PHOENIX- There have been a few instances this season where the Phoenix Suns have been outplayed. Another example came Thursday against the Chicago Bulls.
Although 105–103 indicated a close game, don't let the score fool you. Even for a guy like Devin Booker, he knew his team didn't bring the right energy.
Typically, they dive for 50/50 balls, pick up full court, and establish the pace of the game. Thursday's game was a deviation from his norm, yet Booker sees a silver lining with the struggles in the energy department.
Booker said in the locker room postgame, "That's been our MO all year. We look at what happens when we do that, and tonight is an example of what happens when we don't do that. Hopefully, it's a lesson learned from here."
Devin Booker on the Suns' lack of energy tonight.
"That's been our MO all year. We see what happens when we do that, and tonight was an example of what happens when we don't do that. Hopefully it'll be a lesson learned from here." pic.twitter.com/oBmstJqQl0
- Hayden Cilley (@HaydenCilley) 6 March 2026
The shorthanded Bulls did not get any wins in February, but they picked up some impressive wins in early March. They proceeded with the same momentum till Thursday and took full advantage.
His play speed and paint presence were difference makers. Guys like Collin Sexton and Guerschon Yabusele put tremendous pressure on the basket and worked hard for second chances.
Who else agreed with Devin Booker's assessment of the Sun's energy?
Head coach Jordan Ott has been someone who has never been afraid to hold his team accountable. After all, Ott had a challenge of accountability for the Suns before last Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Did he do the same after the loss to the Bulls? Not necessarily, but he mentioned a game strategy he used to stir up some energy. He mentions that he attacked because he needed energy, and it's something he shouldn't have asked for.
Somehow, Ott knows that the root of all these conversations about lack of effort is the same.
"We do it honestly," Ott explained. "We took the first out, again, we had zero (forced) turnovers. The reason I know we had zero (forced) turnovers is because I said it to the group. Then at halftime we just talked about wasting possessions.
"We can't waste possessions, we're not that type of team, and we have to somehow increase our activity and energy. So we're looking. We're looking for different lineups, different guys."
Luckily for the Suns, their next game will be on Friday as the second leg of a back-to-back. That will give them minimal time to reflect on Thursday's surprising loss and hopefully use it as a learning lesson, as Booker said.
