The Phoenix Suns, in a move that feels equal parts tactical and experimental, shook things up this past week by yanking both Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic out of the starting lineup. On the surface, it seems like an obvious move.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal had another impressive outing off the bench on Thursday, going for 25 points and seven rebounds on 11 of 16 from the field in a win over the Atlanta Hawks. That was Beal's second 25-point outing since he was removed from the starting lineup earlier this month.

As he left the arena Thursday night, Beal didn’t sound like someone ready to give in. His role has changed. He has not.