Suns implode in beatdown at Atlanta: By the Numbers
Apr 8, 2015, 3:18 AM | Updated: 3:27 am
Safe to say, Tuesday’s 96-69 loss at Atlanta reached a new low for the Phoenix Suns this season, both literally and figuratively.
The 69 points scored by the Suns marked their lowest output of the year; a floundering performance in which only one Suns player scored in double figures (Gerald Green with 15), while the team as a whole racked up three technical fouls.
Currently three and half games back of New Orleans for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference, the Suns haven’t been mathematically eliminated, but they might as well be.
At this stage in the season and following Tuesday night’s dismal display, the best thing Suns fans can reasonably hope for is a salvage attempt at a 2014-15 campaign that began with promise, but that will almost assuredly end in out and out failure.
Below we take a look at Phoenix’s 39th loss of the season, by the numbers.
69
As mentioned above, the 69 points posted by the Suns in Atlanta is the lowest total point output by the team this season. Their previous low was the 74 points they scored in a 27-point home loss to San Antonio on February 28.
ATL 96, PHX 69. Second lowest scoring total in Suns history. Ties largest margin of defeat this season. #SunsAtHawks
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) April 8, 2015
3
In addition to their anemic showing on offense, the Suns were similarly weak in the mental aspect of the game. Phoenix racked up three technical fouls to add insult to embarrassment, with one going to Markieff Morris and two going to Eric Bledsoe, leading to Bledsoe’s ejection. Morris’ technical foul was his 15th of the season, meaning ‘Kieff is one technical shy of serving a mandatory one-game suspension.
10-8
The Atlanta game marked the 18th and final set of back-to-back games for the Suns this season, as Phoenix has posted a 10-8 record overall in the first game of the back-to-backs. It comes as little surprise that Phoenix’s record suffers dramatically in the second game of the back-to-back set, sinking to 6-11.
8
After publicly questioning the team’s leadership — or lack thereof — this past Saturday, Suns guard Archie Goodwin finished the game with eight points, tying three other players (Brandan Wright, Marcus Morris, Markieff Morris) for second-most on the team.
50-4
Having never lost a game by 15 or more points in Philips Arena prior to Tuesday’s game, the Suns fell victim to the buzzsaw that is the Atlanta Hawks. In fact, entering tonight’s contest, the Hawks were an astounding 49-4 in games this season when they’ve lead by at least 10 points. That number now increases to an even 50.
Hawks 33, Suns 22 with 8:56 left in second. Hawks 49-4 this season when leading by 10 or more points during a game. #ATLHawks
— Chris Vivlamore (@CVivlamoreAJC) April 8, 2015
3.5
After Tuesday’s loss in Atlanta, the Suns are now three and half games behind the newest eighth seed out West, the New Orleans Pelicans. With four games left on Phoenix’s schedule, the Suns aren’t dead yet, but it’s safe to consider them on life support.
