Having successfully buried the Denver Nuggets along with the Los Angeles Lakers, the Phoenix Suns look like an unstoppable freight train with the NBA Finals as an increasingly likely destination, now barreling into the postseason’s next stage. Although their Western Conference Finals opponent still remains undecided, neither the Los Angeles Clipper nor the Utah Jazz seem properly equipped to derail the Suns at this point, who own the best record so far during these playoffs at 8-2.
Fuelled primarily by a historic start for Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton’s rapid improvement, and Chris Paul’s revitalization, Phoenix’s stars look locked and loaded, coming as a notable delight for their fans as well. But although it might seem difficult to imagine the Suns reaching an even higher peak with their play right now, the opportunity to do so still exists nonetheless.
How we’re feeling right now tbh 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/4M6LViSAxA
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 10, 2021
Behind every great team, you find two or three superstars. But behind those stars, quality role players remain necessary as well. The Golden State Warriors built their dynasty around Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and later Kevin Durant, but relied heavily on players such as Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston as well. The same goes for LeBron James’s “Heatles” with players like Shane Battier and Mario Chalmers working behind them.
Phoenix’s roster runs deeper than most, riddled with players able to turn things up at any moment. Perhaps the team’s general success stands responsible for their marginal impact on this postseason run thus far, with most contests failing to require extra efforts from the Suns. Although coming as the more negative approach, an inability to step up and make the most of each moment might have been a restraint as well.
Regardless, the Suns still carry several players into this next series with true breakout potential. If things become more difficult for Phoenix down the road, expect these three players to heat up and help out the team.