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Suns improving with lineup changes

After a slow start to the 2012-2013 season, the Phoenix Suns had won two of their last three games entering Tuesday, thanks in large part to some lineup changes. Shannon Brown and Markieff Morris are now in the starting lineup, and both offensively and defensively the Suns are improved because of it.

Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE

The Phoenix Suns had been red-hot entering Tuesday night's game with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and it's thanks in large part to some lineup shuffling by head coach Alvin Gentry. Shannon Brown and Markieff Morris have been moved into the starting lineup, and Phoenix has seen it's offensive and defensive output improve dramatically because of it.

Prior to Tuesday's victory over Cleveland, the Suns previous three games were indicative of how important the lineup change was. Prior to the move, Phoenix was averaging just 98.3 points per game, but saw that output increase to 108.7 points in the three game stretch which followed. The Suns scored at least 111 points in those three contests, after not totaling that number in any of their first 11 games of the season.

Additionally, Phoenix has improved defensively as well. In their first 11 games of the season, Phoenix allowed 104.3 points per game. They limited opponents to just 99.7 points in the three games which followed.

And even though the Suns struggled offensively in their win against Cleveland on Tuesday, that improvement on defense was still evident. The Cavaliers scored just 78 points, which tied their lowest output of the season.