Suns Still Not Playing Any Defense

The Phoenix Suns were burned by another outstanding offensive display, making it four straight losses in which Phoenix has allowed over 100 points. In three of those games, the Suns were burned by a single player they just couldn't make the proper adjustment on. This time it was Dirk Nowitzki who broke loose with 39 points and nine rebounds on a ridiculously efficient 17-25 shooting to lead Dallas to a stress-free 112-97 win. Nowitzki was one point shy of becoming the third player to dump 40+ on the Suns over the course of the week, with D-Wade (43) and Devin Harris (47) already doing the deed on Phoenix's home court. Terry Porter was brought in to overhaul the outlook of the team by slowing things down and concentrating on defense. Thus far, he's only been able to accomplish one of those things as the Suns have fallen hard in the short time since they parted ways with their "Seven Seconds or Less" mentality.

Porter has directed the team's attention toward a more deliberate offense, which has really handicapped the strengths of his marquee players. It's hard to find a more perfect fit to Steve Nash's game than the offense that was run under D'Antoni, but those good times are just old memories now. The anything goes mentality of his system really allowed Nash to improvise with unlimited freedom, and he was a master at finding great looks for his teammates early in the shot clock. It helped Nash become a two-time MVP and build momentum in favor of an offensive renaissance that has since carried on to the rest of the league. One only needs to take a look at the Knicks' encouraging turnaround to understand how receptive D'Antoni's style is. Adjusting to Porter has been a culture shock for Nash to say the least. He's being asked to play under a formulaic system and go against his instincts as a player. At 34 years old, you have to wonder whether it was wise for this organization to tear everything apart and move in a new direction with their slim championship window closing.

Porter's arrival has done little to invigorate the defense, which was supposed to be his selling point as the new coach of the Phoenix Suns. Steve Nash and the offense would take their foot off the gas pedal and let their defense start winning games. But the sagging offensive numbers have been accompanied by the same mediocre defense, which continues to allow over 100 points every night. Even with the towering duo of Amare Stoudemire and Shaquille O'Neal down low, Phoenix is still getting outrebounded by their opponents on most nights, including a -13 performance against Dallas. It's the kind of performance that makes you question your identity, but it's been happening on a recurring basis for the Suns.

Steve Kerr is probably wishing he had a mulligan on his trade to acquire Shaq, which left him without the expensive, but resourceful Shawn Marion. Since then, it has touched off a series of events that has stripped control of the Pacific Division away from the Suns. The Lakers have clear and unchallenged control of the division, and are so far ahead of Phoenix that they can't see them in their rearview mirror. The Suns now have their fate in the hands of a coach with 17 career games as a coach under his belt. In the current state of the Western Conference, only nine teams appear good enough to make the playoffs, which means one will be left out. Phoenix is really putting themselves in danger of being that team with their continual lackluster effort on defense.