Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns can start a strong second half with win over Cavaliers

By Kyle Manthe

CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 15: Deandre Ayton #22 of the World Team reacts during a game against the U.S. Team during the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 15: Deandre Ayton #22 of the World Team reacts during a game against the U.S. Team during the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars Game on February 15, 2019 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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In a dark season where all hope may appear to be lost, there is still a realistic path where the Phoenix Suns can finish the season on a strong note. To do this though, they will need to start off strong in a must win game against their tanking partner, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Coming off the All-Star break the Phoenix Suns will have a great chance to snap their league long 15 game losing streak. With a full week since their last game against the Clippers the Suns should be well rested and might be at full strength with the possible returns of De’Anthony Melton and T.J. Warren.

The Suns should take advantage of an easy second half schedule that includes games against the nearly equally awful Cavaliers, Knicks, Hawks, and Bulls. Along with games against the Pelicans who may be sitting their star and the Grizzlies who just trade one of theirs. Until the Suns begin to fully tank these are all games that they should have a more than fair chance to win.

As demoralizing as it may sound, if the Phoenix Suns are able to win at least 8 games here on out, that would be a third of their post All-Star break games, which is a major improvement. There is a pretty big buffer right now between the 4th and 5th worst teams in the reverse standings, with the Hawks having 19 wins already. This gives the Suns a chance to win games without much of a chance of punishment come lottery time.

With there being a strong possibility of each rotation player returning for next season it is important for them to begin to play well and win to gain some confidence heading into a very important off-season. If they enter the summer on a long stretch of consistent losing it could ruin the development for some of the young guys, or even lead to a firing. It would likely also prevent any really good player that may consider signing with Phoenix to think twice.

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Each game coming down the stretch is important for both the reverse standings and for the confidence of the players. A win to start out the second half after the long break could reset the team and get them ready for the remainder of the season. That starts with a must win game against the Cavaliers.

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