Phoenix Suns Weekly: Time to Regroup, Retool and Rebuild

Note: This is a sample based on the last week of the 2012-13 season to give you an example of what to expect from our team coverage.

Another losing week in the books for the Phoenix Suns, as they’ve just wrapped up their second-worst season in franchise history. The common theme all year has been inconsistent effort, especially on the defensive end, and this week was no different. Let’s take a look at last week, the last of the regular season and the last we’ll see of the Suns until next year.

Looking Back

Last Week’s Results (25-57 overall, 1-2 last week)

Sat. April 13 at Minnesota – Loss (105-93)

The Suns were outscored by 15 in the second half as they lose to the Timberwolves by 12. The Suns shot extremely well for the game (50.7 percent), but absolutely killed themselves by turning the ball over 27 times, leading to 33 points for the Wolves. Markieff Morris continued his hot streak, leading the team with 20 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block. Goran Dragic chipped in with 10 points, 14 assists and four steals, but it wasn’t enough as the Suns are running on fumes.

Mon. April 15 vs. Houston -Win (119-112)

The inconsistency continues, as the Suns enjoy a quality win at home over a Houston Rockets team that is fighting for their playoff lives. Four different starters scored over 20 points, with Luis Scola leading the way. Scola’s 26 points, 15 rebounds and four assists were huge, as every time the Rockets seemed to be getting close, Scola would knock down another jumper. The Suns held former ASU standout James Harden to just 16 points on 5-for-18 shooting, including a ghastly 0-for-7 from three.

Wed. April 17 at Denver – Loss (118-98)

There’s no better way for the Suns to finish than with a resounding thud. Down 15 after the first quarter and 26 at halftime, the Suns appeared to have started their offseason a little early. The Suns shot just 38.5 percent and despite getting 20 offensive rebounds (Scola with eight), they couldn’t muster the energy to compete with the Nuggets. Michael Beasley, Hamed Haddadi and Shannon Brown scored in double figures off the bench, but the Suns allowed 52.7 percent shooting and will now officially pack it in for the summer.

Looking Forward

Next Week’s Games

None scheduled

Last Week’s Most Valuable Player

Scola has always been good in and around the paint. Photo Credit: Michael Dunlap, HoopsHabit.com

Luis Scola (last week’s averages) – 30.1 minutes, 19.0 points, 11.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 48.9 FG%

Scola continues to be a professional, putting forth tremendous effort despite knowing his team is going nowhere. The Suns were lucky to grab him in the amnesty auction and it’s because of his heart and desire in times like this.

Last Week’s Least Valuable Player

Michael Beasley – 13.9 minutes, 6.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, 0.5 assists and 26.3 FG%

Much more “dud” than “stud” this week. Photo Credit: NBA.com

Beasley finally got his opportunity to get back in the game and what did he do? He fired up shots at will, as if he thought he’d never play basketball again. In 24 minutes against Denver, Beasley put up a whopping 17 shots. There’s a fine line between being aggressive and being the guy at the YMCA who shoots every time he touches the ball. Beasley was the latter this week.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Suns try to move the oft-troubled Beasley, as he’s worn out his welcome already here in the desert.

What To Watch For

The next stop for the Phoenix Suns will be the NBA draft. They have a number of glaring holes to fill, including shooting guard and small forward. General manager Ryan McDonough isn’t messing around and just wants talent. The rebuild is officially in full swing.