Suns Hit New Low In Hornets Loss Amidst Lineup Changes

The Phoenix Suns hit a new low in their 124-101 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night. The loss dropped the Suns to 14-19 on the season, their worst record after 33 games since the 2018-19 season.

The Suns have been struggling all season long, but their problems have been exacerbated by a series of lineup changes. Head coach Monty Williams has been forced to juggle his lineup due to injuries and poor play, but he has yet to find a combination that works.

Against the Hornets, the Suns started Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, and Deandre Ayton. That lineup had been successful in the past, but it was no match for the Hornets on Monday night. The Hornets shot 54.2% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range, while the Suns shot just 41.7% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range.

Lineup Changes

The Suns have made a number of lineup changes this season, but none have been successful. They started the season with Booker, Paul, Bridges, Johnson, and Ayton, but that lineup struggled to find chemistry. Williams then moved Johnson to the bench and inserted Dario Saric into the starting lineup, but that lineup was even worse.

Williams has also tried starting Torrey Craig and Josh Okogie, but neither player has been able to provide the Suns with the consistency they need. The Suns are now at a point where they are desperate for a change, but it is unclear what that change will be.

Injuries

The Suns have also been hit hard by injuries this season. Booker has missed 10 games with a groin injury, and Paul has missed 11 games with a heel injury. Both players are key members of the Suns' starting lineup, and their absence has been felt.

In addition to Booker and Paul, the Suns have also been missing Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, and Jae Crowder. Payne is a valuable backup point guard, Shamet is a sharpshooter, and Crowder is a veteran forward who provides leadership and toughness.

Poor Play

The Suns have also been plagued by poor play this season. They have been one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA, and they have also struggled to defend. The Suns are currently ranked 29th in the NBA in defensive rating, and they have allowed their opponents to score 120 or more points in 14 of their 33 games.

The Suns have also been turnover-prone this season. They are currently ranked 25th in the NBA in turnovers per game, and they have had 10 or more turnovers in 18 of their 33 games.

Conclusion

The Suns are in a difficult situation. They are struggling with injuries, poor play, and lineup changes. It is unclear how they are going to turn things around, but they need to do it soon. The Suns are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2018-19 season.

The Suns' next game is on Wednesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans are one of the worst teams in the NBA, so the Suns should be able to get a win. However, the Suns need to start playing better if they want to have any chance of making the playoffs.

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