NBA Week 11 Rewind: The Spurs are the class of the NBA
By Tom West
Who’s Struggling?
The Phoenix Suns have collapsed since losing Eric Bledsoe for the season. Of course, their potential wasn’t exactly sky-high beforehand, but matters have still got even worse since his meniscus tear. Alongside the emerging Brandon Knight whose production has soared, Bledsoe was having a career-year himself. With career-highs of 20.4 points, 6.1 assists and 2 steals per game, and another new high in PER of 20.8, he was easily a borderline All-Star.
When he returns, he should once again be the face of the troubled franchise.
So, that’s most of the positives aside. What else has been happening for the Suns this season?
Last week they went 1-2, sending them down to 12th in the West. They generally haven’t looked much like a team, and that’s before even getting to the likely-to-be-traded Markieff Morris. They play with pace but it’s often sporadic and misguided, with turnovers and too many perimeter shots. As for their defense, the arrival of Tyson Chandler hasn’t been enough to hold down the paint.
At 1-9 in their last 10 games in the midst of a lost season, it isn’t too early to think Jeff Hornacek is likely on his way out.
The Charlotte Hornets started this season so well. In fact, after a month or so of the season had passed and they could be seen as a top six team in the NBA for both offensive and defensive efficiency, it was hard to believe how well rounded they were. Al Jefferson is clearly in decline with both health and production, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist is likely out for the season. Meanwhile, Kemba Walker shooting better than ever and the arrival of Nicolas Batum was leading them forward.
Now, they’ve lost seven straight games and have fallen all the way down to 11th in the East.
What’s even worse for the Hornets is that they could have easily left last week with a 2-2 record. Games against the Warriors and surging Clippers were going to be tough, but contests with the Suns and Nuggets were easily winnable.
Against the Suns (not exactly the toughest opponent considering their appearance here), the Hornets were just lost defensively at the perimeter. They allowed a season-high 19 threes to Phoenix at a 57.6 percent rate en route to a 111-102 loss.
That’s been a real weakness for the Hornets all season. They play well in the paint, rotating and helping well to hold opponents to just 56.2 percent shooting within five feet (7th best in the NBA), and that’s about it. Outside from 20-24 feet, they allow opposing teams to shoot 40.3 percent (28th in the NBA, per NBA.com). Besides Batum and Marvin Williams, they just don’t have many sound perimeter defenders.
After they get past the Hawks on Wednesday, maybe the Hornets can improve their fortune against the Pelicans and Bucks in their next two games.
Next: The Best Highlights of Week 11