Friday, December 5, 2025

Tag:

phoenix suns

Ranking the 30 NBA Cup 2025 court designs, from bottom (sorry, Hawks) to top

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor November 1, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

NBA Unveils 2025 In-Season Tournament Courts: From ⁣Atlanta’s Struggles to Portland’s Triumph

NEW YORK‌ – The NBA today revealed ⁤the ⁢court⁤ designs ‌for its 2025 In-Season Tournament, sparking immediate ‍debate among fans ⁣and‌ analysts. The Athletic‘s ‍panel of experts – Jay King, ‍Zach Harper, James ‍Jones, and Kevin⁤ O’Connor (Robbins) ‌- have weighed in,⁢ ranking all ‍30 designs. Hear’s a breakdown, from the least favored to ‍the top contenders:

30. Atlanta Hawks ⁣(61)

(No image or quotes provided⁤ in source material)

29. Washington Wizards (64)

(No image or quotes⁣ provided‌ in source material)

28. Charlotte Hornets (68)

(No image ⁤or quotes provided in source material)

27. Memphis Grizzlies (71)

(No image or quotes ⁤provided in source material)

26.‌ Houston Rockets (73)

(No image or quotes provided in source⁤ material)

25.San Antonio Spurs (75)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

24. Detroit Pistons (78)

(No image⁣ or quotes provided in source material)

23.Chicago Bulls (80)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

22. Phoenix Suns⁢ (82)

(No image or ⁤quotes provided in‌ source material)

21. Indiana Pacers (84)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

20. Miami Heat ‌(86)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

19. Boston Celtics (88)

(No image⁣ or quotes provided in source material)

18. Denver Nuggets (90)

(No image or quotes provided in ⁢source material)

17. Cleveland Cavaliers (92)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

16. Los Angeles Clippers (94)

(No ⁢image or quotes⁣ provided in source material)

15. ‌Sacramento Kings (96)

(No image⁤ or quotes provided in source material)

14. ⁢Minnesota Timberwolves (98)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

13. New Orleans Pelicans (100)

(No image or quotes⁢ provided in source material)

12. Utah Jazz (101)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

11. Philadelphia 76ers (102)

(No ‌image or‌ quotes provided in source material)

10. Dallas‌ Mavericks (103)

(No image or quotes ⁤provided in source material)

9. ⁢Milwaukee Bucks (103)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

8. Los Angeles⁢ Lakers (103)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

7. Brooklyn Nets ‌(103)

(No image or⁢ quotes provided in source material)

6. ⁤Golden State‍ Warriors (104)

(No image or quotes provided in source material)

5. Toronto Raptors (104)

(No image or ⁢quotes provided in source material)

4. new York Knicks (104)

jones (30): ‌ The New ‍York skyline is perfect. I ⁣have no complaints. This works ⁣for the city.

King (30): This is the ⁣best court.‍ The colors. The skyline.The reliance on a classic theme. patrick ‌Ewing and‍ John Starks‌ came to mind the second I looked at it,⁢ and that’s for the best.

Koreen (29): Like many of the teams up top, the Knicks have a classic color ⁣scheme that they know works. They have the benefit of not ‌having to ‌reinvent the wheel. they get‍ another break here, as the⁣ gold really pops next to the orange and the blue. The Manhattan ⁤skyline has‌ yet to‌ miss.

Robbins (14): The ‍court is too dark, and no basketball court should be almost all blue.The skyline is ⁣the only saving grace here.

1. (tie) Orlando Magic (104)

King (29): Shaq. Penny. Nick Anderson. Dennis Scott. Oh, how young Jay King wished that core could have stayed together ‍in the mid-1990s. At least I get reminded of them every ⁢time I look ⁤at the beatiful star logo.

Jones (28): Simplicity wins ⁣again. Orlando didn’t have ⁢to do much, and this is a great combination of incorporating the team’s colors and the star logo.

Koreen (24): The Magic’s colors and logo have always

November 1, 2025 0 comments

Why Phoenix Suns failed to rally back from another big deficit

by Emma Walker – News Editor October 25, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Suns Fall to Clippers After second-Quarter Collapse, Defensive Lapses Highlight Recurring Issue

PHOENIX ‌- The Phoenix Suns suffered a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, October 25, 2025, after failing to overcome ⁣a meaningful second-quarter deficit. Despite a promising start, ‍the Suns were outscored 38-23 in the second period, ultimately unable to recover from the Clippers’ hot shooting and ⁤defensive pressure. ‌The defeat underscores a concerning pattern for Phoenix – a struggle to maintain leads and rally from large ⁤point differences.

Coach Jordan Ott acknowledged the team’s difficulties, stating,‍ “Definitely could see it turn⁢ there⁢ towards the end of the frist quarter. Then the second, 38-23, in the second, just couldn’t figure it out.”

The Clippers shot 59.2% from the field, ⁣a performance‍ Suns forward Royce⁢ O’Neale attributed to defensive breakdowns. “Our transition defense has got to be better.we’ve got to make their shots tougher. credit to them. They made a bunch‌ of shots,” O’Neale ⁢said.

The ‌game also featured ⁤notable performances and commentary‌ from key players. Clippers guard ‌James harden revealed that Dillon ‍Brooks’ trash ‌talk actually motivated him,saying,”Probably. That’s ⁣how he gets⁤ himself going. He tries to alter the things you’re ⁢comfortable ⁢wiht, but it actually woke me up‌ a little bit.”

Kawhi Leonard emphasized the importance of defensive aggression following a recent loss‌ to Utah. “Oh, ‍for sure. I mean, for‍ everybody, the whole coaching staff and players. Just got to be more aggressive on our defensive⁣ end and try not to‍ be lackadaisical. We want to be into ⁣bodies, and forcing stuff into the paint, so ⁤I think we did that tonight,” Leonard ⁤stated.

Devin Booker’s scoring ability was also a topic of discussion, ⁤with Dillon Brooks urging him to‌ be more assertive. “He needs to shoot‌ them even if it looks like a bad shot. I played against devin‍ a long time.He’s a natural ⁣scorer. Finds ways to score. He just need to‌ be a little selfish out there,” Brooks commented. Booker also expressed excitement about the return⁢ of Jalen Green, calling him “a super threat.”

The Suns’ center rotation‍ remains a point of focus, with Drew Eghodaro vying for playing time. While Frank williams is currently on a minute restriction, Coach Ott indicated the⁣ rotations will be “fluid,” and that Williams could emerge as the starting ⁤center once fully cleared. “When he comes ⁣off it, Williams‍ looks ⁣like the one who should start, but ‍Ott has options. Though, one of them has to emerge⁤ as the guy at that spot,” Ott said.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

Clippers Beat Suns 129-102 in Intuit Dome Victory

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 25, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

INGLEWOOD, CA – The LA Clippers dominated the Phoenix Suns, ‌securing a decisive‌ 129-102‌ victory at the intuit Dome on October⁣ 24, 2025.

The⁢ Clippers‌ showcased a balanced offensive attack, led by ⁣strong performances from Kawhi Leonard ⁤and James Harden. Leonard skillfully handled the ball against ⁢Devin Booker,while Harden ‍faced⁣ defensive pressure from Royce O’Neale throughout the game. John Collins contributed with a powerful dunk,energizing the home crowd.

Devin Booker led the Suns in⁣ scoring,‍ attempting shots over the⁣ Clippers’ defense. The Clippers’ victory marks an early‍ statement of ‍intent in the 2025-26⁤ NBA season, played in their new‌ state-of-the-art arena,⁣ the Intuit Dome.

October 25, 2025 0 comments

Bold NBA 2025-26 season predictions: New champion, fresh faces in MVP race and more

by Alex Carter - Sports Editor October 22, 2025

written by Alex Carter - Sports Editor

Bold NBA 2025-26 Season Predictions: New Champion, Fresh⁢ Faces in MVP Race and More

As the‌ 2025-26 NBA season approaches, ‌analysts are offering predictions ranging from‍ team success to individual accolades. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing forecasts for the upcoming year, based on recent reporting and⁢ observations.

Portland Trail⁤ Blazers: Yang Hansen’s Impact

Rookie Yang Hansen,⁢ the 7-foot-1 center drafted 16th⁢ overall ⁣by the Blazers from China, is expected to make an immediate impact. Despite initial ‌skepticism surrounding the pick, Hansen’s unique skillset – combining⁤ deft passing, long-range⁣ shooting, and agile footwork – has already impressed coach Chauncey Billups, who has declared him ⁢a rotation player. While not projected ⁤to outperform top pick Cooper Flagg, Hansen is⁣ anticipated⁢ to be a captivating and effective contributor. As Jason Fast notes, “He will impress – and entertain.”

Sacramento Kings: Russell Westbrook‘s Potential

The Sacramento Kings’ acquisition of Russell Westbrook presents a potentially positive scenario. Analyst Sam Amick suggests that Westbrook could thrive in a non-contending⁢ environment, raising‍ the floor for a team with limited ceiling. This differs significantly from his recent stints with⁤ high-expectation teams like ‌the Lakers, Clippers, and Nuggets. The success of Westbrook could also impact⁣ the starting point guard position currently held by veteran Dennis Schröder.

San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama’s MVP Push

Victor Wembanyama ‍is poised for ‍a breakout season, with predictions placing him among ⁤the top‍ three contenders ⁤for the MVP award. Jared Weiss observes that Wembanyama’s preseason‍ showcased a diverse skillset, hinting at a potentially unprecedented stat line. If the Spurs can secure a top-six finish ⁣in the Western Conference while Wembanyama⁣ maintains impressive per-game statistics, he’s expected to challenge the last‌ two MVP winners.

Toronto Raptors: Ingram to Shine,Barnes to Fall Short

The toronto Raptors are ‌projected to improve,and Brandon‍ ingram is expected ⁢to be the driving force behind that ascent. eric Koreen believes Ingram will be the ‌offensive catalyst and highlights ‍his underrated defensive⁣ value. ‍Ingram’s health will be crucial, but if ⁢he stays⁤ on the court, ⁢he’s predicted to become ⁤a ⁢focal point for opposing defenses and earn an All-Star⁣ selection. Conversely,Scottie Barnes is not expected to make the All-Star team.

Utah Jazz: Markkanen on the Move

The Utah Jazz are likely to trade Lauri Markkanen before the trade deadline.⁢ Zach Harper explains that the team’s previous ⁤extension prevented them⁤ from ⁣fully embracing a tanking strategy.Now, with the ability to trade Markkanen, ‌the Jazz will seek to acquire additional assets, especially with a loaded ⁢upcoming draft, in their search for a franchise⁣ player.

Washington Wizards: Shared ⁢Scoring, Lower⁣ Totals

The Washington Wizards ⁢are expected to‍ embrace a more egalitarian offensive approach under⁤ Coach Brian‍ Keefe, leading to a surprising prediction: the team’s leading scorer will average under⁢ 20.0 ⁣points per game. Josh Robbins points to the presence of veteran players like CJ McCollum‌ and Khris Middleton, known for⁢ their ⁤team-oriented play, and the potential for Cam Whitmore to come off the bench, as factors ⁢contributing to a more distributed scoring load. Kyle Kuzma (22.2 PPG two seasons ago) and Jordan Poole (20.5 PPG last season) previously led the‍ team in scoring, but ‍a shift in philosophy is anticipated.

October 22, 2025 0 comments

Outlook, predictions, roster and more previewing 2025-26 Phoenix Suns

by Emma Walker – News Editor October 21, 2025

written by Emma Walker – News Editor

Suns Aim for Championship Contention in 2025-26‌ Season Following Offseason Moves

The Phoenix Suns enter‌ the 2025-26 NBA season⁣ with heightened expectations following an active offseason focused on bolstering depth and developing young talent around established stars. After⁣ a preseason⁣ glimpse⁢ at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, Calif., on October 3, 2025, the Suns appear poised to contend for a championship, though navigating the⁢ competitive ⁢Western Conference will be a important challenge.

This season ⁤marks a pivotal⁢ moment for the franchise ⁤as they integrate new pieces and aim to capitalize on the prime years of their⁤ core⁢ players. ⁤The success of⁣ the Suns⁣ hinges on the development of their bench, the health ‍of key contributors,⁢ and⁣ their ability to translate preseason promise into regular-season consistency. The team’s outlook is further shaped by a blend of veteran leadership ‍and emerging prospects, creating a dynamic roster with⁢ a high‌ ceiling.

The Suns’ roster features a mix of established players and promising newcomers. oso ‍Ighodaro, a⁢ smaller five with‌ a unique‍ skillset, is expected to provide valuable minutes while ⁢maintaining ⁢an offensive focus inside the ⁢paint. Jordan Goodwin brings a “bulldog mentality” and has shown⁢ improvement as a three-point‍ shooter. Khaman Maluach, who turned 19 in September, offers a lob threat⁤ and energetic presence, while also demonstrating strong ‍dialog skills.

Further depth comes from Rasheer Fleming,a long and⁢ athletic player who could prove to be a draft steal if he develops his three-point shot,defensive abilities,and offensive rebounding. Koby⁤ Brea is already in contention for the team’s best shooter, and Isaiah Livers‍ is returning after missing last season due to a hip reshaping procedure.CJ⁤ Huntley is anticipated to spend considerable‍ time with the G League’s Valley Suns, gaining valuable experience.

Looking ahead, ⁤Suns ⁢Insider Duane Rankin ⁤can ⁢be reached at‍ dmrankin@gannett.com or 480-810-5518, and followed on X at @DuaneRankin.

October 21, 2025 0 comments

Phoenix Suns, Mercury Arena Naming Rights Deal Announced

by David Harrison – Chief Editor October 2, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

PHOENIX - PHX Arena has a new name: Mortgage Matchup Center. The Phoenix Suns adn Phoenix Mercury announced the multi-year partnership with Mortgage Matchup on Wednesday,officially ⁤ending the interim “PHX Arena” moniker used as Footprint Center’s naming rights expired earlier this year.

The arena, located at 201 E. Jefferson St. in Phoenix, ⁢welcomes more than two million guests annually and serves as the ⁤home court for‍ both the Suns and Mercury, and also hosting⁢ concerts and other ⁣entertainment events. The partnership also designates Mortgage Matchup as the official mortgage partner of the⁢ Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury‍ and Valley Suns.Originally opening in 1992 as America West Arena, the venue has undergone several name changes, including US Airways Center and talking Stick Resort Arena, before becoming Footprint Center. The latest rebranding marks a new chapter for the arena, which is slated to host the Women’s Final Four in 2026 and the NBA ‌All-Star ⁢Game in 2027.

October 2, 2025 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts

Web Analytics