in the offseason.

Ayton can develop into that type of player but he must remain consistent and even more importantly he has to be on the same page with his head coach. Whatever differences Ayton and Williams had, they have to be put aside before it’s an irreparable situation.

Williams also has to reassure Ayton that he trusts him and that he believes in his ability by allowing him to get the touches and allowing him to attack and be aggressive. If there is any time to see if Ayton is an alpha or just a role player, now is the time. Ayton should be motivated by this opportunity, and with newfound confidence, it will make the Suns even more dangerous when they are healthy again.

Taking advantage of an opportunity 

Duane Washington Jr. is a player who could become a major contributor to the Suns. He has earned more playing time due to some spectacular performances and proving he belongs every time he steps on the court. He has averaged 14.4  points in his last nine games as he also has three games where he scored 20-plus points.

He was a great addition to the Suns’ roster and they should be ecstatic to have a player of this caliber who is truly a diamond in the rough. He can create his own shot, finish at the rim and knock down spot-up 3’s in transition. Washington Jr. also poured in 21 points against the defending champions Golden State Warriors to help the Suns end a 6-game losing streak.

Damion Lee is another player who is capable of doing damage if he gets the shot attempts and minutes. Lee, who was a former member of the Warriors who won a title with them last season said that he had that game “circled on his calendar” came out, and scored a season-high 22 points.

If the Suns can continue to have both Washington Jr. and Lee step up at least until the others get healthy, it should help keep the Suns afloat and in a position to qualify for the playoffs and be much stronger when that time approaches.