The Phoenix Suns faced off against the Indiana Pacers on January 4, 2025, at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse, culminating in yet another disappointing performance for the Suns as they lost 126-108. Despite some initial offensive efficiency, the Suns' inability to defend and adapt proved costly, highlighting their recent woes.
Entering the game, the Suns had struggled to find consistency, posting only three wins from their last ten games. They held the 11th position in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, with their record now standing at 15-18, enhancing the urgency for improvement. The Pacers, on the other hand, improved to 18-18 with this victory, demonstrating resilience as they aimed for back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
One of the game's notable patterns was the Suns' astonishing reliance on midrange shots, accounting for 56% of their attempts, which placed them firmly at the 99th percentile for this metric. Clean the Glass reports noted only ten shots at the rim, corresponding to 16% of the total attempts, marking it as the fourth percentile. Such statistics are alarming for any team trying to compete for playoff standings.
The game presented its challenges early on, with the Suns actually shooting 15% higher than the Pacers at halftime, resulting in the score being tied at 60. They managed to keep pace thanks to their star duo, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, who combined for 45 points on 16-of-29 shooting. Their contributions were noteworthy, but they still fell short of compensatory performance needed from the rest of the roster.
Head coach Mike Budenholzer’s decision to start Ryan Dunn for the game significantly impacted the team’s rhythm. With key players Tyus Jones and Oso Ighodaro sidelined due to illness, adjustments were necessary, and Dunn's contributions were mixed. The Suns ended up with 30 assists, indicating moments of solid ball movement, yet they struggled to maintain defensive intensity, allowing the Pacers to create leverage.
The Pacers took control of the game by stepping up their offensive game as they outscored the Suns 66-48 in the second half. Specifically, their three-point shooting came alive, allowing them to pull away and extend their lead, creating discomfort for the Suns. The game reflected the Suns' systemic issues, as they repeatedly demonstrated poor shot selection and insufficient defensive commitment.
Bradley Beal’s presence was also called to attention, as he continued to battle health issues following his recent hip contusion. He scored eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, demonstrating the necessity for the Suns to have their full roster ready to compete consistently. The Suns completed the game with minimal success at the free-throw line, trailing the Pacers by four attempts, which added to their struggles.
After witnessing the game, one can’t help but wonder about the outlook for the Suns. According to reports from AZFamily, the Suns must learn their lesson moving forward: "They are not and will not be good enough to make the playoffs if this refusal continues." This pointed critique exposes the depth of the challenges they face as the season progresses.
Looking at individual players, Tyrese Haliburton emerged as the Pacers' offensive beacon, following up on his spectacular performance less than 48 hours prior where he scored 33 points and dished out 15 assists without turning the ball over. With Haliburton’s knack for orchestrated play, the Suns were never able to find their footing on the defensive end.
While the season is still alive, questions loom for the Suns. Their high-profile stars must embrace the team-first mentality and improve their overall performance. If not, the buzzards will circle as the playoffs near, and the franchise may find itself outside the postseason picture again.
Both teams now look toward their next matchups, with the Pacers aiming to establish more consistency after this game, hoping to push for playoff contention. The Suns will need to regroup quickly, build on their strengths, and address the glaring deficiencies uncovered during their visit to Indiana.