The Suns are failing Devin Booker this season, and it starts with the scheme
The Phoenix Suns have moved away from what made Devin Booker and the team successful last season, as Sam Vecenie has painfully and perfectly highlighted.
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Latest news and updates about the Suns
Starting Collin Gillespie is not the quick fix to Suns' early season woes
Collin Gillespie can help the Suns rediscover their spark from last season, but inserting him into the starting lineup will not fix every problem this team has.
Injury-plagued Thunder suddenly stand as perfect Suns trade partner
The Suns need to undo this dreadful Miles Bridges trade, and getting the Thunder to overpay with picks for some of their role players would be a massive help.
Oso Ighodaro’s absence exposes Suns’ offensive and defensive issues
Phoenix Suns struggle on both ends of the floor without second‑round pick Oso Ighodaro, who is out with an oblique injury. In the 129 minutes he’s missed, the Suns are a –36 point differential, with assist percentage down 6.7% and steal percentage down 8.3%. Ighodaro’s passing, rebounding, switchable defense and rim protection keep the team organized, and his absence has led to defensive confusion and offensive disjointedness. Despite criticism of his shooting, the blog argues his intangibles are vital as Phoenix works to regain stability ahead of the upcoming Denver game.
NBA Notes: Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cavs, Peyton Watson, Hawks
The Thunder sit 4‑0 despite losing Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, putting more MVP weight on Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander as Oklahoma City battles injuries. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers’ rookie Peyton Watson impressed in a 124‑121 overtime win over Minnesota, tallying three steals, four blocks and a team‑high 14 contested shots, though his three‑point shooting remains a work in progress (2‑of‑14). Atlanta’s second‑unit spark, Aaron Wiggins, is questionable with a knee contusion as the Hawks try to extend Miami’s early losing streak; coach Quin Snyder may lean on Corey Kispert, Lu Dort or Jock Landale for scoring. The note previews how injuries could shape each team’s early season trajectory.
The Suns’ defense is disconnected. Somebody find the light switch!
The Phoenix Suns' defense has unraveled early in the 2026‑27 season, allowing 123.7 points per game—the fifth most in the league—and posting the worst defensive rating (124.5). In just three games they’ve surrendered 143 points to Portland, 122 to a weakened Golden State squad, and 125 to Oklahoma City, while ranking 29th in perimeter defense (opponents shooting 40.7% from three) and dead‑last in rebounding at 42.9%. Injuries to Booker, Brooks, and Williams may be a factor, but the article argues the issues stem from systemic lapses, with guards penetrating unchecked and the big men arriving too late. The piece warns that without a major defensive fix, Phoenix could repeat last season’s late‑year collapse.
Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein sends emotional tribute to Jalen Williams, Cason Wallace
Ahead of the Thunder’s Monday matchup with the Phoenix Suns, center Isaiah Hartenstein delivers an emotional tribute to teammates Jalen Williams, who suffers a season‑ending injury, and guard Cason Wallace, sidelined by a left‑shoulder tear. Wearing Williams’ jersey, Hartenstein says the squad will play with added pride and camaraderie, emphasizing their bond off the court. He also jokes about a jersey mix‑up with Wallace. Hartenstein contributes 15 points, 13 rebounds and three assists in the 125‑114 win, as Oklahoma City embarks on a three‑game road stretch starting against the Mavericks.
Suns' porous defense sets off alarm bells early in the season
Throughout a surprising 45-win campaign a season ago, defense was the Phoenix Suns' calling card. It's almost entirely disappeared to start the new season.
Ryan Dunn is the small-ball center hiding in plain sight for Phoenix Suns
The Suns need a new small-ball center, and Ryan Dunn is in desperate need of a role in Phoenix, meaning this could pay off in a big way for both sides.
What is wrong with the Phoenix Suns?
After a 43‑point explosion against Golden State, Devin Booker rattles off a dismal 3‑point night (1‑of‑7) as the Phoenix Suns fall to the Oklahoma City Thunder 105‑84 on Oct. 26, exposing deeper flaws. The loss highlights a hit‑or‑miss franchise star, chronic rebounding woes, and an offense lacking identity, with the Brooks‑Bridges pairing shooting just 5‑of‑20 from three. While Jalen Green posts 20 points and the bench hits 10‑of‑21 from deep, the starters struggle to sync, stall possessions, and rely too heavily on Booker. Despite early‑season optimism about continuity, the Suns appear structurally unbalanced and in need of significant adjustments to avoid repeating a 1‑4 start.
Alex Caruso suffers ankle sprain as Thunder injury concerns grow
Alex Caruso exits early with a right ankle sprain as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 125-114 on Oct. 27, 2026. Coach Mark Daigneault confirms the veteran guard only suffered a sprain and will miss time, raising worries about the Thunder's injury list. The setback adds to growing concerns for the team's depth as they push forward in the season.
The Phoenix Suns are off to a rough start, but it’s too early to panic
The Phoenix Suns drop to 1-2 after a 125-114 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, highlighting ongoing defensive woes. While the early-season loss raises concerns about the team's preparation, analysts argue it's premature to panic. Reporter Wendy Lopez notes the Suns' slow start but emphasizes the need for further work before drawing conclusions.
Thunder’s Jaylin Williams reveals he was texting with Jalen Williams deep into night after devastating injury
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jaylen Williams says he stayed up texting teammate Jalen Williams until 2 a.m. after Jalen’s season‑ending fibula fracture and ankle dislocation was confirmed by GM Sam Presti. He also offered support to Cason Wallace, who faces shoulder surgery, and reflected on the team’s effort to stay positive despite missing Jalen, Wallace and All‑Star Chet Holmgren (right knee). The Thunder still beat the Phoenix Suns 125‑114 to go 4‑0, with Jaylen contributing six points, six rebounds and three assists. Coach Mark Daigneault praised the squad’s compassion and focus heading into a road game against the Mavericks.
Isaiah Hartenstein gives Khaman Maluach a masterclass the Suns' center needed
Khaman Maluach remains a raw prospect on the rise, and Isaiah Hartenstein showed the youngster as the Thunder beat the Suns how to one day reach his level.
Suns aren't getting the best Devin Booker, and a real point guard could help
Devin Booker wants the Suns to be more creative in how they get him the ball, in what could be the clearest indication yet that the team needs to change.
Jordan Ott picked worst time to try Miles Bridges at center in Suns' loss
Miles Bridges might work as a small-ball center for the Suns on certain nights, but against the Oklahoma City Thunder, it was not the time to try this move.
Stop looking for someone to blame…the Suns are failing together
In a disappointing 3‑0 start, the Phoenix Suns struggle as a whole against an injury‑hit Oklahoma City Thunder, losing the rebounding battle 48‑38 and failing to contain drives from players like Ajay Mitchell. Coach and fans are urged to stop scapegoating individuals—whether it’s Devin Booker, Miles Bridges, or the bench—and focus on collective accountability, better execution, and communication. The piece also highlights Booker’s 43‑point home‑opener record and his 85% win in the Bright Side Baller fan vote, while listing the Thunder’s top performers from Game 3.
Mark Daigneault praises Thunder’s response after devastating injuries
Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault lauds his squad’s composure and preparation after a grueling 24‑hour stretch, highlighting their 125‑114 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 27, 2026. Despite losing Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace to serious injuries that will keep them sidelined, the short‑handed Thunder stay unbeaten at 4‑0, showcasing collective effort and resilience.
Mitchell, Gilgeous-Alexander lead Thunder past Suns to stay unbeaten
Ajay Mitchell erupts for a career‑high 30 points, shooting 10‑of‑16 and 9‑of‑10 from the line, while Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander adds 26 as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 125‑114 at Paycom Center. The win keeps the Thunder unbeaten at 4‑0 to start the 2026‑27 season. Mitchell also dishes out five assists and a block in just 25 minutes, highlighting a dominant offensive night for the young core.
Thunder’s Mark Daigneault celebrates Ajay Mitchell’s ‘unique skill’ in 1st start in place of Jalen Williams
With Jalen Williams sidelined for the season and Cason Wallace headed for shoulder surgery, Oklahoma City thrust Ajay Mitchell into the starting lineup. Mitchell responded with a career‑high 30 points, five assists and a block as the Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 125‑114. Coach Mark Daigneault praised Mitchell’s “hard, smart, and skilled” play, noting his unique ability to impact both ends of the floor. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander highlighted Mitchell’s consistency when starters go down, and Jared McCain added 18 off the bench. The win sets the Thunder up for a road trip to Dallas.
Thunder Notes: Injuries, Caruso, Holmgren, Stirtz, K. Williams
Oklahoma City clinches a 125-114 win over Phoenix to start 4-0, but the celebration is muted as Jalen Williams (fractured fibula/dislocated ankle) and Cason Wallace (torn labrum) face long‑term absences. Analyst John Hollinger warns Williams could be a season‑ender, reshaping a Western Conference once seen as a two‑team race with San Antonio. Guard Alex Caruso exits early with a right ankle sprain, while Chet Holmgren sits out due to right patellar tendinitis. In their stead, Ajay Mitchell (30 pts), Jared McCain (18 pts), rookie Bennett Stirtz and Kenrich Williams see increased minutes. The Thunder now have a 15‑man roster spot and several cap exceptions to consider adding depth.
OKC Thunder Hit With Alex Caruso Blow as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Still Can’t “Fathom” Jalen Williams Injury
The Oklahoma City Thunder lose guard Alex Caruso to a right‑ankle sprain early in their 125–114 win over the Phoenix Suns, adding to a nightmare 24‑hour injury stretch that already sidelined Jalen Williams (dislocated ankle, fractured fibula) and Cason Wallace (torn left‑shoulder labrum). MVP Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander expressed disbelief and frustration over Williams' setbacks, while Caruso’s brief nine‑minute cameo yielded nine points, two rebounds and three assists. Despite missing Chet Holmgren (knee tendinitis), OKC stays 4‑0, with Ajay Mitchell scoring a career‑high 30 and Jared McCain adding 18. The Thunder now face a thinned guard rotation ahead of Wednesday’s matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.
Thunder Outlast Suns Despite Shorthanded Roster; 4 Key Takeaways
Even with several players sidelined, the Thunder look dominant as they notch a 125-114 victory over the Suns on Monday night.
Game Recap: Booker goes AWOL as Suns fall 125-114 to Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 125-114 on October 26, 2026, with Devin Booker's surprising 3-point output in 33 minutes becoming the headline. After a promising start, the Suns struggled to rebound missed shots (29% rebounded versus the league average) and lacked interior depth with Mark Williams out. Jalen Green contributed 20 points on 8‑13 shooting and four assists, while Miles Bridges showed offensive flair but was uneven defensively. The Thunder pulled away in the second half, capitalizing on second‑chance opportunities. The loss highlights the Suns' need to address ball movement, rebounding and Booker's off‑night as they head into the NBA Cup play.
Suns unable to pounce on vulnerable Thunder in loss
The Phoenix Suns look far away from being the opportunistic team they were last year.
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