As the Phoenix Suns prepare to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center, fans are eager to see if their team can bounce back from recent setbacks. The Suns' performance has been a rollercoaster, but there's reason to believe they could turn the tide in this upcoming game.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 9: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans dribbles the ball against the Phoenix Suns on December 9, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

In their last encounter with the Pelicans on December 10, 2022, despite a valiant effort and scoring 117 points, the Suns fell short as they were outpaced by a dynamic Pelicans team that put up an impressive 128 points. The statistics from that game show areas where Phoenix struggled and where they excelled; for instance, while both teams had similar field goal percentages around 50 percent, it was clear that turnovers and points off turnovers played a significant role in tilting the scales in favor of New Orleans.

The Suns demonstrated strong three-point shooting capabilities by hitting half of their attempts from beyond the arc. However, this sharpshooting wasn't enough to overcome other deficiencies such as rebounding where they were outdone by six boards and allowed too many second-chance points. Moreover, with only three blocks compared to one for New Orleans and fewer steals (six versus ten), defensive intensity needs ramping up.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 9: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the New Orleans Pelicans dunks the ball against the Phoenix Suns on December 9, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking ahead to their next clash on December 11th at 3:30 PM ET (8:30 PM GMT), PHX must focus on tightening up defense without sacrificing offensive efficiency. They should also aim to reduce turnovers which stood at seventeen in their previous meeting with NOP. A more concerted effort on controlling rebounds could help limit second-chance opportunities for opponents.

The PS have shown resilience before; after a tough loss against Boston Celtics earlier in December where they scored only 98 points against Boston's commanding 125 points performance – highlighting issues with ball movement and interior defense – PHX came back strong just two days later against Dallas Mavericks despite another loss but showing improved offense scoring 111 points.

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 9: Naji Marshall #8 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on December 9, 2022 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)

This pattern suggests that while consistency is an issue for PS right now, there is potential for quick recovery and adjustment between games. With players likely keenly aware of these patterns themselves, expect them to come into this game with adjustments ready and a point to prove.

Fans can catch all action live from Smoothie King Center or tune into BSAZ channel number 686 if watching from Arizona or BSNO channel number 676-4 for home supporters when these two teams lock horns once again on Sunday evening.

NBA - Opinion

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