Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns Head Coach Jordan Ott in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
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.
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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.
Feb 5, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott reacts against the Golden State Warriors in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Ott on the impact of winning the extra possessions:
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.
Jan 11, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott watches guard Devin Booker (1) against the Washington Wizards in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
