Where Suns Sit in Fresh NBA Power Rankings

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns continue to be one of the more tougher teams to gauge in the NBA after wildly inconsistent performances, and even as the season begins to wind down, outlets still are unsure of what to make from Frank Vogel's squad:

CBS Sports: No. 8

Colin Ward-Henninger: "Phoenix went two-for-three in massive Western Conference matchups against the Nuggets, Thunder and Pelicans. Devin Booker tied Wilt Chamberlain's record (always a good thing), scoring 50-plus points in his third straight game against New Orleans -- a feat difficult to fathom."

The Athletic: No. 10

Zach Harper: "What can you say about Kevin Durant at this point that hasn’t been said? We know the scoring is historic. We know he can (and is willing to) make plays for teammates. But the defense he’s played this season has been as important as anything else he can do for the Suns. This is not a deep team, and it’s still trying to figure out how to get the most out of whatever rotation Frank Vogel feels comfortable throwing out there. Durant’s ability and willingness to play the five for stretches saves them a lot more often than it hurts them. He’s one of the greatest ever for a reason."

Bleacher Report: No. 10

Andy Bailey: "We got a glimpse of both ends of the 2023-24 Phoenix Suns spectrum this week.

"On Monday, they lost to the Victor Wembanyama-less San Antonio Spurs in a game in which all five starters were available. Two days later, they controlled all 48 minutes on the road against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets to move to 4-1 in their last five.

"In the playoffs, assuming everyone's healthy, expect more of the latter. Thanks in large part to injuries and developing continuity, Phoenix has mostly been in survival mode this regular season, but Wednesday was a reminder the Suns may have as much one-on-one shotmaking ability as anyone in the league.

"Denver couldn't keep the Suns away from their spots in the mid-range, and KD finished with 30 points on 12-of-20 shooting. Getting at least one hot shooting performance from him, Devin Booker or Bradley Beal in four out of seven games won't be surprising."