Ott’s Debut Sparks Suns’ Rebound After Star Departures

The Phoenix Suns’ 116–113 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers marked more than the start of a new coaching era — it signaled the first meaningful step forward for a franchise rebuilding its identity. Jordan Ott, making his head-coaching debut, guided Phoenix to its first victory since parting ways with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. After years of lofty expectations and unfulfilled postseason pushes following their 2021 NBA Finals appearance, the organization embraced a fresh beginning.

Inside the locker room, Suns star Devin Booker and his teammates celebrated Ott’s milestone moment. Players drenched their new coach in a water bath and watched a tribute video filled with messages from Ott’s family and friends. The gesture reflected both relief and optimism as the team united around its new leader.

That sense of renewed purpose has carried onto the court. Since that night, the Suns have rattled off eight additional wins, improving to 9–6 and pushing into the upper half of the Western Conference standings. It’s a notable turnaround for a team many assumed would sink toward the lottery after the departures of its two former All-Stars.

With improved chemistry, surprising offensive production, and steadier leadership, Phoenix has begun to carve out a new direction — one driven less by star power and more by depth, development, and collective buy-in.

1. Emergence of New Scoring Pillars

Dillon Brooks has delivered the most efficient offensive stretch of his career, emerging as one of Phoenix’s primary scoring options. Averaging 22.0 points on 45.9% shooting, he has provided the kind of shot creation and physical presence the Suns previously struggled to find beyond their stars. Grayson Allen has been equally crucial. His 18.5 points per game on 46.8% shooting — including an impressive 44.7% from three — have added necessary spacing and continuity to an evolving offense. The Suns, once reliant on isolation-heavy sets, now benefit from a more dynamic perimeter attack. Together, Brooks and Allen have amplified Phoenix’s offensive ceiling. Their assertiveness and efficiency have played key roles in lifting the team to the fifth-best offensive rating in the NBA (119.3), just behind the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder. These contributions have helped stabilize the roster following its summer overhaul, giving Phoenix multiple layers of scoring support behind Booker and allowing Ott to experiment with lineups built around movement and pace.

2. Booker Leads Steady, Balanced Attack

Devin Booker’s early-season performance has mirrored his typical All-Star standards, offering the Suns the consistency they need amid transition. Averaging 28.4 points on 49.5% shooting, along with 7.0 assists and 4.1 rebounds, he remains the centerpiece of Phoenix’s offensive identity. His impact was evident again in the Suns’ 127–110 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, where his team-high 19 points highlighted the depth around him. Six Phoenix players reached double figures, underscoring the balanced approach Ott has championed. Booker has also carried emotional weight for the fan base, returning to Portland for the first time since breaking the Suns’ all-time scoring record there last season. He recalled receiving an unexpected ovation from Blazers fans — a moment that reinforced the respect he has earned across the league. With 16,869 career points, Booker continues to build one of the most prolific scoring résumés in franchise history, all while guiding a retooled roster through a challenging but promising new chapter.

3. A New Culture Taking Shape

Ott’s influence has already been felt in the locker room, where players have embraced a more relaxed, team-first atmosphere. Celebrating his debut win created an early spark of chemistry, helping cement trust in the new coaching direction. The Suns’ renewed energy has also reflected on the defensive end, where increased effort and communication have supported their top-tier offense. Even without their former stars, Phoenix has shown improved structure and situational awareness, key factors in their recent surge. Ott’s rotations have emphasized versatility, enabling the Suns to play faster and more freely. With multiple ballhandlers and shooters on the floor, Phoenix has leaned into an identity built on spacing and rhythm rather than isolation and mismatches. As the team continues navigating the Western Conference landscape, its early resilience suggests a sustainable approach — one anchored by Booker’s leadership, breakout performances from its supporting cast, and a coaching voice that has quickly earned the locker room’s trust.