4 key factors fueling a scorching start to the year

There’s a tendency among many basketball fans and analysts to overthink things during the offseason, but this year, the Phoenix Suns genuinely gave a good reason. Those storylines don’t need to be rehashed because the Suns are already reshaping the way that the basketball world is looking at them — something the organization has become quite good at in recent years.

Starting 6-1 with the best record in the Western Conference, the Suns are rolling over competition with a well-rounded game plan on both sides of the floor. The effort being exuded by these players is palpable to everyone around them. Their sets are clean, quick and concise, prioritizing ball movement and off-ball action to secure quality shot attempts.

Although some may credit this to Hall of Famer Chris Paul, the thoughtful nature of this Phoenix Suns team begins with the man rallying them behind closed doors.

1. Phoenix Suns leader Monty Williams is putting on a coaching clinic.

Quite frankly, the 2022 Coach of the Year Award should’ve been the second in a row for Monty Williams, who pairs a team-based basketball philosophy with an innate ability to connect with people on a personal level. As evidenced by his 66.2% win rate as leader of the Phoenix Suns, his coaching style has truly resonated with this ball club.

Another descendant of the Gregg Popovich coaching tree, Williams has instituted a style in Phoenix that draws from the ‘Beautiful Basketball’ Spurs. On an ideal possession, the basketball won’t stick in one player’s hands for too long, though star players rightfully earn more freedom to create. Each play is treated like it matters, which ultimately wins basketball games. Players have bought into the culture and in turn, the on-court strategy of their esteemed head coach.