As Bright Side’s East Coast Correspondent, I attended the Phoenix Suns’ contests against the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and Philadelphia 76ers. About halfway through the season, and Jalen Green returning, there was a lot going on for the team. Here are the most interesting things I heard on the trip:
Against the Knicks, the Suns had six players score in double digits after just four different players scored in the first quarter. I asked Ott about the stat and he didn’t hold back:
> **Question**: In the First quarter you had four players score a basket and then by the time ended you guys had six players in double-digits. What was the shift after the first quarter with the ball movement?
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> **Answer:** I try not to just look at the scoreboard, I don’t think that’s 2026 coaching. There’s too much data out there. There’s too much data, what the quality of shots were getting. I did feel from the middle of the first on, our process was starting to get right, and again, we’re gonna shoot threes, that’s what were gonna do. It’s hard for us to get to the rim at times. We’re gonna try and play as fast as we can, especially, into an action as fast as we can, so we play a lot of pick-and-roll. When that starts to get right and we’re starting to find some high quality shots, whether they go in or not, we trust that that process is right.
After the Suns got down early in the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix went on a 38-18 run to close the quarter which gave them a cushion when the 76ers rallied late. Ott said that their process was a huge part of what helped them go on their huge run.
Green spent a lot of time with the Suns while injured, traveling throughout the country with the team. After his first game, he spoke about the impact that it had on his recovery. Green was out more than two months with a hamstring strain.
In the Suns’ 116-110 win over Philly, Phoenix’s bench and starters scored the same amount, 58 each. I asked Booker about the team’s depth after the game, and he talked about the importance of having a strong rotation.
In his first two games back, Green has come off the bench. It’s yet to be seen if he will stay with the second unit as he gets healthier.
Royce O’Neale is having the best season of his career. Averaging the most points of his career, O’Neale has 29 games this season with three or more made threes. On Tuesday, when he turned 29, he was tied for the most in the NBA this season. I asked after the game what that meant about how comfortable he is in Phoenix, and gave credit to his teammates and his hard work.
Once again, Ott’s infatuation with process leaves him confident in his players. After a few poor shooting nights, he wasn’t surprised to see Dillon Brooks hit six triples against the Nets because of the work he puts in.