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Phoenix Suns: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For 2016

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight reacts in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The 76ers defeated the Suns 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight reacts in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The 76ers defeated the Suns 111-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns small forward T.J. Warren (12) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Compete

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easier said than done for a demoralized team that’s lost 18 of its last 23 games. The body language looks terrible from everyone but the younger players who are just excited to be on the court, Jeff Hornacek’s adding gray hairs on a night to night basis and nobody’s happy in a losing atmosphere.

The Phoenix Suns probably aren’t going to win many games without their best player, and that’s probably for the best. But if the team doesn’t at least compete, Hornacek is as good as gone, even if Bledsoe’s injury gives him a little more of a grace period.

So far, the results have been mixed without Bledsoe. Phoenix put up a tough fight against the Cleveland Cavaliers at home, eventually losing by four because a Tyson Chandler offensive foul waved off a go-ahead three-pointer by Brandon Knight and an unlucky broken play that resulted in a dagger three from Kyrie Irving. They also competed with the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday night.

But, before we get too excited, the Suns were absolutely annihilated on the road Wednesday by the San Antonio Spurs — a good team, to be sure, but one playing without Tim Duncan that still managed to smash Phoenix by 33 points, which was the worst margin of defeat for the Suns since 2012.

Phoenix doesn’t have the guns to make the playoffs at this point, but no matter how many losses pile up, the only way this season could get worse is if the team gives up. As long as they’re competing, giving their best effort on defense and trying to scrap against superior teams, that’s all the fans can ask for at this point.

Next: No. 4

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