
GLENDALE – One of the biggest surprises of this NBA season has been the rise of the Phoenix Suns. A projected lottery team, the franchise is sitting at 33-24 and on the verge of being a top sixth seed, skipping the Play-In entirely. Phoenix has achieved this success with many key starters in and out the lineup, including Jalen Green and Devin Booker recently.
Despite the injuries, the roster has come together to still find ways to win and head coach Jordan Ott explains how they’re able to reach this level of winning. Pregame before Sunday’s game vs. the Portland Trail Blazers, Ott was asked about the team taking 300 more shots than their opponent this year and explain the benefit of those extra possessions.
When asked about Phoenix @Suns taking 300 more shots than their opponent this season, head coach Jordan Ott explains how they’re able to achieve that and the benefit of getting extra possessions. #phoenixsuns #sunsup #NBA #nbanews pic.twitter.com/WSc6uTsn8F
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) February 22, 2026
Besides a subtle acknowledge to the Suns not having the best whistle, Ott explains how the team’s pace and energy keeps them in games when the shooting isn’t up to par. In Saturday’s game vs. the Orlando Magic, Phoenix had 22 offensive rebounds, which showcases a full team effort. Big man fighting in the trenches and guards crashing from the wings to poke the ball back out to the top of the key is generating these extra possessions.
The Suns are fifth in offensive rebound chances with 30.4 per game and fourth in captured Oreb with 13.1. Regardless of them being 18th in second chance points on the season, getting those extra opportunities to score deflates opposing teams and eliminates opponents from closing the gap or extending their lead.
Sunday’s game will be a challenge, as Portland center Donovan Clingan’s leads the NBA with 4.7 offensive rebounds and brings his team’s total to second in the league (14.1). Ott’s playstyle will be tested by a similar built team and surely will be a tough hurdle to clear on the second night of a back-to-back.
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