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

[hoosierdaddy34]

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[Whole Truth]

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When people compare Ingram to Tatum's performance, Nets as a team has no rim protection & questionable perimeter defense apposed to how Ingram is playing against the Suns who have Ayton, a DPOY candidate & top 5 defemse.

This post by yours is why Pels are finding success. Suns have not been able to gaurd him. Booker, no Booker. It's also why what Ingram is doing so far more impressive than what Tatum has done. Look at how Bostons D locked up KD.

Instead of discrediting the Suns & making excuses. Ingram deserves credit for averaging 30 7 5 though 4 games against a very good defensive team. Which they still are without Booker.

Part reason why Suns shooting is off, especially Crowder, is because of how much energy he has to spell defensively to cover Ingram.

CJ hasn't shot well because Bridges length has contained him all series but it takes work & though he's not producing, he's drawing defensive attention so Suns can't double Ingram. Though I wish he would take better adavantage of that over looking to score most of the time but realize he's got a scorers mentality & it's not really his game to set the table.

Before game 4, Paul had a 19-1 TO rate on 38 assists vs CJ's 2-1 TO rate on 21 assists.

Game 3 - Jonas had 5 shot attempts with half coming off O boards. While CP3 was hitting Ayton & Mcgee in their spots. Game 4 Green made it a priority to get Jonas involved & he had a team high +19 with 26/15/4. Pels just have alot of offensive weapons that their making a top 5 defense not look like it.

CJ needs to take advantage of the attention he's drawing better than forcing his offense & then Pels will really open up the Suns defense.

[og15]

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When people compare Ingram to Tatum's performance, Nets as a team has no rim protection & questionable perimeter defense apposed to how Ingram is playing against the Suns who have Ayton, a DPOY candidate & top 5 defemse.

This post by yours is why Pels are finding success. Suns have not been able to gaurd him. Booker, no Booker. It's also why what Ingram is doing so far more impressive than what Tatum has done. Look at how Bostons D locked up KD.

Instead of discrediting the Suns & making excuses. Ingram deserves credit for averaging 30 7 5 though 4 games against a very good defensive team. Which they still are without Booker.

Part reason why Suns shooting is off, especially Crowder, is because of how much energy he has to spell defensively to cover Ingram.

CJ hasn't shot well because Bridges length has contained him all series but it takes work & though he's not producing, he's drawing defensive attention so Suns can't double Ingram. Though I wish he would take better adavantage of that over looking to score most of the time but realize he's got a scorers mentality & it's not really his game to set the table.

Before game 4, Paul had a 19-1 TO rate on 38 assists vs CJ's 2-1 TO rate on 21 assists.

Game 3 - Jonas had 5 shot attempts with half coming off O boards. While CP3 was hitting Ayton & Mcgee in their spots. Game 4 Green made it a priority to get Jonas involved & he had a team high +19 with 26/15/4. Pels just have alot of offensive weapons that their making a top 5 defense not look like it.

CJ needs to take advantage of the attention he's drawing better than forcing his offense & then Pels will really open up the Suns defense.

That's the role of those types of players. They aren't doing much creating or ball handling on offense. I don't think it has anything to do with energy used on defense, Crowder has always been streaky.

Crowder shot 26/10 the first three game vs the Lakers last playoffs, then 50/46 the last three games. Then the middle 4 games vs LAC he shot 25/21.

[phnart]

I'm a lifelong Suns fan, but the Pelicans deserve to win this series after what I've seen so far. The Suns need to remember who they are otherwise Suns fans like me will be asking ourselves for the foreseeable future if the best regular season Suns team ever was just a façade. It has been so difficult to watch them just shoot brick after brick from three, give up offensive rebounds like they are passing out candy on Halloween, and don't even let me get started on Crowder's flopping. How can a player built like that get knocked down on almost every shot? I love the guy's hustle and defense, but c'mon. I'm hoping the Suns, at very least, eke it out, but I will not be surprised if this thing is done in six and it will be another year of "What if?"

[spanishninja]

I'm a lifelong Suns fan, but the Pelicans deserve to win this series after what I've seen so far. The Suns need to remember who they are otherwise Suns fans like me will be asking ourselves for the foreseeable future if the best regular season Suns team ever was just a façade. It has been so difficult to watch them just shoot brick after brick from three, give up offensive rebounds like they are passing out candy on Halloween, and don't even let me get started on Crowder's flopping. How can a player built like that get knocked down on almost every shot? I love the guy's hustle and defense, but c'mon. I'm hoping the Suns, at very least, eke it out, but I will not be surprised if this thing is done in six and it will be another year of "What if?"

maybe we're better off with an early vacation from basketball. the way the team is playing it is only a matter of time before we're eliminated. Since anything other than a title is a disappointment, might as well be disappointed now rather than wasting another 1.5 months.

[SkyBill40]

I'm a lifelong Suns fan, but the Pelicans deserve to win this series after what I've seen so far. The Suns need to remember who they are otherwise Suns fans like me will be asking ourselves for the foreseeable future if the best regular season Suns team ever was just a façade. It has been so difficult to watch them just shoot brick after brick from three, give up offensive rebounds like they are passing out candy on Halloween, and don't even let me get started on Crowder's flopping. How can a player built like that get knocked down on almost every shot? I love the guy's hustle and defense, but c'mon. I'm hoping the Suns, at very least, eke it out, but I will not be surprised if this thing is done in six and it will be another year of "What if?"

maybe we're better off with an early vacation from basketball. the way the team is playing it is only a matter of time before we're eliminated. Since anything other than a title is a disappointment, might as well be disappointed now rather than wasting another 1.5 months.

I know you could have used the sarcasm color for your post, but it's hard to tell sometimes if what's written is genuine or otherwise. That said, you're probably right. Expectations have been sky high for us this season after running off that long streak and having a franchise record for wins. It just seems like the dynamic changed when they started sitting people for rest rather than keeping it going. It disrupted our momentum and it cost us wins, some of which were embarrassing.

[spanishninja]

I'm a lifelong Suns fan, but the Pelicans deserve to win this series after what I've seen so far. The Suns need to remember who they are otherwise Suns fans like me will be asking ourselves for the foreseeable future if the best regular season Suns team ever was just a façade. It has been so difficult to watch them just shoot brick after brick from three, give up offensive rebounds like they are passing out candy on Halloween, and don't even let me get started on Crowder's flopping. How can a player built like that get knocked down on almost every shot? I love the guy's hustle and defense, but c'mon. I'm hoping the Suns, at very least, eke it out, but I will not be surprised if this thing is done in six and it will be another year of "What if?"

maybe we're better off with an early vacation from basketball. the way the team is playing it is only a matter of time before we're eliminated. Since anything other than a title is a disappointment, might as well be disappointed now rather than wasting another 1.5 months.

I know you could have used the sarcasm color for your post, but it's hard to tell sometimes if what's written is genuine or otherwise. That said, you're probably right. Expectations have been sky high for us this season after running off that long streak and having a franchise record for wins. It just seems like the dynamic changed when they started sitting people for rest rather than keeping it going. It disrupted our momentum and it cost us wins, some of which were embarrassing.

oh this is not sarcasm. if we are going to flame out I'd rather it happen soon. watching this subpar team struggle through whatever later rounds that may be coming for us if we end up beating the Pels is not going to be pretty. I was never in favor of resting guys in the first place. People clearly stopped caring about playing best basketball.

[tamaraw08]

I'm a lifelong Suns fan, but the Pelicans deserve to win this series after what I've seen so far. The Suns need to remember who they are otherwise Suns fans like me will be asking ourselves for the foreseeable future if the best regular season Suns team ever was just a façade. It has been so difficult to watch them just shoot brick after brick from three, give up offensive rebounds like they are passing out candy on Halloween, and don't even let me get started on Crowder's flopping. How can a player built like that get knocked down on almost every shot? I love the guy's hustle and defense, but c'mon. I'm hoping the Suns, at very least, eke it out, but I will not be surprised if this thing is done in six and it will be another year of "What if?"

I really want the Pelicans to win, even spent money watching them play in NO because I'm an Ingram and CJ fan.. Having said that, I am a believer of Law of averages or regression to the mean. I expect 1-3 Suns players to find their 3pt shot and make this a Game 7 thriller. They also have the experience. I just hope no body gets hurt or injured.

[SkyBill40]

I don't see Booker pulling a Willis Reed type thing and coming back for game 7. I'd be happy to be proven wrong, but if he's not healed and hobbled it doesn't help as much as it hurts. We need him to stay in front of his man on defense and have lift on his jumper. Depending on the severity or his pain threshold, that might not be possible. I suppose we'll see if it gets that far.

[Big_Aristotle]

With the trades at the deadline and without Booker, the Pelicans are as good as the Suns. The series is tied 2-2 for a reason. I totally see the Pelicans with a legit shot to win this series.

[Wolfgang630]

We’re rooting for the Pelicans

[John Murdoch]

BI and Tatum taking over the leaugue

[IamBBAnalysis]

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When people compare Ingram to Tatum's performance, Nets as a team has no rim protection & questionable perimeter defense apposed to how Ingram is playing against the Suns who have Ayton, a DPOY candidate & top 5 defemse.

This post by yours is why Pels are finding success. Suns have not been able to gaurd him. Booker, no Booker. It's also why what Ingram is doing so far more impressive than what Tatum has done. Look at how Bostons D locked up KD.

Instead of discrediting the Suns & making excuses. Ingram deserves credit for averaging 30 7 5 though 4 games against a very good defensive team. Which they still are without Booker.

Part reason why Suns shooting is off, especially Crowder, is because of how much energy he has to spell defensively to cover Ingram.

CJ hasn't shot well because Bridges length has contained him all series but it takes work & though he's not producing, he's drawing defensive attention so Suns can't double Ingram. Though I wish he would take better adavantage of that over looking to score most of the time but realize he's got a scorers mentality & it's not really his game to set the table.

Before game 4, Paul had a 19-1 TO rate on 38 assists vs CJ's 2-1 TO rate on 21 assists.

Game 3 - Jonas had 5 shot attempts with half coming off O boards. While CP3 was hitting Ayton & Mcgee in their spots. Game 4 Green made it a priority to get Jonas involved & he had a team high +19 with 26/15/4. Pels just have alot of offensive weapons that their making a top 5 defense not look like it.

CJ needs to take advantage of the attention he's drawing better than forcing his offense & then Pels will really open up the Suns defense.

Agree completely. He just rises up and over everyone and makes shots in their face. Tough to guard. Maybe they could be more physical but it has been tough, as the refs are calling fouls on some of that stuff.

However, the Suns are not missing shots becasue of being tired. It is 2 things:

1. The Pelicans are playing smart defense and not letting the role players get tons of open looks. Lot of this is coaching and a lot is an athletic and physical team that is matching up well.
2. Lack of confidence by the Suns role players. Since game 1 guys like Payne, Johnson, Craig, and Crowder have not maid ANY 3 point shots. None. Tired or not. Definitely not an energy thing.

Also, disagree with the C.J. thing. He has actually palyed well and played aggressive. He is missing some shots but he's making a lot too. The Suns are trying to contain both INgram and McCulum but those guys are making tough shots. McCulum is making everything when he is open and only missing when he has to take some tougher shots. They are just playing with lots of confidence.

[IamBBAnalysis]

I'm a lifelong Suns fan, but the Pelicans deserve to win this series after what I've seen so far. The Suns need to remember who they are otherwise Suns fans like me will be asking ourselves for the foreseeable future if the best regular season Suns team ever was just a façade. It has been so difficult to watch them just shoot brick after brick from three, give up offensive rebounds like they are passing out candy on Halloween, and don't even let me get started on Crowder's flopping. How can a player built like that get knocked down on almost every shot? I love the guy's hustle and defense, but c'mon. I'm hoping the Suns, at very least, eke it out, but I will not be surprised if this thing is done in six and it will be another year of "What if?"

Great post. The Suns are lucky to be tied 2-2. The Pelicans are clearly looking like the better team. The Suns do have more upside though if guys would play with playoff intensity and confidence instead of like robots out there. Tonight's game is it. If they don't use the crowd and play with some heart and confidence this series will be over.

[IamBBAnalysis]

I'm a lifelong Suns fan, but the Pelicans deserve to win this series after what I've seen so far. The Suns need to remember who they are otherwise Suns fans like me will be asking ourselves for the foreseeable future if the best regular season Suns team ever was just a façade. It has been so difficult to watch them just shoot brick after brick from three, give up offensive rebounds like they are passing out candy on Halloween, and don't even let me get started on Crowder's flopping. How can a player built like that get knocked down on almost every shot? I love the guy's hustle and defense, but c'mon. I'm hoping the Suns, at very least, eke it out, but I will not be surprised if this thing is done in six and it will be another year of "What if?"

maybe we're better off with an early vacation from basketball. the way the team is playing it is only a matter of time before we're eliminated. Since anything other than a title is a disappointment, might as well be disappointed now rather than wasting another 1.5 months.

Well, there is reason to be hopeful if they can get it together and win the series. The next round is a good matchup and eventually they will get Booker back. It would be a good learning lesson too if they can perservere. They can't act all entitled though. Look how hungry teams like the Pelicans and Celtics are.

[Phystic]

With all due respect to pelicans defense, as it has been good, it's not the defense that has caused Suns jumpshot. Suns as a team have been streaky 3pt shooting as a whole. We have had plenty of very very good looks that have been missed. Including multiple airballs.

Suns looked very subpar before playoffs started, we all just hoped it was complacency as they had seeding locked up.

Pretty evident it wasn't. Team isn't geling like they died 2,3,4 months ago.

Again, nothing but respect for pelicans. I liked their team coming in which is why I didn't want to play them. Wouldn't be surprised to see them make WCF if they finish the Suns off

[spanishninja]

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When people compare Ingram to Tatum's performance, Nets as a team has no rim protection & questionable perimeter defense apposed to how Ingram is playing against the Suns who have Ayton, a DPOY candidate & top 5 defemse.

This post by yours is why Pels are finding success. Suns have not been able to gaurd him. Booker, no Booker. It's also why what Ingram is doing so far more impressive than what Tatum has done. Look at how Bostons D locked up KD.

Instead of discrediting the Suns & making excuses. Ingram deserves credit for averaging 30 7 5 though 4 games against a very good defensive team. Which they still are without Booker.

Part reason why Suns shooting is off, especially Crowder, is because of how much energy he has to spell defensively to cover Ingram.

CJ hasn't shot well because Bridges length has contained him all series but it takes work & though he's not producing, he's drawing defensive attention so Suns can't double Ingram. Though I wish he would take better adavantage of that over looking to score most of the time but realize he's got a scorers mentality & it's not really his game to set the table.

Before game 4, Paul had a 19-1 TO rate on 38 assists vs CJ's 2-1 TO rate on 21 assists.

Game 3 - Jonas had 5 shot attempts with half coming off O boards. While CP3 was hitting Ayton & Mcgee in their spots. Game 4 Green made it a priority to get Jonas involved & he had a team high +19 with 26/15/4. Pels just have alot of offensive weapons that their making a top 5 defense not look like it.

CJ needs to take advantage of the attention he's drawing better than forcing his offense & then Pels will really open up the Suns defense.

Agree completely. He just rises up and over everyone and makes shots in their face. Tough to guard. Maybe they could be more physical but it has been tough, as the refs are calling fouls on some of that stuff.

However, the Suns are not missing shots becasue of being tired. It is 2 things:

1. The Pelicans are playing smart defense and not letting the role players get tons of open looks. Lot of this is coaching and a lot is an athletic and physical team that is matching up well.
2. Lack of confidence by the Suns role players. Since game 1 guys like Payne, Johnson, Craig, and Crowder have not maid ANY 3 point shots. None. Tired or not. Definitely not an energy thing.

Also, disagree with the C.J. thing. He has actually palyed well and played aggressive. He is missing some shots but he's making a lot too. The Suns are trying to contain both INgram and McCulum but those guys are making tough shots. McCulum is making everything when he is open and only missing when he has to take some tougher shots. They are just playing with lots of confidence.

#1 is only half true. The Suns have been missing most of their open 3s as well.

[phnart]

Team isn't geling like they died 2,3,4 months ago.

f

I know died is a typo, but it is pretty accurate.

[lakerz12]

The Playoffs are a different animal...

Teams ramp up their focus and their intensity.

It's not like the Suns have overwhelming talent.

[IamBBAnalysis]

When people compare Ingram to Tatum's performance, Nets as a team has no rim protection & questionable perimeter defense apposed to how Ingram is playing against the Suns who have Ayton, a DPOY candidate & top 5 defemse.

This post by yours is why Pels are finding success. Suns have not been able to gaurd him. Booker, no Booker. It's also why what Ingram is doing so far more impressive than what Tatum has done. Look at how Bostons D locked up KD.

Instead of discrediting the Suns & making excuses. Ingram deserves credit for averaging 30 7 5 though 4 games against a very good defensive team. Which they still are without Booker.

Part reason why Suns shooting is off, especially Crowder, is because of how much energy he has to spell defensively to cover Ingram.

CJ hasn't shot well because Bridges length has contained him all series but it takes work & though he's not producing, he's drawing defensive attention so Suns can't double Ingram. Though I wish he would take better adavantage of that over looking to score most of the time but realize he's got a scorers mentality & it's not really his game to set the table.

Before game 4, Paul had a 19-1 TO rate on 38 assists vs CJ's 2-1 TO rate on 21 assists.

Game 3 - Jonas had 5 shot attempts with half coming off O boards. While CP3 was hitting Ayton & Mcgee in their spots. Game 4 Green made it a priority to get Jonas involved & he had a team high +19 with 26/15/4. Pels just have alot of offensive weapons that their making a top 5 defense not look like it.

CJ needs to take advantage of the attention he's drawing better than forcing his offense & then Pels will really open up the Suns defense.

They are limiting open 3 point looks. The Suns are not getting a LOT of open looks, and the ones they are getting they are missing. This is either the Suns not playing with pace OR the Pelicans knowing their sets and in position to limit open looks. One on one defense I don't think the Pelicans are that great. Kind of average.
Agree completely. He just rises up and over everyone and makes shots in their face. Tough to guard. Maybe they could be more physical but it has been tough, as the refs are calling fouls on some of that stuff.

However, the Suns are not missing shots becasue of being tired. It is 2 things:

1. The Pelicans are playing smart defense and not letting the role players get tons of open looks. Lot of this is coaching and a lot is an athletic and physical team that is matching up well.
2. Lack of confidence by the Suns role players. Since game 1 guys like Payne, Johnson, Craig, and Crowder have not maid ANY 3 point shots. None. Tired or not. Definitely not an energy thing.

Also, disagree with the C.J. thing. He has actually palyed well and played aggressive. He is missing some shots but he's making a lot too. The Suns are trying to contain both INgram and McCulum but those guys are making tough shots. McCulum is making everything when he is open and only missing when he has to take some tougher shots. They are just playing with lots of confidence.

#1 is only half true. The Suns have been missing most of their open 3s as well.