The Phoenix Suns' early-season struggles are rooted in a historically poor defense, not the absence of a traditional point guard. Following a 120-127 loss to the Denver Nuggets on October 30, the team's defensive rating sits last in the NBA, a primary reason for their 1-3 record. Coach Jordan Ott hammered home that message in a recent practice.
Their defense is broken. The numbers are stark. In their four games, the Suns have surrendered an average of over 124 points. They allowed 124 points in a 41-point opening night loss in Portland, gave up 121 in a win over Golden State, and yielded a season-high 125 in a loss at Oklahoma City on October 26. The 127 points allowed to Denver on October 30 continued the trend. This consistent inability to get stops has put immense pressure on their offense to be perfect every night.
Star guard Devin Booker recently downplayed the need for a classic floor general, noting the league's shift towards versatile guards. "I don’t think there’s many traditional guards left in the league," Booker said last month. He mentioned Tyrese Haliburton and Josh Giddey as exceptions, but stressed the modern need for every player to be a scoring threat. The team's philosophy appears built on this multi-faceted attack, but it cannot function if they can't get the ball back.
Ott left no doubt about the practice agenda. "If you didn't walk away with a defensive message coming out of today, I'd say you weren't paying attention," Ott stated after Wednesday's session. "We hit the defense pretty hard today." This direct approach shows the urgency. The coaching staff recognizes that schematic adjustments and renewed effort are non-negotiable. Without a dramatic improvement on that end, the Suns will remain reliant on unsustainable offensive explosions to compete with top teams.
The team's recent form of 1 win and 3 losses (LLWL) tells the story. After a 131-122 victory over the Warriors on October 24, they've dropped two straight. The defensive lapses have been a common thread in each defeat, whether on the road or at home. You can review the team's defensive metrics and upcoming schedule on our stats and schedule pages.
Immediate redemption is on the schedule. The Suns travel to face the Golden State Warriors again on November 2, a quick chance to avenge one of their losses and build positive momentum. It's a critical early-season test to see if Ott's defensive focus yields tangible results. The Warriors, who scored 122 against them last week, will provide a clear benchmark for any defensive progress.
Booker and the offensive stars will need to maintain their high output, but the season's trajectory now hinges on the less glamorous end of the floor. The search for a point guard is a secondary concern. The primary fix must come from within, through improved communication, rotations, and sheer determination. Otherwise, this defensive vulnerability will define their season long before the playoffs are a consideration.
