who can beat the suns?

[Pachinko_]

DeAndre Ayton has taken a fairly large step this year, both on offense and defense - which people will discount because they don't watch the Suns.

And they've added Javale McGee and Biyombo as backup bigs so they don't get destroyed in the paint when Ayton has to go rest or gets in foul trouble.

The Suns gave Milwaukee all they could handle in Milwaukee a few weeks ago without BOTH CP3 and Booker, and just absolutely destroyed the Bucks in Phoenix with both teams semi-healthy.

To say Phoenix has ZERO advantage against Milwaukee is fairly asinine.

EDIT: Just double checked both games, Deandre Ayton thoroughly outplayed GIannis in both games this year, and it wasn't close - Ayton himself has said that the Finals struggles he had has been his driving motivation.

You swept us last year in the regular season too.

Look, the Bucks were doing in 2019 and in 2020 what the Suns are doing right now, they finished with the best record in the League. Did it matter? No. They lost. Since then they've stopped chasing regular season records, they use the RS to rest and rehabilitate players and try all sorts of different schemes and rotations. Result? They won.

They POs start soon. Forget the regular season, it doesn't matter. And forget the Biyombos of this world, the starters will play until the wheels fall off.

Don't get me wrong, I reckon the Suns are fkn incredible team, it's like playing against a basketball robot that always makes the best decision. But if we play again it will come down to the same thing as last year: has Monty found a better way to defend Giannis or not. I don't know how many years it will take for the league to understand: pick the best defender you want from the whole world and put him on Giannis one on one. Pick Ayton, Hakeem Olajuwon, whatever, it-just-doesn't-work. You need to build a wall.

Well, I guess the Suns should just pack it up and go home, because nothing has changed then.

The Bucks beat the Suns last year, and because they beat the Suns last year, that means they will beat them this year.

Eh, now you're responding to everybody else except me, because that's not what I said.

[handsome salary]

You swept us last year in the regular season too.

Look, the Bucks were doing in 2019 and in 2020 what the Suns are doing right now, they finished with the best record in the League. Did it matter? No. They lost. Since then they've stopped chasing regular season records, they use the RS to rest and rehabilitate players and try all sorts of different schemes and rotations. Result? They won.

They POs start soon. Forget the regular season, it doesn't matter. And forget the Biyombos of this world, the starters will play until the wheels fall off.

Don't get me wrong, I reckon the Suns are fkn incredible team, it's like playing against a basketball robot that always makes the best decision. But if we play again it will come down to the same thing as last year: has Monty found a better way to defend Giannis or not. I don't know how many years it will take for the league to understand: pick the best defender you want from the whole world and put him on Giannis one on one. Pick Ayton, Hakeem Olajuwon, whatever, it-just-doesn't-work. You need to build a wall.

I don’t see much comparisons between a Bucks teams who flamed out early and a Suns team who lost the Finals. Bucks didn’t win until they shored up a weakness by bringing in Holiday. Suns have been addressing all year weaknesses they had last year.Depth, size, player progression. Doing that helped them to easily take and keep the top spot all year.

The experience of being one of the biggest target to other teams most of the year is invaluable.

[Clippers1984]

Just about any team in the West can beat the Suns. I wouldn't be surprised with them being booted in the first round. If they do make it to the Finals the Bucks or Nets will make light work of them. They're just an overrated, regular season team with no real stars just like the 14/15 Hawks.

[pj0tr]

Just about any team in the West can beat the Suns. I wouldn't be surprised with them being booted in the first round. If they do make it to the Finals the Bucks or Nets will make light work of them. They're just an overrated, regular season team with no real stars just like the 14/15 Hawks.

I think the Lakers would beat them in 6, and the Clippers would beat them in 7.

[Upperclass]

This season.. not until the finals.. Next season when they trade Ayton and CP3 is a year older.. absolutely

[Tacoma]

No there's a strong correlation historically, but this is definitely an outlier year. We've never seen so many legit all stars disappear and reappear randomly for such long stretches, or teams going up and down in the standings like a roller coaster (mainly in the East). It makes it very hard to take anything away from this regular season.

It is interesting though that the Suns have also had a good deal of injuries, including one injury to a player that was considered an mvp candidate before going down...and they are still on a pace for 65 wins.

It blows my mind that this isn't mentioned more. CP3 was considered a fringe MVP candidate and a sure fire 1st or 2nd team all NBA guy before he went down. With Steph's struggles he would've made 1st team most like had he stayed healthy.

Despite that and losing his backup for many games, the Suns have performed. Including going into MIL and almost beating them-fully healthy essentially for them with their 3rd string point and missing Cam Johnson as well. Lol.... I'm not sure what I'm missing here...

Oh well, playoffs start soon enough.

Something clicked inside the bubble in 2020 and PHX went 8-0 all against teams that had a better record than them. I expected them to carry that success into the next season, and they did. Paul is a good player but he inherited an already great team. Thus I believed his contribution to PHX's success is overrated. That PHX is doing so well without him just reinforces that belief.

[bradybunch]

Bucks.
Sixers.
Chris Paul.

[Slim Charless]

This season.. not until the finals.. Next season when they trade Ayton and CP3 is a year older.. absolutely

When they trade Ayton?

That's not happening. Mikal is more likely to be moved as we have Cam Johnson as a backup, but Ayton isn't going anywhere. I think everyone has a good chance to come back, especially if Sarver sells the team.

[Dino353]

Lakers.

the question was who can beat the suns in a series, not who can take a game off the suns. and even that might be an overstatement for this lakers team.

If LeBron and AD are both out there the Suns are going home bud. The Lakers were on their way to running off 4 straight on them last year but AD got injured.

[IamBBAnalysis]

Lakers.

the question was who can beat the suns in a series, not who can take a game off the suns. and even that might be an overstatement for this lakers team.

If LeBron and AD are both out there the Suns are going home bud. The Lakers were on their way to running off 4 straight on them last year but AD got injured.

[Mr Puddles]

Lakers.

the question was who can beat the suns in a series, not who can take a game off the suns. and even that might be an overstatement for this lakers team.

If LeBron and AD are both out there the Suns are going home bud. The Lakers were on their way to running off 4 straight on them last year but AD got injured.

The Lakers have won 3 out of 13 games played against the Suns since Chris Paul joined the team, and have gone 0-3 against the Suns this season losing by an average of 19ppg. I think the Suns will be fine against a borderline 11th seed.

It's clear some Lakers are still suffering from PTSD from getting booted in the first round last year. The "we would have totally won if it wasn't for AD getting injured" still gets brought up in unrelated threads multiple times a week, and it's starting to become really boring. There are plenty of reasonable Laker fans who I'm not calling out here, but for the rest of you, it's time to let go of the past and move on.

Maybe we can create a safe space for you guys on the Lakers board or something so you can talk about it amongst yourselves. Clearly, you guys are still having some feelings about this and it's good to get those off your chest in an environment that's nurturing, non-judgemental and comforting.

[Dino353]

the question was who can beat the suns in a series, not who can take a game off the suns. and even that might be an overstatement for this lakers team.

If LeBron and AD are both out there the Suns are going home bud. The Lakers were on their way to running off 4 straight on them last year but AD got injured.

The Lakers have won 3 out of 13 games played against the Suns since Chris Paul joined the team, and have gone 0-3 against the Suns this season losing by an average of 19ppg. I think the Suns will be fine against a borderline 11th seed.

It's clear some Lakers are still suffering from PTSD from getting booted in the first round last year. The "we would have totally won if it wasn't for AD getting injured" still gets brought up in unrelated threads multiple times a week, and it's starting to become really boring. There are plenty of reasonable Laker fans who I'm not calling out here, but for the rest of you, it's time to let go of the past and move on.

Maybe we can create a safe space for you guys on the Lakers board or something so you can talk about it amongst yourselves. Clearly, you guys are still having some feelings about this and it's good to get those off your chest in an environment that's nurturing, non-judgemental and comforting.

I pinned your post for when you are down 3-1 in the first round against us and LeBron closes you out in Phoenix with a 60 piece.

[Mr Puddles]

If LeBron and AD are both out there the Suns are going home bud. The Lakers were on their way to running off 4 straight on them last year but AD got injured.

The Lakers have won 3 out of 13 games played against the Suns since Chris Paul joined the team, and have gone 0-3 against the Suns this season losing by an average of 19ppg. I think the Suns will be fine against a borderline 11th seed.

It's clear some Lakers are still suffering from PTSD from getting booted in the first round last year. The "we would have totally won if it wasn't for AD getting injured" still gets brought up in unrelated threads multiple times a week, and it's starting to become really boring. There are plenty of reasonable Laker fans who I'm not calling out here, but for the rest of you, it's time to let go of the past and move on.

Maybe we can create a safe space for you guys on the Lakers board or something so you can talk about it amongst yourselves. Clearly, you guys are still having some feelings about this and it's good to get those off your chest in an environment that's nurturing, non-judgemental and comforting.

I pinned your post for when you are down 3-1 in the first round against us and LeBron closes you out in Phoenix with a 60 piece.

That's great buddy. Whatever helps you get through these difficult times ahead.

Some hot coco, a fluffy teddy bear and playing Michael Jackson's "you are not alone" on repeat may also help. And remember, there is no shame in sharing your feelings, you're in a circle of trust here.

It's going to be ok, you'll pull through this.

[Slim Charless]

If LeBron and AD are both out there the Suns are going home bud. The Lakers were on their way to running off 4 straight on them last year but AD got injured.

The Lakers have won 3 out of 13 games played against the Suns since Chris Paul joined the team, and have gone 0-3 against the Suns this season losing by an average of 19ppg. I think the Suns will be fine against a borderline 11th seed.

It's clear some Lakers are still suffering from PTSD from getting booted in the first round last year. The "we would have totally won if it wasn't for AD getting injured" still gets brought up in unrelated threads multiple times a week, and it's starting to become really boring. There are plenty of reasonable Laker fans who I'm not calling out here, but for the rest of you, it's time to let go of the past and move on.

Maybe we can create a safe space for you guys on the Lakers board or something so you can talk about it amongst yourselves. Clearly, you guys are still having some feelings about this and it's good to get those off your chest in an environment that's nurturing, non-judgemental and comforting.

I pinned your post for when you are down 3-1 in the first round against us and LeBron closes you out in Phoenix with a 60 piece.

This post is getting bumped alright. One way or another. I look forward to when we sweep you or when the LAL miss the playoffs entirely after getting smacked in the play-in.

[spanishninja]

clearly it will be difficult to beat the suns when the refs DEMAND that the suns win, like they are doing right now.

when have the refs ever decided to give the suns anything? and also, CP3 still plays on the team and we know the situation with Scott Foster.

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[spanishninja]

Just about any team in the West can beat the Suns. I wouldn't be surprised with them being booted in the first round. If they do make it to the Finals the Bucks or Nets will make light work of them. They're just an overrated, regular season team with no real stars just like the 14/15 Hawks.

I think the Lakers would beat them in 6, and the Clippers would beat them in 7.

getting the joke posts out of the way quick this time

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[spanishninja]

These guys just feel like a basketball AI that executes everythingh perfectly, like the 2014 spurs in a way

is there any team in the current league who can deal with this? they feel easily better than last year team and that one was already crazy good

If the suns and Celtics meet in the finals, it will be epic. Offense vs defense.

suns have a top 3 defense too, although lately they have not been using it. they need to get back to it quick before the playoffs

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[spanishninja]

This season.. not until the finals.. Next season when they trade Ayton and CP3 is a year older.. absolutely

i would laugh but sarver is dumb enough not to pay ayton even with a ring this season.

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[Coach Carter]

Suns will be more dangerous this time around because they lost. You learn from losses, not to mention this league is tough on up and coming teams. Chris Paul's health is always a talking point; goes without saying that they need him healthy because Booker trying to go super saiyan is not a winning strategy, at least against good teams.

[hardenASG13]

2016 finals

That is a singular instance. Its not a pattern, therefore more unlikely it wouldve happened again. Either way, not here to argue with people about that bucks nets series, ive done that plenty. I hope they matchup both healthy this year. Nets are the team to beat imo, and i think they beat phoenix in the finals.

also happened in 2019 bucks vs raptors

is not common to come back down 0-2 without hca

but if you change the question to "how many teams won a series they tied 2-2 after being down 0-2 without hca" i would imagine is not that lopsided

and bucks were likely tying the series in game 4

Big deal. You have to win 4 out of 5 after you go down 2-0. Your citing of 2 specific examples of 0-2 comebackss does nothing for your argument.

Why do i say its likely the Nets close out that series? In the 435 NBA playoff series where a team had a 2-0 lead, that team won the series 404 times, or 92.9% of the time. The team down 0-2 had come back to win 31 times, or 7.1%. Plus, again, that game 2 was a 39 point blowout! Sorry, Bucks fans, but it was extremely likely the Nets wouldve bounced them had Kyrie stayed healthy, based on NBA history and what they showed prior to his injury.