The Phoenix Suns are running away with the best record in the NBA this season. They are the first team to 40-wins on the season, sporting a 40-9 record and steamrolling through their schedule.
Some people believed the Suns’ success in last season’s playoffs was a fluke, as they had the benefit of facing off against teams who were missing significant players. But, anyone who questioned the legitimacy of their success is certainly having their argument invalidated by how the team is playing this season.
Phoenix has been dominant on both ends of the court, as their offensive rating of 113.3 is the third highest in the NBA and their 105.4 defensive rating is second best. Their net rating of +7.9 is also the second-best in the league. That has helped them get off to the best start in franchise history, as they are 3.5 games ahead of the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference.
The Suns are currently in the midst of their second double-digit win streak of the season. After starting things off 1-3, Phoenix reeled off 18 consecutive victories from October 30th through December 2nd. They lost on December 3rd to the Warriors in one of the best regular-season matchups in NBA history.
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Phoenix is in the midst of their second streak right now. They have won 10 consecutive games, dating back to January 11th through their most recent game against the San Antonio Spurs on January 30th.
Devin Booker has raised his game throughout the season but particularly during this win streak—averaging 30.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. Chris Paul has continued to be a steady leader with averages of 17.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 11.7 assists. Meanwhile, Mikal Bridges has been a pivotal defensive stalwart.
They are the first team with multiple double-digit win streaks in a single season since the 2017-18 Houston Rockets. That Rockets team had winning streaks of 11, 14 and 17 games en route to a 65-17 record, which was tops in the league.
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The only other team with a double-digit win streak this season is the Memphis Grizzlies. Memphis won 11 straight games from December 26th through January 13th as they are amid their own breakout this season.
The Suns will certainly be tested if they want to match their winning streak from earlier this season. They host the Brooklyn Nets in their next game before heading on a four-game road trip that includes stops at the red hot Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers before hosting the Milwaukee Bucks in a rematch of the 2021 NBA Finals.
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This season has been a historic one for the Suns, but they have plenty of work remaining. They know what it takes to make it to the NBA Finals, but are hoping that they can get over the hump this time and take home the Larry O’Brien trophy.