The Phoenix Suns endured a franchise-record 17-game losing streak between Jan. 15 and Feb. 23, which saw the team slide to the worst record in the league.
Despite an excellent rookie debut from No. 1 overall pick DeAndre Ayton and another tremendous offensive display from Devin Booker, the Suns are suffering from the second-worst defensive rating in the NBA (113.4) and have not seen positive strides from 2017 No. 4 overall pick Josh Jackson.
Booker chastised his team for a lack of togetherness a few weeks ago, but after three straight wins, he says the Suns have become far more cohesive, per Gina Mazell of The Athletic:
Less than two weeks ago, Booker bluntly criticized his team following a loss in Atlanta by saying, “We’re not all on the same page. It’s the worst I’ve seen it since I’ve been here, and that’s saying a lot.” Yet it’s also been Booker setting a positive tone during this string of success by encouraging teammates from the bench and stressing “playing the right way.”
Booker said the Suns’ chemistry is now at an “all-time high,” that there’s a palpable excitement to come to the arena for these down-the-stretch games that outsiders could regard as meaningless for any purpose other than solidifying draft lottery odds.
Over the offseason, Booker said it was time to win in Phoenix. The Suns were a popular preseason pick to improve on a 21-61 record, but instead they are heading toward a top-three pick in the NBA Draft this summer.
Still, Booker's show of leadership is inherently positive for a team that lacks a real veteran presence.
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