The Phoenix Suns are in a strong position heading into the All-Star Break for whatever reason.

The Phoenix Suns are in a strong position heading into the All-Star Break for whatever reason.
The team progressed during the season’s first 55 games.

The date is December 26, 2023. Another fourth-quarter lead has just been wasted by the Phoenix Suns. This time, it’s directed at the Dallas Mavericks, the Valley’s most formidable adversary as of late, and Luka Dončić. The Suns are in chaos nearly thirty games into the season, sitting in 11th place in the Western Conference, with a record of 14–15 and Bradley Beal still out injured.

Almost two months later, on February 16th, Phoenix is currently 33-22 and ranked sixth in the Western Conference. The Suns have won 19 of their last 26 games since December 26th, which is the fourth-best record in the league.

The Phoenix Suns are in a solid position heading into the All-Star Break, despite not being a perfect team by any means. They occasionally need additional size, frequently lack capable ball handlers outside of the Big Three, and they usually make games closer than they need to be.

The Suns have experienced more turnover than any other great club, so the fact that they are finding their footing at this point should encourage supporters.

Phoenix shouldn’t be upset that they are fifth in the rankings if Bradley Beal’s most recent hamstring injury is not serious, as early reports have indicated. They ought to have relief.

In LeBron James’ first season back, the Cleveland Cavaliers finished 33–22. Despite injuries to Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, the club advanced to the Finals and forced the eventual champion Golden State Warriors to six games. A club that seemed doomed less than two months ago has new life thanks to the powerful offense, the newly established continuity, and the palpably obvious camaraderie.

Jusuf Nurkić, the starting center, has led the team’s positive attitude, particularly on his “X” account.

The NBA’s hardest remaining strength of schedule belongs to Frank Vogel’s team. The Valley still has two games remaining in their final 27 regular season games against the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, and Denver Nuggets, which is good news for the squad. Now that the team is fully healthy, they can be regularly tested before April, which will help them be ready for what is ahead, as opposed to playing their best opponents early in the season and stockpiling easy wins as the season progresses.

A postseason run is never an easy ride. Winning four out of seven times in a row is a challenge, regardless of the other team’s side of the bracket or the health of its players.

Who knows if the Suns can win a championship, but one thing is certain: despite all the hiccups, turns, and sprained ankles, their first half did not stop them from reaching their objective; rather, it strengthened them as it progressed.