How the Suns Can Dominate the NBA This Season With Key Strategies

Watching the Phoenix Suns navigate this season reminds me of Osaka’s recent comeback in her title defense—starting shaky but finding that championship rhythm just in time. She rose to 2-2 after early uncertainty, and I see a similar resilience brewing in Phoenix. The Suns have the firepower, no doubt, but turning that into dominance requires more than talent. It demands strategy, identity, and a bit of that underdog hunger Osaka showed. Let’s talk about how the Suns can truly own this NBA season.

First off, let’s address their offensive execution. With Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns have arguably the most explosive scoring trio in the league. But in their first 10 games, they’ve struggled with ball movement, averaging just 22.5 assists per game—that’s middle of the pack. I’ve always believed that elite teams don’t just rely on isolation plays; they create easy buckets through chemistry. Remember how Osaka adjusted her serve-and-volley game after dropping the first set? The Suns need that kind of in-game adaptation. They should run more off-ball screens and prioritize drive-and-kick actions to get open threes. Statistically, when they attempt over 35 three-pointers per game, their win probability jumps by nearly 30%. That’s not a coincidence—it’s a blueprint.

Defensively, the Suns have room to grow. They’re allowing 112.3 points per game, which isn’t terrible, but against elite offenses like Denver or Boston, it won’t cut it. I’d love to see them embrace more switching schemes, especially with versatile defenders like Mikal Bridges—wait, he’s in Brooklyn now, right? My mistake, but the point stands: their current roster has the length and agility to disrupt passing lanes. Forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break opportunities could be their secret weapon. Think about it: if they can generate 15-plus points off turnovers nightly, that’s a 5-7 point swing in close games. It’s those margins that separate contenders from pretenders.

Then there’s the mental side. Championship teams thrive under pressure, and Phoenix has had its share of playoff heartbreaks. Osaka’s ability to reset after a slow start—shaking off errors and focusing point-by-point—is a lesson the Suns should study. In my view, they need to establish a "next play" mentality, especially when shots aren’t falling. Too often, I’ve seen them get deflated by a bad call or a missed assignment. Building mental toughness through late-game simulations in practice could make all the difference. Honestly, if they can close out tight games with the poise Osaka showed in her comeback, they’ll win 5-10 more games this season.

Looking at the bigger picture, health and depth will be critical. The Suns’ bench has been inconsistent, contributing around 28 points per game—decent, but not championship-level. I’d push for more minutes for young guys like Cam Payne, who brings energy and pesky defense. And let’s not forget load management; keeping Durant and Booker fresh for April is non-negotiable. If they can secure a top-3 seed in the West, which I believe is achievable with 50-plus wins, they’ll have the playoff path to make a deep run.

In the end, the Suns have all the pieces. It’s about refining their identity, much like Osaka rediscovered hers mid-tournament. If they commit to unselfish offense, tenacious defense, and mental resilience, they won’t just compete—they’ll dominate. I’m betting on them to surprise a lot of doubters this year.