“Get in there and dirty the sheets!” WNBA Coach Becky Hammon SLAMS Phoenix Suns for playing soft

Becky Hammon criticizes Suns' lack of grit in the loss against the Trail Blazers.

“Get in there and dirty the sheets!” WNBA Coach Becky Hammon SLAMS Phoenix Suns for playing soft

Becky Hammon doesn't think Bradley Beal coming back is going to solve all of the Suns' problems (ESPN, SBNation)

In a candid and fiery discussion on NBA Today, Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon did not mince words about the Phoenix Suns’ recent performance. Joined by Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins, and Chiney Ogwumike, Hammon dissected the Suns’ 109-104 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The conversation delved into the team’s issues, particularly their lack of ‘grit’ and resilience.

Hammon expressed her concerns about the Suns’ internal dynamics. She highlighted that while the team has competitive players, there seems to be a missing element that goes beyond basketball skills. This sentiment was echoed by Perkins, who bluntly labeled the Suns as ‘soft’, criticizing their inability to handle physicality in games.

Becky Hammon had this to say about the Phoenix Suns:

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I can't put my finger on this team exactly. Something is missing and it has nothing to do with the basketball court… there's something internal there… Get in there and dirty those sheets!!… maybe that's the grittiness and the toughness that I'm talking about.

The discussion on NBA Today was not just about the Suns’ shortcomings, and also delved into potential solutions. While the addition of a healthy Bradley Beal was proposed as a fix, Hammon and others were skeptical about this being a comprehensive solution. The consensus was that the team needed a fundamental shift in their approach to the game.

The Suns’ loss to the Trail Blazers was particularly alarming given Portland’s record and the high expectations surrounding the franchise. Despite having star players like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, especially while facing aggressive teams.

The Suns’ wobble against the Trail Blazers was due to a lack of depth

In their recent matchup, the Suns started strong but quickly lost momentum. Despite leading by 12 points at halftime, their defense crumbled in the second half, allowing the Portland Trail Blazers a 109-104 victory. This loss was a continuation of a troubling pattern of inconsistency and vulnerability under pressure.

Phoenix received just 14 bench points compared to Portland’s 43 (Via NBAE)

Kevin Durant and Devin Booker’s performances were highlights, yet they were not enough to secure a win. Durant finished with 40 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Booker had a slow start to the second half, going on a horrendous 3-11 from the field but eventually recovered, recording 26 points and seven assists.

The team’s overall strategy, particularly in the third quarter, was criticized for a lack of dynamism and movement, contributing to their downfall. Their inability to adapt to the Trail Blazers’ physicality was a key factor in the loss.

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