NBA PLAYOFFS: GAME 3: Phoenix Suns @ Los Angeles Clippers (Tied 1-1) | Thursday | 7:30 PM

[SunsRback4Good]

This board is ridiculous along with all the NBA pundits slobbering over how great a coach Tyron Lue is.

1. He isdown 2 to 1 to the lousy Monty Williams. How can that be? Tyron is a god and Monty Sucks.
2. He hasn't won crap in LA.
3, He took a loaded team in Cleveland when Lebron, Tyrie and Love were in their prime time years 3 times and won once.
4. Then got fired after after an 0 and 6 start in 2018.

He had a very loaded team in Cleveland and has a loaded team in LA. Certainly the injuries to both Leonard and George are a problem but he also is privileged to have a very good bench due to a very rich owner.

I do not see how he is out coaching Monty. Maybe if Ayton would show up for all 48 minutes as well as CP 3 you might consider Monty equal to the Great Tyron Lue.

Players win championships, not coaches. Coaches get far too much fault when they lose and far too much credit when they win.

Now that I have jinxed us Tyron will probably win the next 3 games. However, if that does happen, I imagine that our players will also suck.

Tyron Lue is great for in game adjustments possibly took 5 in the league. The last three seasons the clippers were riddled by injuries if not for that they make the finals in 21 over the Suns. Imagine Kawhi there to help out PG few years ago and tell me that Clipper team isn’t better than Phoenix? Coaches who can prepare their team prior to game and make in game adjustments are very valuable and stick around longer in the league.

Now is he better than Monty Williams? Well, one coach has a title while the other still searching for one. Yeah, he had Lebron but that team fought against one of the greatest teams of all time and came back down 1-3 series to win a championship.

[Revived]

Not being able to test these kinds of lineup variations is what makes me apprehensive about our chances to make it out of the West this season. 8 games is all we had, and now we're locked in to playing Book and KD 44+ minutes to eek out wins in round 1...

Our best chance at getting out of West is if there’s a 3rd player that can raise to be somewhat consistent offensively and create a little for themselves. Whether it’s Ayton, CP3, Craig or someone off the bench.

I was watching the Nets/Sixers game yesterday and Tyrese Maxey helps the Sixers so much because even when Embiid and Harden aren’t on the court, Sixers have a go-to shot creator and shot maker. We need that.

Maxey has been amazing since last season but really took off this year. He’s a bucket getter who can consistently hit threes. 76ers can’t rely on Tobias as a third option anymore as Maxey took over that role, but they have two great players and took good role players. Also, added Tucker for defense. This is a complete different team with playoff experience only way they lose if they choke considering nearly all Doc Rivers team choke one way or another.

Yeah I’m excited for their series against Boston. Joel Embiid is a very talented C and likely MVP this season but he’s a tough player to root for me because of the ridiculous flopping he does.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Right! It’s pretty sad what this board has become. The Clippers are a DEEP team. There will never be an easy win in the playoffs. The Suns won, that’s all that matters.


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Do either of you realize that if Suns are struggling to barely squeak by Clippers team without Kawhi/George then how they look against other far better teams? Or are we hoping that Jokic/Murray suffer a convenient injury so they miss the next round as well and so on and so forth?

I hate the BS of “oh it’s just wins, just be happy”. Plenty of us here voiced our concerns last season when the Suns were struggling badly to beat an inexperienced Pelicans team that was also missing Zion in the playoffs. It took 37 yr old CP3 having to go 14/14 perfect shooting just to win that series. And guess what happened next round fellas?

So stop this nonsense. Save star I know you’re always a glass half full kinda guy and that’s a good mindset to have life wise sure. But in sports, reality sets in and struggling to beat teams they should handedly beat WILL catch up to you just like it did last season.

And blowouts aren’t rare in the playoffs. Look at the Boston/Hawks series if you think it never happens.

Neither of you know anything about sustainability…you think Booker/KD/CP3 having to play 45 mins every single game to win is a good strategy? Not to mention how Booker has to play perfect basketball in each one. Like seriously come on I know both of y’all watch enough basketball to answer this question.

If Booker even has “average” superstar games (like say 25 pts, 5 assists on 50% shooting), the Suns are looking at being 0-3 right now.

I’m not saying don’t be happy about the win. Because it could be worse, we very well may have been 0-3 but thankfully are up 2-1 with home court advantage back now. But also, don’t just dismiss others concerns as if it’s not valid.

Every game/series is different and it's very difficult to try to project ahead. To those who say "we were concerned and look we eventually lost!", well yeah you're going to be right every season we dont win a title.

Personally I dont see the point in freaking out. Cant control it anyway. Take the wins, dont get too high or low. And hope for the best

Ha yeah, the ole 'we won't win a championship'. Like congratulations on the brave prediction Nostradamus

I think some fans do it as emotional hedge. Basically if they lose you get to be right but if they win you're happy to be wrong kind of thing.

And some are just miserable **** who probably eeyore their way through their real life too.

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[SunsRback4Good]

Our best chance at getting out of West is if there’s a 3rd player that can raise to be somewhat consistent offensively and create a little for themselves. Whether it’s Ayton, CP3, Craig or someone off the bench.

I was watching the Nets/Sixers game yesterday and Tyrese Maxey helps the Sixers so much because even when Embiid and Harden aren’t on the court, Sixers have a go-to shot creator and shot maker. We need that.

Maxey has been amazing since last season but really took off this year. He’s a bucket getter who can consistently hit threes. 76ers can’t rely on Tobias as a third option anymore as Maxey took over that role, but they have two great players and took good role players. Also, added Tucker for defense. This is a complete different team with playoff experience only way they lose if they choke considering nearly all Doc Rivers team choke one way or another.

Yeah I’m excited for their series against Boston. Joel Embiid is a very talented C and likely MVP this season but he’s a tough player to root for me because of the ridiculous flopping he does.

Oh!I believe that. I hardly watch many Embiid games but was stunned seeing him fall down a dozen times begging for fouls.

[PittsburghSuns]

Right! It’s pretty sad what this board has become. The Clippers are a DEEP team. There will never be an easy win in the playoffs. The Suns won, that’s all that matters.


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Do either of you realize that if Suns are struggling to barely squeak by Clippers team without Kawhi/George then how they look against other far better teams? Or are we hoping that Jokic/Murray suffer a convenient injury so they miss the next round as well and so on and so forth?

I hate the BS of “oh it’s just wins, just be happy”. Plenty of us here voiced our concerns last season when the Suns were struggling badly to beat an inexperienced Pelicans team that was also missing Zion in the playoffs. It took 37 yr old CP3 having to go 14/14 perfect shooting just to win that series. And guess what happened next round fellas?

So stop this nonsense. Save star I know you’re always a glass half full kinda guy and that’s a good mindset to have life wise sure. But in sports, reality sets in and struggling to beat teams they should handedly beat WILL catch up to you just like it did last season.

And blowouts aren’t rare in the playoffs. Look at the Boston/Hawks series if you think it never happens.

Neither of you know anything about sustainability…you think Booker/KD/CP3 having to play 45 mins every single game to win is a good strategy? Not to mention how Booker has to play perfect basketball in each one. Like seriously come on I know both of y’all watch enough basketball to answer this question.

If Booker even has “average” superstar games (like say 25 pts, 5 assists on 50% shooting), the Suns are looking at being 0-3 right now.

I’m not saying don’t be happy about the win. Because it could be worse, we very well may have been 0-3 but thankfully are up 2-1 with home court advantage back now. But also, don’t just dismiss others concerns as if it’s not valid.

You’re going to ignore the fact that the Suns could also be up 3-0? I definitely have some concerns going forward with the Suns but I trust that they’ll figure it out.

We need Ayton can get his head out his ass. He looks terrible on both ends. The Clippers had a ton of layups right in front of him, he doesn’t try to get rebounds, he is timid every time the ball is in his hands. I’ve always thought he’s the key to everything. He has the simplest role in the NBA, getting paid a ton of money and refuses to do the simple things. He is the one piece the worries me going forward (other than health).


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Him CP and the Bench should all worry us. If it doesn’t you are not paying attention.

[PittsburghSuns]

I don’t think DA is checked out. I’ve seen so many videos of DA cheering on his team and seems to be very happy playing for the Suns. I just think this is who he is as a basketball player. He’s been like this his entire career.


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If he doesn’t step up this postseason I think it’s fair to say this guy will never be the player I hoped he would be as a number 1 pick. It’s been enough time I’ve tried to be patient with him.

[Qwigglez]

This board is ridiculous along with all the NBA pundits slobbering over how great a coach Tyron Lue is.

1. He isdown 2 to 1 to the lousy Monty Williams. How can that be? Tyron is a god and Monty Sucks.
2. He hasn't won crap in LA.
3, He took a loaded team in Cleveland when Lebron, Tyrie and Love were in their prime time years 3 times and won once.
4. Then got fired after after an 0 and 6 start in 2018.

He had a very loaded team in Cleveland and has a loaded team in LA. Certainly the injuries to both Leonard and George are a problem but he also is privileged to have a very good bench due to a very rich owner.

I do not see how he is out coaching Monty. Maybe if Ayton would show up for all 48 minutes as well as CP 3 you might consider Monty equal to the Great Tyron Lue.

Players win championships, not coaches. Coaches get far too much fault when they lose and far too much credit when they win.

Now that I have jinxed us Tyron will probably win the next 3 games. However, if that does happen, I imagine that our players will also suck.

I thought Monty got outcoached in Game 1. Game 2 and Game 3, Monty did a good job of making the adjustments. Even from Game 2 to Game 3, he made the correct adjustments. I am not faulting Monty at all, I think the Clippers are a really good team with a ton of depth. I think their GM does a great job of finding the correct guys to put into Lue's system. Similarly, I believe James Jones has done a great job of putting the correct players into Monty's system.

Ultimately, the Suns got the win, and I don't even think it was as close as people think it was. In the 4th quarter Cp3 shot 2/8. Booker missed all 3 of his 3's, KD was 1/4 as well. I do think Monty should have adjusted or at least threw in a play for DA though as he didn't get a single play for him in the 4th with the Clippers small ball lineup in.

[Revived]

Do either of you realize that if Suns are struggling to barely squeak by Clippers team without Kawhi/George then how they look against other far better teams? Or are we hoping that Jokic/Murray suffer a convenient injury so they miss the next round as well and so on and so forth?

I hate the BS of “oh it’s just wins, just be happy”. Plenty of us here voiced our concerns last season when the Suns were struggling badly to beat an inexperienced Pelicans team that was also missing Zion in the playoffs. It took 37 yr old CP3 having to go 14/14 perfect shooting just to win that series. And guess what happened next round fellas?

So stop this nonsense. Save star I know you’re always a glass half full kinda guy and that’s a good mindset to have life wise sure. But in sports, reality sets in and struggling to beat teams they should handedly beat WILL catch up to you just like it did last season.

And blowouts aren’t rare in the playoffs. Look at the Boston/Hawks series if you think it never happens.

Neither of you know anything about sustainability…you think Booker/KD/CP3 having to play 45 mins every single game to win is a good strategy? Not to mention how Booker has to play perfect basketball in each one. Like seriously come on I know both of y’all watch enough basketball to answer this question.

If Booker even has “average” superstar games (like say 25 pts, 5 assists on 50% shooting), the Suns are looking at being 0-3 right now.

I’m not saying don’t be happy about the win. Because it could be worse, we very well may have been 0-3 but thankfully are up 2-1 with home court advantage back now. But also, don’t just dismiss others concerns as if it’s not valid.

Every game/series is different and it's very difficult to try to project ahead. To those who say "we were concerned and look we eventually lost!", well yeah you're going to be right every season we dont win a title.

Personally I dont see the point in freaking out. Cant control it anyway. Take the wins, dont get too high or low. And hope for the best

Ha yeah, the ole 'we won't win a championship'. Like congratulations on the brave prediction Nostradamus

I think some fans do it as emotional hedge. Basically if they lose you get to be right but if they win you're happy to be wrong kind of thing.

And some are just miserable **** who probably eeyore their way through their real life too.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

Speaking of hedges, it’s nice to have a team hedge like rooting for Suns/Bucks so you know at least one will go far in postseason. And even if by chance they don’t, there’s still the recent title to feel plenty good about one of the teams.

And I think it’s better to be “realistic” in real life about everything than be a super go-happy guy as well. One can probably accomplish more that way meanwhile the happy-go guys usually end up as walmart greeters or something…of course happiness is what matters and if their happy doing it and with their life then great but there are certainly people that want to push for more and aren’t satisfied with just “getting by”.

[Qwigglez]

Lol this board is ridiculous. Complaining even in wins.. you guys are embarrassing.


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It's because we know efforts like this won't get it done in later rounds. The mindset of "a win is a win" is not a great one because things simply have more to it than that.

It's not about being upset even in wins or thinking we need to win every game or every game by 30. It's about best sharpening to contend for a title, which is our stated purpose with this roster.

If this is supposed to be treated as some gelling period then we better be doing so. If we keep playing like this, it doesn't matter if we're winning these, we'd be getting wrecked going forward.

I’m not thinking of Denver or any future teams until we’re there. The Suns are still figuring out their own chemistry, even while winning games. I agree there are things to be concerned about but I trust two great players (KD + Book), master mind PG (really regressed game, but still has high IQ) and a solid head coach to figure it out. Speaking of Monty, remember when y’all we’re talking about how dumb Monty is to change our lineup with Torrey but completely ignoring how he’s been our 3rd best player?


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I still think it's dumb to change your lineup when Suns had Okogie with the big 4, Suns went 8-0. In game 1 I feel like the team was still gelling a bit, but the last two games, a bit more comfortable, likely because Craig is hitting his shots. Meanwhile CP3 is building a damn mansion with all the bricks.

I am enjoying the wins and enjoying watching Booker play meaningful basketball at such a high level. Hopefully Ayton turns around for his Game 4 performance. Though I didn't think he was that bad in Game 3 energy wise, he just couldn't catch for some reason. The shots he took were not bad either. Overall I think Ayton played okay.

[Saberestar]

Don't think I've ever been more frustrated after a playoff win.This team doesn't look good enough to win a championship right now.Just don't have the chemistry.CP3 looks washed every other game.Ayton's not it.So far, KD looks like a solid role player.Not what I expected.I guess the Celtics gave every team the blueprint to neutralize KD?Could just be the Clippers physicality.They might be the most physical team in the playoffs.

A role player scoring 27, 25 and 28 on amazing efficiency in playoffs (2W-1L)??? And we aren't even talking about his other all around stats on offense and defense.

Just think for a minute what you have said.

Yeah.Kinda like Ayton.Good on the stat sheet, efficient, but not really exerting his will on the game.Outside of the 2nd qtr in game 2, he's looked passive for a guy some call a top 10 player of all time.I expected him to be more aggressive.Everybody knows KD can put up 25 in his sleep.I honestly forget he's on the court most of time.[/quote]

Agree to disagree about KD.

Rivals don't forget that he is on the court at all.

[Revived]

Watch on YouTube

Probably a top 3 playoff game from Booker for his career. The shot at 1:38 over an excellent defender was just ridiculous, there’s no defending that.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Every game/series is different and it's very difficult to try to project ahead. To those who say "we were concerned and look we eventually lost!", well yeah you're going to be right every season we dont win a title.

Personally I dont see the point in freaking out. Cant control it anyway. Take the wins, dont get too high or low. And hope for the best

Ha yeah, the ole 'we won't win a championship'. Like congratulations on the brave prediction Nostradamus

I think some fans do it as emotional hedge. Basically if they lose you get to be right but if they win you're happy to be wrong kind of thing.

And some are just miserable **** who probably eeyore their way through their real life too.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

Speaking of hedges, it’s nice to have a team hedge like rooting for Suns/Bucks so you know at least one will go far in postseason. And even if by chance they don’t, there’s still the recent title to feel plenty good about one of the teams.

And I think it’s better to be “realistic” in real life about everything than be a super go-happy guy as well. One can probably accomplish more that way meanwhile the happy-go guys usually end up as walmart greeters or something…of course happiness is what matters and if their happy doing it and with their life then great but there are certainly people that want to push for more and aren’t satisfied with just “getting by”.

Ha yeah guilty as charged, I'm an unapologetic NBA polygamist. My personal jinx is probably responsible for the Suns losing the finals. I was super torn on who to root for but my 6 yr old daughter was rooting for the suns so I did too. I NEVER want the suns and bucks to play in the finals again. Thought it would be cool but it actually sucked. I spent the first 22 years of my life a huge Bucks fan and didn't even get to fully enjoy their only chip of my lifetime.

You're cool, but do get a little annoyed with some of the miserable peeps that post here. (Bucks have plenty of miserable fans too). It's why I've been around far less, I get too tempted to break my personal rule of not being a dick online. Was bored today so ventured over.

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[bwgood77]

This board is ridiculous along with all the NBA pundits slobbering over how great a coach Tyron Lue is.

1. He isdown 2 to 1 to the lousy Monty Williams. How can that be? Tyron is a god and Monty Sucks.
2. He hasn't won crap in LA.
3, He took a loaded team in Cleveland when Lebron, Tyrie and Love were in their prime time years 3 times and won once.
4. Then got fired after after an 0 and 6 start in 2018.

He had a very loaded team in Cleveland and has a loaded team in LA. Certainly the injuries to both Leonard and George are a problem but he also is privileged to have a very good bench due to a very rich owner.

I do not see how he is out coaching Monty. Maybe if Ayton would show up for all 48 minutes as well as CP 3 you might consider Monty equal to the Great Tyron Lue.

Players win championships, not coaches. Coaches get far too much fault when they lose and far too much credit when they win.

Now that I have jinxed us Tyron will probably win the next 3 games. However, if that does happen, I imagine that our players will also suck.

The primary reasons we are up are because they are injured and Book has been on fire and playing his best ball ever. I don't think it's because of Monty even though I'm not someone who wants him gone or a guy who complains about him. I do think Lue is probably a better coach though. They had an impressive game given their two stars were out.

I don't think it would be very close if Kawhi and George were playing and KD and Book were out.

[Revived]

Ha yeah, the ole 'we won't win a championship'. Like congratulations on the brave prediction Nostradamus

I think some fans do it as emotional hedge. Basically if they lose you get to be right but if they win you're happy to be wrong kind of thing.

And some are just miserable **** who probably eeyore their way through their real life too.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

Speaking of hedges, it’s nice to have a team hedge like rooting for Suns/Bucks so you know at least one will go far in postseason. And even if by chance they don’t, there’s still the recent title to feel plenty good about one of the teams.

And I think it’s better to be “realistic” in real life about everything than be a super go-happy guy as well. One can probably accomplish more that way meanwhile the happy-go guys usually end up as walmart greeters or something…of course happiness is what matters and if their happy doing it and with their life then great but there are certainly people that want to push for more and aren’t satisfied with just “getting by”.

Ha yeah guilty as charged, I'm an unapologetic NBA polygamist. My personal jinx is probably responsible for the Suns losing the finals. I was super torn on who to root for but my 6 yr old daughter was rooting for the suns so I did too. I NEVER want the suns and bucks to play in the finals again. Thought it would be cool but it actually sucked. I spent the first 22 years of my life a huge Bucks fan and didn't even get to fully enjoy their only chip of my lifetime.

You're cool, but do get a little annoyed with some of the miserable peeps that post here. (Bucks have plenty of miserable fans too). It's why I've been around far less, I get too tempted to break my personal rule of not being a dick online. Was bored today so ventured over.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

I try to stay objective honestly and speak based on what happened in each game in each game thread. Even if it’s like a player I personally like a lot for and or fanboy for (Nash/Bell/Bridges/and Book’s close to it). But I’ll still criticize the guy I’m fanboying for if he has a bad game. If Booker’s garbage next game, I’m gonna say he was garbage. If Ayton has a good game next game, I’m gonna give him his credit too. If Suns play well and win I’m gonna say how great a game that was. If Suns don’t well and lose I’m gonna say we still need to improve but it’s nice to get the win. If Suns lose I’m gonna say what I think we did wrong and why we lost.

I think too many fans (not just Suns fans, I’m talking sports fans in general and maybe even politics but that’s another topic) thought either fanboy too hard (think their guy does no wrong) mainly because they hate to think they could ever be wrong. I’m plenty wrong and I admit it and it doesn’t bother me. And also too many fans player hate on certain players too much to where they’re looking for any one player to fail and criticize him no matter. To be perfectly honest, I may be on the borderline of doing this to Landry Shamet and I should be better about that but I just feel his game sucks so much. It really annoys me when he checks into games. With Ayton, idk I feel like I give him his due when he does do things that are well but I’m sure some people may think otherwise. I really want Ayton to play well again and play like 2021 playoffs Ayton or close to it because him playing that engaged and well defensively just makes the Suns two or three tiers better. He’s the wild card. But anyway yeah fandom comes in all shapes and forms. End of the day only one thing is the common denominator and we all rooting for Suns to go all the way.

Anyway let’s hope we can win 2 more in this one and put it away. Hopefully injury bug doesn’t bite our guys even with the heavy minutes. Have a good weekend.

[schnakenpopanz]

Watch on YouTube

;ab_channel=DanielLi
streamed to some past suns offense analysis videos to compare what we have seen compared to what we see now.
i get it, they had not a valuable time together to learn the sets and mesh with eacht other.
but suns offense looks clueless. zero movement and plays for getting shooters open. everything is hard.

[lilfishi22]

We're up 2-1 and I'm being told I shouldn't be positive and we're not gonna win it all anyway

Might as well turn off the TV and quit realGM because there's no point in watching or talking basketball anymore

[Bogyo]

We're up 2-1 and I'm being told I shouldn't be positive and we're not gonna win it all anyway

Might as well turn off the TV and quit realGM because there's no point in watching or talking basketball anymore

Those two statements have nothing to do with each other.

The sky is blue.

We are all going to die sooner or later, so might as well hang myself.