In his first season as head coach of the Phoenix Suns, Mike Budenholzer has quickly implemented his defensive principles, leading the team to a 7-1 start and a tie for first place in the Western Conference. The Suns are excelling on defense, ranking seventh in points allowed per possession and third in defensive field-goal percentage, showcasing Budenholzer’s emphasis on paint protection and limiting 3-point attempts. Players like Jusuf Nurkić, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal are thriving in their roles, contributing to the team’s success on both ends of the floor.
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The Oklahoma City Thunder are the betting favorites in the Western Conference, led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but their NBA Cup loss to the Milwaukee Bucks revealed critical flaws, including the lack of a true co-star for Gilgeous-Alexander. Jalen Williams has shown potential but struggled in key moments, raising questions about his consistency and ability to create scoring opportunities. The Thunder's roster lacks consistent secondary shot creation and may need to make a trade...
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