5 biggest surprises from first month of 2019-20 NBA season

BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Javonte Green #43 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on November 11, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks is guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Javonte Green #43 of the Boston Celtics during a game at TD Garden on November 11, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
NBA
(Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Let’s show the Phoenix Suns a little love

The Phoenix Suns haven’t had a lot of success over the past several NBA seasons, and that is an understatement. The last time they qualified for the playoffs was back in 2010.

In each of the last four seasons, they haven’t won more than 24 games. Since their last playoff appearance, they have won 40 or more games only twice.

This year, though, the Suns are off to a decent start. Despite losing three of their last four contests, they are a respectable 8-7.

Sure, being one game over the .500 mark isn’t all that great. However, considering that the Suns didn’t reach that total until mid-December last season, this can be considered an accomplishment, especially since Deandre Ayton was suspended for 25 games following the season opener.

For the fourth straight season, Devin Booker is averaging better than 22 points per contest. He is shooting a career-best 52.5 percent from the floor and an impressive 45.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Thanks to a balanced attack that features six double-digit scorers, the Suns are sixth in the NBA in scoring and they are ranked 10th in offensive efficiency and 12th in defensive efficiency, a far cry from the 28th and 29th place finishes they posted in these categories last season.

Whether the Suns can remain in the thick of the conference playoff race remains to be seen. What can be said is that they are well on their way to surpassing the 19-win total they produced a season ago.