Imago
Image Credits: IMAGN
Imago
Image Credits: IMAGN
Having lost four games in a stretch, Suns’ Mike Budenholzer felt like “we needed to make a change”. He took a bold route. Two reputed NBA starters, Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic found themselves on the bench. It paid off in the first game. Phoenix beat down the Philadelphia 76ers. Moreover, Beal was a standout performer.
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The veteran guard went off for a team-high 25 points off the bench. Still, he admits to being “100 percent” surprised by his benching. After all, it was the first time since 2016 and being in Washington that the 31-year-old hadn’t started a game. Beal didn’t speak extensively about the decision. But when asked if there was any prior mention, he said “no”.
Was Bradley Beal surprised he got moved to the bench?
Beal: "100 percent."
Any indication this was gonna happen?
Beal: "No."
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) January 7, 2025
Even with a win under his name tonight, Budenholzer admitted to the troubles starting the game. Without Beal in the lineup, the Suns only scored 16 points in the first quarter. Mike Budenholzer felt, “I didn’t think we got off to a very good start,”. But once Beal entered, that changed. In particular, the coach highlighted the third quarter as the moment that changed the tempo for the Suns.
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Beal scored 14 in those 7 minutes, missing only one of his field goal attempts. Budenholzer ensured the 31-year-old received his plaudits for his outstanding performance. “What he was able to do tonight really put us in a great spot, made a bunch of plays for himself, bunch of plays for his teammates. He’s been a pro,” the Suns head coach said after the game.
The question now is, should Beal continue coming off the bench?
Why the Suns and Budenholzer might opt for Bradley Beal to come off the bench
Beal’s reaction to his move to the bench did come off as conflicting. Before the game, when asked about the decision, Budenholzer raved about the seasoned tandem of him and Nurkic. “Talked to them each individually. They want what’s best for the team. Lot of respect for them and appreciation for them,” he told the media.
But that’s a story for another day.
Phoenix Suns had to shrug off a lethargic first half to establish themselves against the Joel Embiid-less 76ers. However, it’s not that the decision around Beal did not pay any dividends. With rookie Ryan Runn in the starting lineup, the Suns had a compact defense, only limiting the 76ers to 99 points.
Considering opponents had scored at least 109 points in the last three games, Dunn played his role as the starter. Additionally, the Suns also received a scoring boost from the bench with Beal’s efficient night. They were a +14 with him on the court, the highest of any Suns player against Philly.
Usually, that would be an indicator for Budenholzer to restrict his decision. But why move away from something that’s working? In his ask for something different, the Suns showed something unique to the Sixers. Frankly, it wasn’t easy to cope with regardless of their absences.
Not only with his scoring, but Beal managed to enlighten the second unit with his playmaking acumen. The Suns’ bench outscored their rivals’ by 47 points, a vital reason behind their win. With his experience and in-game IQ, Beal can harness the best out of a bench that hasn’t thrived this season.
Hence, at least in the short run, there doesn’t seem to be a reason for Budenholzer to step away from his decision.
Written by
Edited by
Amal Joyce