Suns Coach Ott Vows to Keep Physical Defense Amid Injuries

Phoenix head coach Jordan Ott says his team will maintain its aggressive defensive approach despite a string of injuries this season.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:28am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Phoenix Suns basketball game, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the team's physical defensive style.Ott's Suns embrace a physical, aggressive defensive identity to overcome injury challenges and make a playoff push.Phoenix Today

Despite facing a rash of injuries this NBA season, Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott says his team will continue to prioritize a physical, aggressive defensive style of play. Ott believes this approach gives the Suns the best chance of success, especially as they prepare for the postseason Play-In Tournament where the game slows down.

Why it matters

The Suns have exceeded expectations this season after losing star Kevin Durant, thanks in large part to their commitment to tough, physical defense led by players like Dillon Brooks. Ott is determined to keep this identity intact despite the team's injury woes, believing it gives them the best path forward as they aim for a playoff berth.

The details

In a recent loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Ott acknowledged the Suns struggled to contain the opposing team's pick-and-roll offense, but he remains committed to his defensive philosophy. "We'll have to take a look. What hurt us was the middle pick-and-roll, small-small pick-and-roll. That hurt us there in that stretch. That's two smalls, and they were able to beat us off the bounce and get to the rim," Ott said after the game. "Everything is on the table. We're trying to figure this thing out on the fly, and that's what I just said. We've got to expedite it. There's no excuse. We just have to figure it out."

  • The Phoenix Suns have dealt with injuries throughout the 2025-26 NBA season.

The players

Jordan Ott

The head coach of the Phoenix Suns who is committed to maintaining the team's physical defensive identity despite their injury challenges this season.

Devin Booker

The cornerstone player of the Phoenix Suns, leading their offensive efforts.

Jalen Green

A key offensive player for the Suns who has helped offset the loss of Kevin Durant.

Dillon Brooks

A recent acquisition for the Suns known for his physical, aggressive defensive play.

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What they’re saying

“We'll have to take a look. What hurt us was the middle pick-and-roll, small-small pick-and-roll. That hurt us there in that stretch. That's two smalls, and they were able to beat us off the bounce and get to the rim.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

“Everything is on the table. We're trying to figure this thing out on the fly, and that's what I just said. We've got to expedite it. There's no excuse. We just have to figure it out.”

— Jordan Ott, Head Coach, Phoenix Suns

What’s next

The Suns will look to address their defensive issues ahead of the upcoming Play-In Tournament, where Ott believes their physical style of play will be crucial to their success.

The takeaway

Despite the Suns' injury troubles this season, head coach Jordan Ott remains steadfast in his commitment to an aggressive, physical defensive approach. He believes this identity gives the team the best chance of success as they aim for a playoff berth, especially in the slower-paced Play-In Tournament.