In yesterday’s 110-105 victory over the Houston Rockets, the Phoenix Suns recorded a very impressive defensive stat.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Suns held the Rockets to only 33.3% shooting, their lowest allowed percentage on the season. Their previous low was 35.6% to the Golden State Warriors on opening night (Oct. 24).
Houston shot 33-for-99 from the floor, tying the Suns’ lowest field goals made allowed this season as well (Miami – Jan. 29, Portland – Jan. 1). This included a first quarter in which Phoenix won 33-17, the Suns’ fewest allowed points in an opening period this season. The Rockets had a stretch in this quarter where they didn’t record a single point for over seven minutes.
Jalen Green led the Rockets with 34 points, but did so on 27 shots (10 makes). Both Dillon Brooks (six points) and Jabari Smith Jr. (11 points) went 3-for-11 from the floor.
“We just executed what we’re trying to do,” Suns’ coach Frank Vogel said postgame. “Our defensive disposition and being locked in was really good. We got a feel for things we want to do with these guys. And obviously, Jalen Green got going from 3, but overall shot a low percentage. I thought we were locked in defensively.”
The Suns needed all the defense they could get, as Phoenix only shot 40.4% from the floor, tied for its fourth-worst mark on the season. Devin Booker had 35 points on 13-of-27 shooting to lead the Suns.
“Some games are gonna be offensive battles, some games are gonna be defensive battles,” Vogel said. “Both teams were really locking in defensively and proud of what we did on that side of the ball.”
The Suns have now won nine games in a row at home, and Vogel thinks defense is a big reason why.
“I think we’re getting confident this building,” Vogel said. “We didn’t start the season strong here, but I feel like opponents are starting to realize that they come in here and we’re gonna guard our a– off. We’re going to defend really at a high level, and we’re going to make shots most nights.
“We didn’t have a great shooting night tonight, but this is going to be a place where the ball is gonna go in a lot, and you’re gonna see some tough a– defense.”
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
