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The Phoenix Suns are an odd bunch to get a handle. They continue to stay in games and even win some of them despite still looking for an identity and playing woeful defense. The system that always produced points is still doing so but they are doing so while allowing other teams to return the favor. The power rankings are still trying to figure it all out.
SB Nation kept the Suns at No. 23 after wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Hornets this week. But it brought up the defense, which is allowing 43 percent shooting from three-point range while no other team in the league is allowing 40.
ESPN moved the Suns up two spots to No. 23 and felt sorry for them with how their six-game road trip started after the nail-biting loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. It does get better, though, as the Suns face the Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors in their next three games. They're all winnable and could put the team above .500.