NBA Power Rankings: Here comes the trade deadline

The Suns are in a bit of a rough stretch, having lost seven of their last eight games. Even when they won this week, in their game against the Dallas Mavericks, they suffered a loss, with Isaiah Canaan suffering a horrible leg injury that was reminiscient of Gordon Hayward’s injury earlier in the year. Devin Booker missed the first game this week, and the Suns looked terrible against the Memphis Grizzlies in a 120-109 loss on the road. Josh Jackson had 21 points against the Mavericks, showing a degree of confidence that was lacking earlier in the season, and the team won 102-88. Canaan fractured his left ankle on a drive at the end of the first quarter, landing awkwardly and then sitting up to see his foot twisted backwards as everyone in the arena averted their eyes.

Jackson had another nice game on offense against the Jazz, with 20 points, but they saw Donovan Mitchell go for 40 points in a 129-97 victory for the Jazz. The Suns had the lead once, scoring the first basket of the game, but after that it was all Utah. The week ended in similar fashion to how it began, with the Suns reserves taking a close game and then gifting it to the other team, as the Hornets reserves spurred a fourth-quarter rally to secure a 115-110 win in Phoenix.

The Suns were unable to find a trade partner for Greg Monroe, wasting one of the assets they acquired in the Eric Bledsoe trade, and reached a buyout agreement with the veteran center. Monroe has since signed with the Boston Celtics, returning back to the Eastern Conference.