Suns Podcast: Game 1 positives and areas for improvement vs. Lakers

In Episode 31 of the Valley of the Suns Podcast, it’s time to talk about Game 1 between the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers before looking ahead to Game 2.

Welcome, Valley Boyz and Girlz, to another episode of the Valley of the Suns Podcast!

In Episode 31, host Gerald Bourguet is more than ready to dive into the Phoenix Suns’ first playoff game in over 11 years (and his first ever playoff game since he started working the beat six years ago)!

In a roller-coaster ride of a Game 1 to kick off the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Suns defeated the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers 99-90 in Phoenix, giving this 2-seed a much-needed victory at home against a more experienced opponent. The question is, aside from how loud PHX Arena can get, what did we learn from Game 1?

To start, Bourguet takes an extended look at all the positives from the Suns’ playoff opener. From Devin Booker’s and Deandre Ayton’s encouraging debuts to winning the rebounding battle, there are plenty of reasons to feel good about this initial performance from Phoenix, especially with how this young team didn’t look afraid of the moment.

After that, the episode points out a few areas for improvement and/or concern, most notably, Chris Paul’s right shoulder contusion that he sustained in Game 1, as well as the simple fact that LeBron James and Anthony Davis probably aren’t going to play that poorly again.

Finally, to round out Episode 31, Bourguet touches on a few potential adjustments the Lakers might make in Game 2 that the Suns will need to be prepared for.

Suns fans can check out the podcast or the YouTube video below

Here’s the breakdown for Episode 31:

• Positives from Game 1 (3:30)
• Areas for improvement/concern (22:20)
• Potential adjustments for Lakers in Game 2 (32:25)

As always, thanks everyone for listening! Please make sure to subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and write us a five-star review if you haven’t yet! If you’d prefer to watch this episode, be sure to check out our YouTube channel.