Do the Phoenix Suns have a underrated defense?

Answer 1

I would say yes in 05/06 but not last year

In 05/06 even tho they gave up a boatload of points, they were top 5 throughout the year in Fg% of opponents...thats a mark of a solid defensive team

But since they run quite a bit, teams also get a lot of opportunities to score simply because they get into the style of jacking up shots without utilizing much of the 24 second shot clock

In 06/07 no way...this team was simply outscoring teams and wasn't playing much defense at all. And when it came down to buckling a solid defensive/talented offensive team down in San Antonio, they just couldn't get it done

Answer 2

Well here's the dish on this. When the Suns do play defense, they are underrated. Believe it or not, but many who watch basketball should know this and that is that there offense is at times their defense. Think about it, their plan is always the same, lure the opposition into playing their way, run the ball down their throats, outscore and make them run 48 minutes of hell!
That is Suns Basketball. They do take charges, have great defenders in Marion and Bell. In the regular season they mix there game and are one of the best. They do need to improve on their defense even more. There are those who say what defense?, and as some of you all have said the Suns play defense in spurts. All the NBA has to remember this and unfortunately the Spurs really know this....To beat the Suns, you got to lure them into playing the way your team plays. I did notice that at times the Suns can really mix the defense into there game plan well enough to win games. I will not say the what ifs as in last season playoff series against the Spurs. I look to see the Suns work there way to finally knocking the Spurs out of their way finally to get to this years finals. I know there are many who will disagree with me, but as long as the Suns have there big 3 (Nash, Matrix, Stat) and they play well, I believe my team will finally overcome this obstacle called the Spurs.

Answer 3

Suns play do play very underrated defense. Because obviously you cant win as many games as they won last year, playing no defense at all, and relying only on your offense to win. Its impossible. So this is what happened.

The Suns play defense in "spurts." They get stops here and their, but when they do get spots via the other team missing a shot, or turning the ball over; the Suns push the ball upcourt as fast as they can, in order to generate "easy fast break points." They sacrafice not fouling the other team, in order to keep their starters out of foul trouble for the majority of the game, therefore they will be able to play extended mins. Which is why you rarely if not at all, the Suns go very deep into their bench; unless they very rarely must. With Barbosa and Diaw being exceptions, since nash does need a breather or two every now and then, and stoudemire is the majority of the time, the only one getting foul calls on.

Raja Bell and Shawn Marion are prime defenders for their position. Bell is know for his perimeter defense, and Marion is know for his all around versatility in being able to gaurd multiple positions if needed to. Stoudemire is maturing in know how to play the defense postion of a center. And we saw this maturating process of Amare in last years playoffs suns vs spurs.

But in the end, the Suns do not heavily really on their defense to win the games. But they do know that in order to win those games, they will not only have to score and make their shots, but have "STOPS." And that is what their formula for winning ball games is. Scoring enough points to put a cushion between them and the other team, then making key stops via a turnover, or playing solid defense where they can force the other teams offense into long shots. Which would lead to long rebounds, which would lead to fast break situations for the Suns. And you know the rest... lol...

Answer 4

Well honestly you can't just look at Stat's to determine how good your offence is or bad your defense is. But i have seen a couple of their games and they aren't that horrible. They just give up a ton of points because of how fast paced the tempo is so both teams get more shots up.

If you look at a team like the Wizards or warriors...now thats pretty sad.

Answer 5

yea i think at times they do..if you think about it they are more like the Kings a few years back..they were really good at making stops..like the suns are..they are not a hard-nose defensive team like the spurs but they play good defense in spurts, get steals and fast break opportunities..yes i do think that they should be credited more for their defense although there is room for improvement. its just that their great offense outshines the defense they do..again much like the kings a few years back

Answer 6

yeah i am the biggest suns fan and i think they do underrated them alot like raja bell is an elite defender and they never talk about him all they do is talk about Bruce bowen.

Answer 7

yea i think at times they are underated... the have good defense... raja bell... marion... and barbosa be making sum defense plays,,, example steals... and getting offensive fouls.. yall dig...

Answer 8

Not really. They're a pretty freaking horrible excuse for defense.

Answer 9

Do they have a defense?

Answer 10

HECKS YES. WHEN THEY NEED IT, THEY STEP UP ON DEFENSE. WHEN ITS NEEDED, NASH OR BELL TAKE THE CHARGES. WHEN ITS NEEDED, THEY REBOUND. WHEN ITS NEEDED, THEY MAKE A STEAL.