In short, individual shot‑making is the ability of a player to create his own shot…and make it even when the defense has done its job. Extended to a team, it’s the ability to manufacture difficult but “assumed” shots, even when the system hasn’t created a clear advantage.

The Phoenix Suns are 0-2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, including a franchise-worst defeat the last time these two teams met.

Through new leadership, the Phoenix Suns and Mercury are changing the way we think about running a professional sports organization.

A lot of things have not gone to plan this season for Jalen Green and the Phoenix Suns this season. Despite Green playing just 30 minutes this season due to an injured right hamstring, the Suns have a 19-13 record with multiple wins against the Spurs, Timberwolves, and Lakers.

The Thunder could be without several key players. Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus strain) is out. Cason Wallace (knee soreness) is questionable. Isaiah Joe (knee soreness) is questionable. Jaylin Williams (heel bursitis) is out. Ousmane Dieng (calf strain) is out. Nikola Topic (testicular surgery) is out. Thomas Sorber (torn ACL) is out.

Last year the Suns tried to win with star power. In a remarkable twist, this season they are winning mostly with (expanded) role players.

These results do not surprise me. Going into the year, many fans were bullish on the team. In a Suns Reacts Survey from before the season, we asked people what the team’s ceiling is, 56% of fans said that it was winning at least 40 games.

The Phoenix Suns have star names in their backcourt -- though the play of a newcomer is simply getting too good to pass up.