Western Conference | Round 1 | (1) Phoenix Suns VS. (8) New Orleans Pelicans (PHX 3-2)

[skones]

So you’re saying Lonzo and Porter are more important than Fred? I’d say the combination of having an All Star and the ROTY out with injury is pretty comparable to teams missing a Lowry, Lonzo, Porter, Middleton, etc. And Embiid isn’t out, he’s still playing

Fred has literally missed zero games man. You can't be serious.

He left the game early in game 4 and likely misses tomorrow and was playing at like 60% all series. He’s been playing through a knee injury that’s been effecting him on both ends since the All Star break. So yes, I’m serious

Well you do you, but it's not logical or rational at this point.

[Tor_Raps]

But that's my point. When all 3 are out there at once, if the plan is to just turn CJ into a catch and shoot guy. Might as well have a 3&D guy, instead of CJ who is a horrible defender.

I think it's overkill when you have 3 guys out there at once who want the ball. You can do that with 2 guys, can't do it with 3.

CJ has the exact game that is ideal to be the 6th man for this team when Zion is healthy.

I didn't mean be spot up shooters permanently but just be good enough when you don't have the ball. You do make a great point so let's see how they look once fully healthy.

One thing for sure is that McCollum will get traded before he becomes a 6th man.

Then I would look to trade CJ. The vast majority of 3 star lineups see one guy taking a major step back. And I think the ideal scenario for the Pels is to continue to give BI and Zion a bigger and bigger role on offense. So ya if CJ doesnt want to accept a 6th man role, I would look to move him.

Let's see Zion produce on the court and actually want to win for the city of New Orleans before getting rid of the guy who helped push this turn around for the franchise.

It's been 3 friggin years and Zion's always had something each year. It doesn't make sense to make moves assuming he will be there until he's actually there.

[Bruin]

Fred has literally missed zero games man. You can't be serious.

He left the game early in game 4 and likely misses tomorrow and was playing at like 60% all series. He’s been playing through a knee injury that’s been effecting him on both ends since the All Star break. So yes, I’m serious

Well you do you, but it's not logical or rational at this point.

Lmao ok man. Whatever you say. I’m quite sure that comparing our several injuries that have effected 3 starters is comparable to the injuries the rest of the league is dealing with. But if you wanna ignore that then that’s cool too

[Vampirate]

I'm on the record respecting the pelicans. And why should the Suns be rolling the pelicans ? Especially without Book? Nobody giving the pelicans respect. They are far better than their record.

Pelicans earned this win. Suns are lucky to be 2-2 honestly.

As for the officiating, favored the pels a bit? Come on. It's ok to point out how one sided it was and still say pelicans won this game

The thing is you guys won 64 games this year and had the best point differential in basketball and losing Booker is not in the same realm as losing someone like Jokic. Though Booker is still an All Star.

In the playoffs, 98% of the time stars win, plain and simple.

If losing an all Star caliber player, not a Superstar caliber player is enough to derail your post season hopes, then the house of cards is truly fragile. It would show how shallow the Suns are on Star talent despite being a very deep team.

That being said the series isn't over and for all I know the Suns trounce the Pels the next 2 games, but as it stands now? Not looking good.

So because Booker isn't the MVP then the loss isn't a big deal? Some pretty big gaps in logic to hold that opinion.

Not having Booker is a huge loss. He is a clutch scorer. And more importantly creates his own shot. Also helps relieve pressure from CP3. Also creates open looks when Paul sits.

This series honestly is a perfect storm. Book out. Pelicans being healthy healthy finally coming into playoffs and hitting their stride. And more importantly Suns absolutely crumbling from 3pt.

Now some of it can be attributed to an aggressive Pelicans defense but the sheet number of clear/open shots being missed is crazy.

Two airballs from Payne and 2 from Johnson tonight alone.

Like I said, the Suns atm appear to be a house of cards.

Losing any All Star caliber player sucks, but do the Suns have that player that you think can really step up in Booker's absence to pull the Suns through? Will Ayton step up and lead the Suns past the Pelicans now?

Maybe you think CP3 will but he's pretty old.

When Giannis went down last year, it was Middleton who stepped up from what I recall.

Do the Suns have 'that' player now?

If you're saying 'no', then it really does prove that the Suns are slim on Star talent.

[TeamTragic]

The thing is you guys won 64 games this year and had the best point differential in basketball and losing Booker is not in the same realm as losing someone like Jokic. Though Booker is still an All Star.

In the playoffs, 98% of the time stars win, plain and simple.

If losing an all Star caliber player, not a Superstar caliber player is enough to derail your post season hopes, then the house of cards is truly fragile. It would show how shallow the Suns are on Star talent despite being a very deep team.

That being said the series isn't over and for all I know the Suns trounce the Pels the next 2 games, but as it stands now? Not looking good.

So because Booker isn't the MVP then the loss isn't a big deal? Some pretty big gaps in logic to hold that opinion.

Not having Booker is a huge loss. He is a clutch scorer. And more importantly creates his own shot. Also helps relieve pressure from CP3. Also creates open looks when Paul sits.

This series honestly is a perfect storm. Book out. Pelicans being healthy healthy finally coming into playoffs and hitting their stride. And more importantly Suns absolutely crumbling from 3pt.

Now some of it can be attributed to an aggressive Pelicans defense but the sheet number of clear/open shots being missed is crazy.

Two airballs from Payne and 2 from Johnson tonight alone.

Like I said, the Suns atm appear to be a house of cards.

Losing any All Star caliber player sucks, but do the Suns have that player that you think can really step up in Booker's absence to pull the Suns through? Will Ayton step up and lead the Suns past the Pelicans now?

Maybe you think CP3 will but he's pretty old.

When Giannis went down last year, it was Middleton who stepped up from what I recall.

Do the Suns have 'that' player now?

If you're saying 'no', then it really does prove that the Suns are slim on Star talent.

This a really dumb argument. Take away any star from any team currently in the playoffs and most teams would barely win a game.

Don't compare CP3 with Booker. They are not the same. That being said injuries happen and are part of the game.

[1st banana]

I'm on the record respecting the pelicans. And why should the Suns be rolling the pelicans ? Especially without Book? Nobody giving the pelicans respect. They are far better than their record.

Pelicans earned this win. Suns are lucky to be 2-2 honestly.

As for the officiating, favored the pels a bit? Come on. It's ok to point out how one sided it was and still say pelicans won this game

I was kidding about the a bit part tonight’s game was horrific but the pels aren’t good. They’re a young up and coming team with a couple decent scorers and defenders but give me a break.

I know book is out it’s not an excuse for the suns they are deep with a lot of versatile defenders.

I’ll say tho I do like the Pelicans team and they’re not terrible but suns should be easily winning.

The pelicans post CJ trade are a different team.

Suns should be killing them cj is nice but he’s not MJ. Everyone had suns in 4 and they almost lost game 3 and did lose game 2 with book there.

I still think the suns win but this isn’t looking good for them in the second round.

[Vampirate]

So because Booker isn't the MVP then the loss isn't a big deal? Some pretty big gaps in logic to hold that opinion.

Not having Booker is a huge loss. He is a clutch scorer. And more importantly creates his own shot. Also helps relieve pressure from CP3. Also creates open looks when Paul sits.

This series honestly is a perfect storm. Book out. Pelicans being healthy healthy finally coming into playoffs and hitting their stride. And more importantly Suns absolutely crumbling from 3pt.

Now some of it can be attributed to an aggressive Pelicans defense but the sheet number of clear/open shots being missed is crazy.

Two airballs from Payne and 2 from Johnson tonight alone.

Like I said, the Suns atm appear to be a house of cards.

Losing any All Star caliber player sucks, but do the Suns have that player that you think can really step up in Booker's absence to pull the Suns through? Will Ayton step up and lead the Suns past the Pelicans now?

Maybe you think CP3 will but he's pretty old.

When Giannis went down last year, it was Middleton who stepped up from what I recall.

Do the Suns have 'that' player now?

If you're saying 'no', then it really does prove that the Suns are slim on Star talent.

This a really dumb argument. Take away any star from any team currently in the playoffs and most teams would barely win a game.

Don't compare CP3 with Booker. They are not the same. That being said injuries happen and are part of the game.

I'm straight up asking you, do the Suns have that second star that can step up in Booker's absence?

Do you believe Ayton can step up to pull you through?

It's a yes or no question.

This is why you need multiple All Stars ideally.

[Duke4life831]

I didn't mean be spot up shooters permanently but just be good enough when you don't have the ball. You do make a great point so let's see how they look once fully healthy.

One thing for sure is that McCollum will get traded before he becomes a 6th man.

Then I would look to trade CJ. The vast majority of 3 star lineups see one guy taking a major step back. And I think the ideal scenario for the Pels is to continue to give BI and Zion a bigger and bigger role on offense. So ya if CJ doesnt want to accept a 6th man role, I would look to move him.

Let's see Zion produce on the court and actually want to win for the city of New Orleans before getting rid of the guy who helped push this turn around for the franchise.

It's been 3 friggin years and Zion's always had something each year. It doesn't make sense to make moves assuming he will be there until he's actually there.

Zion is either their franchise guy or not. I dont think they can go into building this roster with hesitation on this. Zion played 61 games last year and put up 27/7/4 on 65 TS%. We know when Zion is on the court he is elite.

Again you either build the team with Zion as the franchise guy, or you dont and you trade him. Going half in half out would be really dumb.

[baldur]

upset is loading.

[pj0tr]

I do wonder if people realize just how valuable Booker is to the Suns and how much he impacts the game when hes on the floor.

[BuddyBuckets]

Proud Pels fan, no matter how the next few games play out. There have been some dark years for me (an Aussie that's followed the franchise from the Hornets Larry Johnson days and nearly jumped to Clipper nation when CP3 left) but this current group is so likable and humble. They just bring the fire in the Smoothie King Center. Now they gotta do it on the road too.

[skones]

Zion is either their franchise guy or not. I dont think they can go into building this roster with hesitation on this. Zion played 61 games last year and put up 27/7/4 on 65 TS%. We know when Zion is on the court he is elite.

Again you either build the team with Zion as the franchise guy, or you dont and you trade him. Going half in half out would be really dumb.

BI is the franchise guy until Zion proves otherwise. He's actually out there playing games. Tough for me to hand the keys to a guy who's missed 141 games over three seasons with the issues he's consistently had. Lower body issues coupled with weight, it's just not a good recipe. To this juncture, he's just been too unreliable.

[BuddyBuckets]

Zion is either their franchise guy or not. I dont think they can go into building this roster with hesitation on this. Zion played 61 games last year and put up 27/7/4 on 65 TS%. We know when Zion is on the court he is elite.

Again you either build the team with Zion as the franchise guy, or you dont and you trade him. Going half in half out would be really dumb.

BI is the franchise guy until Zion proves otherwise. He's actually out there playing games. Tough for me to hand the keys to a guy who's missed 141 games over three seasons with the issues he's consistently had. Lower body issues coupled with weight, it's just not a good recipe. To this juncture, he's just been too unreliable.

If the Pels make it to the 2nd round and Zion still isn't playing, then the fact is Zion won't be on the team next year.

[kan_t]

Offense should be the last thing you would question about Zion impact to Ingram and CJ. He would replace Hayes. If there is anything difference it would just further open up the lane for Ingram and CJ to attack.

Also Green's offense system may be the most simplest in the league. He relies Ingram and CJ to take the ball and create offense themselves (It's not a knock to Green. Simple sometime is the best). The more playmaker the better for Green's system.

You see how much it hurts the Suns when Booker is not here. Only CP3 could create and it's a lot easier for team to scheme defend him.

[GSP]

Phoenix still 3 to 1 favorites to win the series......... Pels +240 dogs if you want them

[G R E Y]

I didn't watch most of this game so looking at the box score, Suns actually shot more efficiently on the same # of FGAs, Pels got more rebounds and far fewer assists with terrific individual O games by BI and Val.

But holy **** does the FT disparity ever stand out.

CP3 was neutralized and bested and Suns missed a lot of shots in the 4th, but yeah that disparity is glaring. Now I'm not one who thinks that a fairly officiated game means similar number of FT's. Sometimes a team fouls more and gets called for it. Sometimes a team plays more on the perimeter vs. another more inside.

So without conspiracy theories, were the calls legitimate or is this a gripe Suns fans should have? Haven't read through the thread...

[BuddyBuckets]

As was pointed out elsewhere I read... Suns were near bottom of the league in FT attempts per game and like half of them were Booker.

Peeps need to consider that before assuming both teams should have equal FT attempts per game or whatever

[AussieRules]

I didn't watch most of this game so looking at the box score, Suns actually shot more efficiently on the same # of FGAs, Oels got more rebounds and far fewer assists with terrific individual O games by BI and Val.

But holy **** does the FT disparity ever stand out.

CP3 was neutralized and bested and Suns missed a lot of shots in the 4th, but yeah that disparity is glaring. Now I'm not one who thinks that a fairly officiated game means similar number of FT's. Sometimes a team fouls more and gets called for it. Sometimes a team plays more on the perimeter vs. another more inside.

So without conspiracy theories, were the calls legitimate or is this a gripe Suns fans should have? Haven't read through the thread...

The calls were mostly legitimate except for a few flops by Crowder which went in the Suns favor.

The Suns just can’t keep up with the Pelicans firepower. If the Suns play a clean game, they’ll get blown out even worse than they have this playoffs. The pelicans are a matchup nightmare for them and the rest of the league.

I suggest you watch the game.

Herb Jones blocked 2 3 point shots in one game, insane!!! And BI is just unstoppable

[G R E Y]

I didn't watch most of this game so looking at the box score, Suns actually shot more efficiently on the same # of FGAs, Oels got more rebounds and far fewer assists with terrific individual O games by BI and Val.

But holy **** does the FT disparity ever stand out.

CP3 was neutralized and bested and Suns missed a lot of shots in the 4th, but yeah that disparity is glaring. Now I'm not one who thinks that a fairly officiated game means similar number of FT's. Sometimes a team fouls more and gets called for it. Sometimes a team plays more on the perimeter vs. another more inside.

So without conspiracy theories, were the calls legitimate or is this a gripe Suns fans should have? Haven't read through the thread...

The calls were mostly legitimate except for a few flops by Crowder which went in the Suns favor.

The Suns just can’t keep up with the Pelicans firepower. If the Suns play a clean game, they’ll get blown out even worse than they have this playoffs. The pelicans are a matchup nightmare for them and the rest of the league.

I suggest you watch the game.

Herb Jobs blocked 2 3 point shots in one game, insane!!! And BI is just unstoppable

I had a lot of errands today and seeing as it was actually warm I also spent it outside. Sometimes you just need a day off, you know? lol

I did see the incredible couple of blocks by Jones. Fun to watch.

Nice to see the Pels finally putting it all together well. That CJ trade was a big galvanizing force for them.

[garrick]

I didn't watch most of this game so looking at the box score, Suns actually shot more efficiently on the same # of FGAs, Pels got more rebounds and far fewer assists with terrific individual O games by BI and Val.

But holy **** does the FT disparity ever stand out.

CP3 was neutralized and bested and Suns missed a lot of shots in the 4th, but yeah that disparity is glaring. Now I'm not one who thinks that a fairly officiated game means similar number of FT's. Sometimes a team fouls more and gets called for it. Sometimes a team plays more on the perimeter vs. another more inside.

So without conspiracy theories, were the calls legitimate or is this a gripe Suns fans should have? Haven't read through the thread...

This has been a recurring theme throughout the season that the Suns just generally get less favorable calls than their opponents which is pretty baffling to me and it seems the refs don't consider the Suns a very good defensive team.

For this game the Pels did drive more so they got more calls but the refs were very inconsistent with how much physical D was allowed to be played. For example there was a very weak call late I believe where Crowder knocked the ball off of BI but was called for a foul and on replay the contact was minimal, to contrast that Herb Jones shoves CP3 under the rim knocking him over in front of the ref but the ref swallows the whistle.

In the second half Pels defenders were allowed to be very handsy on CP3 leading to a few turnovers, now the Suns shouldn't have allowed CP3 to be left alone in the backcourt when the refs are allowing so much contact to go uncalled so they will need to adjust a bit more in the next game.