The Phoenix Suns have been the best team in the NBA this season in a lot of categories. Many would say that Phoenix is the definite best team in the league. I would agree. I don’t think there are many teams–if any–that match up with Phoenix well enough to take 4 out of 7 in a best of 7 series. A healthy Suns team is the frontrunner for the championship.
The Pelicans secured the 8 seed with a win over the Clippers last night, which means they will take on Phoenix in the first round. I really like New Orleans, I think they have a bright future ahead, especially if Zion comes back as strong as he was before his injury. But, right now they stand no chance against Phoenix.
The Suns have one of the most talented backcourts in the league. Either one of their guards can take over the game at any given time. Devin Booker had some games this year that caused fans to throw his name into the MVP conversation. He set new career-highs this season in PPG, REB, STL, and BLK. He also tied his best 3P%. Alongside Booker is Chris Paul, a veteran who continues to prove that he has one of the greatest mid-range games of all time. When Paul gets going, it’s almost impossible to stop him. Not to mention he’s literally averaging a Double-double. The Pelicans won’t be able to contain either of these guys on the offensive end.
Overall I just don’t see the Pelicans beating a top-5 offensive and defensive team. They don’t have enough talent to guard the Suns’ big 3. I wouldn’t be shocked if New Orleans is able to grab a game, but I don’t expect anything more than Suns in 5.
The second round for Phoenix is either going to bring on Utah or Dallas. I think the Suns match up better with Dallas, but they are also very capable of beating the Jazz. Phoenix swept the season series against Dallas and took 3/4 against Utah.
If the Suns take on the Mavericks, it will make their path to the Conference Finals even easier. Nobody really knows when Luka Doncic will be back, which immediately makes Dallas much less of a threat. There aren’t really any star players on the Mavericks other than Luka. There are some very solid players who have played a big role in Dallas’s success this season, but none of them are even close to being on Luka’s level. Phoenix ranks 4th in PPG in the Paint. This would clearly show against a team like Dallas. Ayton would have no problem hounding his way to the rim against guys like Dwight Powell. If this matchup happens without Luka, Suns in 5. If Luka is back, Suns in 6.
If the Suns play the Jazz, the series will be a bit more competitive. Utah has the best offensive rating in the league and a top-10 defensive rating. But, Phoenix ranks top-5 in both. Rudy Gobert would definitely give the Suns trouble in the paint. However, Phoenix still has Booker and Paul. Even their other starters can erupt at any minute. Plus, they have a top 6MOTY candidate in Cam Johnson. With the way Utah has been playing recently, this series could be over in 4 games. But the Jazz have a lot of overlooked talent. If they play up to their potential, this series could be interesting. I just don’t see that happening. Suns in 6.
I was almost tempted to say that Phoenix has a cakewalk to The Finals, but that’s simply not true. I think either Memphis or Golden State will meet them in the Conference Finals, and those are 2 completely different teams with a lot of raw talent. I’m excited to see how Phoenix fares in the Playoffs this year.
