The Phoenix Suns are winning, but it’s not pretty—and that’s becoming a problem. Their recent victories feel more like survival than dominance, as scrappy, error-prone performances against the New Orleans Pelicans raise questions about the team’s long-term sustainability. While the Suns emerged with a 123-114 win on Saturday, extending their December record to 6-4, the underlying issues are hard to ignore.
Over the past six weeks, what initially looked like fatigue from a grueling schedule now appears to be deeper, more systemic flaws being exposed. And this is the part most people miss: the Suns are winning despite themselves, not because of their usual polished play. Turnovers, missed shots, and defensive lapses are piling up, yet they’ve managed to scrape by—for now. But how long can this last?
Take Saturday’s game, for instance. Phoenix committed 17 turnovers and allowed 14 offensive rebounds, yet still shot an impressive 45% from three-point range. Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, the team’s top scorers, combined for just 38 points on inefficient shooting (6-of-18 and 7-of-18, respectively). But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a temporary slump, or a sign of deeper issues with the team’s chemistry and execution?
The Suns’ second-chance points—a staggering 16 in the first quarter alone—and Collin Gillespie’s perfect 5-for-5 from three in the first half masked some of the messiness. Yet, every time Phoenix built a double-digit lead, self-inflicted mistakes let the Pelicans back into the game. A late-game 7-0 run by Booker and Brooks sealed the win, but it felt more like luck than strategy.
The game wasn’t without drama, either. A heated altercation between Mark Williams and Jose Alvarado in the third quarter ended with both players ejected. Bold question: Was Williams justified in defending himself, or did he cross the line? The incident not only disrupted the game but also highlighted the Suns’ thin center depth, a vulnerability they’ve struggled with all season.
Williams, who has been a bright spot this season, logged his first back-to-back games in over two years, though he’s still on a minutes restriction. His progress is undeniable, but the team can’t afford a suspension if the league reviews his role in the scuffle.
Injuries continue to plague the Suns, with Grayson Allen (knee) and Jalen Green (hamstring) sidelined. Allen’s absence, now at five games with no return timeline, is particularly concerning. Meanwhile, Ryan Dunn’s knee soreness kept him out on Saturday, though rookie Rasheer Fleming saw meaningful minutes for the second straight game—a small silver lining.
So, where does this leave the Suns? Winning ugly is still winning, but the clock is ticking. If these sloppy performances persist, losses will inevitably pile up. Thought-provoking question for fans: Can the Suns clean up their act before it’s too late, or are they headed for a mid-season collapse? Let’s hear your take in the comments—agree or disagree, the debate is wide open.
