The Phoenix Suns reportedly plan to shake up their starting lineup amid their worst stretch of the season.
On Saturday, the Suns got blown out by the Indiana Pacers in a 126-108 affair at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind. The loss dropped Phoenix’s record to a subpar 15-18.
With losses beginning to mount, the Suns are reportedly benching starters Bradley Beal in Jusuf Nurkic. According to NBA reporter Chris Haynes, center Mason Plumlee and rookie Ryan Dunn will replace the two veterans in the starting lineup.
Per the reporter, the Suns’ locker room has also been filled with “tension” of late as players have grown “frustrated” with how head coach Mike Budenholzer is utilizing them on the court.
Phoenix’s decision to bench both Beal and Nurkic will likely amplify the existing trade rumors surrounding the two.
The Suns started the 2024-25 campaign looking like one of the NBA’s best teams. They went 9-2 over the season’s first three weeks and appeared to have found a winning formula after a disappointing end to last season. But since then, Phoenix has lost 16 of their last 22 games and has looked completely out of sorts.
The team’s downward trend is probably why several of its players have gotten into on-court altercations recently. It’s easier to keep your cool when your team is winning.
