The Phoenix Suns secured their second consecutive victory by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 116-109 on December 15, 2024, at Footprint Center, showcasing teamwork and resilience even amid challenges. The win, witnessed by 17,071 fans, marked yet another stride forward for the Suns, raising their record to 14-11.
Leading the charge was Devin Booker, who scored a game-high 28 points, following up on his impressive 34-point performance against the Utah Jazz just two nights earlier. Meanwhile, Tyus Jones made headlines with his standout play, contributing 19 points on an incredible 8-of-9 shooting, including three successful three-point attempts. Booker expressed his admiration for Jones post-game, noting, "He’s mastered this since the sixth grade. I keep telling everyone to keep an eye on him; he’s incredibly punctual with his game. He’s always maintained a consistent pace on the open court, and his scoring is undeniably underrated. I’m thrilled he’s on our side."
Despite their recent success, the Suns faced some significant hurdles as star player Bradley Beal sat out once again due to swelling in his right knee. This absence raised questions about the team's ability to perform against stronger opponents, but the Suns managed to deliver, winning against teams with poor records—the Jazz and Blazers are both struggling this season.
The victories, particularly against teams with sub .500 records, have sparked discussions about what they truly signify for the Suns. Notably, the Jazz currently hold the second-worst record in the Western Conference (5-19), and the Blazers are not far behind at 8-10. Coach Mike Budenholzer recognized the importance of these wins but acknowledged they need to step up their game against tougher competition. "We probably just need to keep encouraging him... he's shown glimpses of his aggressiveness," Budenholzer stated, referring to Jones's growing role within the team.
What became apparent during the match against Portland was the Suns' ability to rally when needed. After allowing the Blazers to string together an 11-0 run early in the second half, which placed Phoenix behind 62-57, the Suns regrouped effectively. They ended the third quarter leading 83-79, with Booker particularly effective, scoring 12 of his total points within this frame.
Jusuf Nurkic, returning to form after recovering from injury, also made contributions, logging 10 points and 14 rebounds, though he struggled with turnovers. Budenholzer's strategic use of his bigs, including Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, and rookie Oso Ighodaro, proved pivotal. While discussing the team's strategies, Budenholzer noted, "The more aggressive he [Jones] is, the more we become as a unit. Balancing aggressiveness with basketball IQ is key. When he plays with assertiveness, we’re at our peak."
Jones's emergence as a fundamental part of the backcourt has garnered attention this season. He is reaching career highs, currently averaging 12.5 points, seven assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game. Some may argue these numbers stem from playing alongside stars like Durant, Booker, and Beal; yet, his skill and work ethic shine through. Since joining the Suns, he has taken on the role of floor general, actively creating space for his co-stars.
Reflecting on his growth, Jones mentioned, "That’s something that's been emphasized here too. Everyone knows Coach Bud wants us to fire up the threes. With the gravity KD, Book, and Brad create, it leaves other guys like me open for shots. So I focus on being ready to shoot and knocking them down."
This season, Jones has not only been consistent but has also become more aggressive with his shooting, thanks to discussions with previous coaches emphasizing the importance of offensive assertiveness. Over the past eight games, he has scored double figures consistently, demonstrating improved three-point shooting as well.
Moving forward, the Suns are gearing up for more challenging games. Their upcoming matches against teams like Indiana (12-15) and Detroit (10-16) will be telling. The true test, according to many analysts, will come when they face the Denver Nuggets (13-10) on December 23, and the rematch on Christmas Day. These games could provide insight on whether the Suns are genuinely back on track, or if their recent success is merely padding against weaker opponents.
Whether or not they overcome these challenges, the synergy built among stars like Booker and Jones will be instrumental. The connection between these players, backed by Budenholzer's coaching strategies, feeds the Suns’ growing confidence. With prospects for Beal's return looming, the Suns’ strengths will soon be tested against higher-tier competition.
Head coach Budenholzer's emphasis on aggressive shooting and solid playmaking offers hope as the team strives for consistency. The last two games have certainly showcased potential; only time will reveal if the Suns can sustain such momentum against the league’s elite.
