The Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker takes on the Sacramento Kings in their season opener. There are three keys to victory for the Phoenix Suns in their first game of the season. Phoenix for years has been one of the worst teams in basketball. However, this off-season, new General Manager James Jones decided that was going to change and decided to make changes to improve the team. The off-season was busy for the Suns. They built a whole new roster, building around some of their core players. Jones was able to trade for some prominent players, sign players in free agency, and draft players in the NBA Draft.
Phoenix Suns Home Opener Preview 2019
Phoenix Suns Rising
The Suns starting lineup could be this; Ricky Rubio, Booker, Kelly Oubre Jr., Dario Saric, and Deandre Ayton. It may be their first time playing a game as a unit together but they have a chance to win this game and start the season with a win. They are in the Western Conference which will make this season difficult as almost every team in the West improved.
However, I do think they will make the postseason as the eighth seed. The Suns have a point guard who creates plays passing the ball and can effectively shoot the ball when needed. Now, Booker doesn’t have to worry about making plays and baskets and can focus on playing defense. Defense is what the Suns need if they want to win more than 19 games.
Three Phoenix Suns Keys to Victory
The defense is one key to a win if the Suns would like to beat the Kings. The Suns should play man-to-man defense against the Kings outside of Ayton. He should be protecting the paint because of De’Aaron Fox’s quickness. Ayton reminds of Marc Gasol in the way he has a jump shot and doesn’t rely on getting baskets in the paint. Their second key to victory would be for the team to rebound on both sides of the ball. Lastly their third key to victory is communication and controlling the tempo of the game. If they can do these three things, they will have a good shot at winning.
Additionally, on offense, they need Ayton and Saric to post-up. Also, if any players other than Booker can make three-pointers or let alone shots, they will have a higher chance of winning. This team has a versatile bench and head coach Monty Williams will be able to mix the rotation. Just about everyone on this roster can make baskets.
Phoenix Suns on Fire
The Suns were able to sign some players with playoff experience to their roster. The organization made moves to their front office as well in hiring Jones as General Manager and Williams as head coach. Both have playoff experience whether it be playing or coaching. Rubio, Oubre Jr., and Saric are also players with playoff experience. This is what the Suns needed; veterans on the team to help their core while being a part of it. Jones signed players the Suns needed to help them turn this franchise around. He signed players with the mindset of making the playoffs and wanting to win. This is a new Suns team.
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