The Phoenix Suns have a 24-11 record halfway through their 2020-21 schedule. They have two All-Stars. They boast the league’s eighth-best offense, third-best defense and third-best net rating — one of only two teams (Jazz) with top-eight rating on both offense and defense. They are 8-3 against the teams currently in playoff position in the West, including these last two wins by a combined margin of 32 points.
That 24-11 record is the second best in the entire league. The last time the Phoenix Suns had one of the league’s two best records at the All-Star break was the last time they were a serious contender for the championship.