Lineup Shuffle in Phoenix: Major Changes as Beal and Nurkic Start on the Bench
The Phoenix Suns are shuffling their lineup in an effort to re-energize a team that has found itself in a concerning tailspin. As they prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers, the Suns are making the bold decision to start Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic on the bench, an unexpected move that signals a strategic pivot for the struggling franchise.
This game marks a significant moment for Bradley Beal, who has been a mainstay in starting lineups since the start of his career. For the first time since the 2015-16 season, Beal will begin the game on the sidelines. Historically, Beal has been a starter in 95.6% of his games, highlighting the magnitude of this adjustment. Despite averaging a solid 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season, the shift in roles could be a part of a broader strategy to inspire better performance from the team.
Joining Beal on the bench is Jusuf Nurkic, who returns to the court after a three-game suspension. Interestingly, the Suns are reportedly contemplating trading Nurkic before the February 6 trade deadline, a move that could reshape their future plans. Nurkic is currently in the third year of a substantial four-year, $70 million contract, which might affect his trade appeal. His shooting from long range has been less than stellar, with Nurkic attempting 4.8 three-pointers per 100 possessions at a 30.4% success rate.
In the absence of Beal and Nurkic from the starting lineup, Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee are taking up the vacated spots. This rejig is indicative of the Suns’ attempt to find a combination that could help halt their current slide. The team has suffered four consecutive losses and dropped seven of their last eight, bringing their record to a concerning 15-18. Once boasting an impressive 8-1 start to the season, the Suns' fortunes have certainly taken a downturn. Currently, they stand 12th in the Western Conference.
The defensive aspect has been a significant area of concern for the Suns—a sentiment echoed by Suns' head coach, Mike Budenholzer, who emphasized the need for improvement, "We gotta be better at [the defensive] end of the court, give ourselves to get out and play." The numbers paint a worrying picture: the Suns rank 24th in overall defense and a dismal 28th in half-court defense. Their most-used starting lineup has been yielding 122.3 points per 100 possessions, being outscored by 17.7 points per 100 possessions—a statistic that the organization cannot ignore.
For the Phoenix Suns, the upcoming games present a chance to turn the tide. Only one team of their next 11 opponents boasts a winning record, offering a window of opportunity to recover lost ground. However, internal adjustments, like the decision to bench Beal, are critical steps aimed at finding a winning formula.
The outcome of this strategic reshuffling remains to be seen, but it's clear that the Suns are not shying away from making significant changes in a bid to reignite their season. For Beal, Nurkic, and the evolving mix of players stepping into different roles, this is a moment that could define their path forward.