Basketball is a team sport, yes. However the plus/minus (+/-) statistic give insight on the one on one matchups through out an NBA game. Believe it or not, only three players finished the game for the Suns in the plus side of that statistic. This insane stat in today’s game against the New York Knicks explains the roughly 20 point loss.
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- Mikal Bridges -18
- Torrey Craig -14
- Deandre Ayton -24
- Landry Shamet -7
- Chris Paul -38
These numbers are astonishing given the stature of these players. Chris Paul who himself has spent a majority of games on the plus side to be beaten by a number of 38. Flat out unbelievable.
Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton are also surprising to see being negative by this much. Two young stars on this Suns team flat out getting outplayed.
Mitchell Robinson, center for the Knicks, only scored 8 points in the game and somehow registered a +27 going against Ayton.
Jan 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams looks at the scoreboard after calling a timeout in the second quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
The Bench did not Help Either
Out of all of the Phoenix Suns players who played this afternoon, Ish Wainwright posted a +7, and Jock Landale posted a +5.
Cameron Payne was the only player in today’s game who was effective, posting a +19 off of the bench.
The game ended closer than it looked due to garbage time. Knicks were up 25 points in the fourth quarter with about 4 minutes remaining.
The Suns finished the game on a small run to cut it under 20 points, also allowing some players listed above to better their +/-.
Moving Forward
The Suns have be horrendous on the road this season. Today’s effort is proof that this lineup needs improvements. Yes, more than just getting players back from injury.
The lackluster performance from Phoenix today should wake up the GM, and force him into making moves as soon as possible.
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Rowan Donaghey is a MLB insider, NHL insider, Betting insider and breaking news reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on twitter via @RowanDonaghey
