Phoenix Suns: Top 5 Performances in the Playoffs so Far

In their first postseason appearance since 2010, the Phoenix Suns have an impressive 8-2 record in the 2021 playoffs so far, beating the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games before sweeping the three seeded Denver Nuggets. Keeping their fans excited while breathing life into some championship expectations, the Suns right now seem destined for greatness.

It was their series against the Lakers where Phoenix really attracted a nation-wide spotlight, quite frankly drawing some long overdue attention, all of which still went appreciated though nonetheless. Despite entering the first round as the underdog, the Suns prevailed and ended LA’s bid for a repeat championship.

That momentum carried them past the Nuggets with ease, and only added to the excitement already swelling around The Valley. Captaining the Suns with authority and poise, head coach Monty Williams deserves some credit as well, with his young team staying the course even while under the playoff’s bright lights.

Celebrating the success, Deandre Ayton offered perhaps the best thing a Suns fan has seen in years, with a video depicting him hyping up a crowd following their disassembly of the Nuggets in Game 4. It feels almost impossible to watch without smiling.

But this excellent run of results would not be possible without some fantastic individual performances. From top to bottom, almost everyone on the roster has contributed in some way, but still, some performances have stood out more than others. Here are five of the best individual performances for the Suns in the playoffs so far.

Phoenix Suns Top Five Playoff Performance: Mikal Bridges vs Nuggets, Game 1

While the Nuggets series turned out to be a sweep for the Suns, this result did not look too likely in Game 1. The Nuggets led the contest for the most part, with Chris Paul struggling beside Devin Booker, who only took 9 shots in the first three quarters.

Phoenix needed someone outside their all-star backcourt to step up. Thankfully though, Mikal Bridges rose to the occasion.

Sensing his team’s need for him, Bridges took proper initiative and lead all scorers with 23 points on staggering efficiency of 86.3 percent true shooting. This included a 13-point third quarter where Bridges did not miss a single shot.

Along with his scoring surge, Bridges added five rebounds, five assists, and two steals. His shooting splits stood at .67/.50/100.0 once the game’s final buzzer sounded. Additionally, he slowed down Michael Porter Jr., who was seen by most as Denver’s second scoring option with the team still looking to make up for Jamal Murray’s absence.

Thanks to his elite scoring in the quarter, the Suns would gain control of the game and would end up closing it out with ease thanks to some great play from Paul in the 4th quarter.

Phoenix Suns Top Five Playoff Performance: Deandre Ayton vs Nuggets, Game 1

With Booker and Paul having relatively quiet games as scorers for majority of the contest, another player who stepped up in Game 1 against the Nuggets was Ayton. The third-year center had an extremely efficient 20-point game, on almost 70 percent from the field, and with a 72 true shooting percentage.

He also secured 10 rebounds, making it his fifth double-double in his seven playoff game’s during this campaign. He helped Phoenix outplay Denver on the boards, out-rebounding them collectively 44-41.

Ayton’s screening would also prove to be valuable in Paul’s fourth quarter takeover. His pick-and-roll action with CP3 looked unstoppable during the game’s final moments, with Paul hitting easily from the mid-range, and Ayton making decisive and savvy cuts through the paint when necessary.

Despite the impressive offensive game, arguably Ayton’s biggest impact though was on the defensive end where he was primarily matched up against Nikola Jokic. Ayton’s high defensive IQ, lateral quickness, and wingspan would lead the Joker into one of his most inefficient playoff games.

When Ayton specifically guarded Jokic, he only shot 5-14 from the field and only had 11 points. Jokic, who had Jusuf Nurkic in all sorts of foul trouble in the first round, could only draw one foul from the disciplined Ayton as well.

Phoenix Suns Top Five Playoff Performance: Deandre Ayton vs Lakers, Game 1

Ayton had a dream playoff debut scoring 21 points with only one miss from the field, even while locking down perhaps the league’s best power forward on the other end. Collectively, it helped Phoenix secure their first win against the defending champions, coming as a statement win for a two-seeded team feeling somewhat disrespected at the time.

On the offensive end, Ayton needed to contribute more than usual as all-star teammate Chris Paul was compromised by a shoulder injury. Ayton thrived with more responsibility though with his scoring outburst, even shooting 91 percent from the field.

Ayton too proved very impactful with his rebounding, as he grabbed eight offensive boards and 16 rebounds in total. He became just the second player in NBA postseason history to notch 20+ points, 15+ rebounds, and shoot above 90 percent from the field (Bill Russell).

On the defensive end, Ayton guarded Anthony Davis for the majority of his field goal attempts. But despite Davis’s reputation and all-league skill set, Ayton refused to be intimidated.

When Ayton guarded Davis, he limited him to 2-9 from the field, and allowed a total of just four points. The former Arizona Wildcat collected a blocked shot during the affair as well.

Phoenix Suns Top Five Playoff Performance: Chris Paul vs Nuggets, Game 4

This one was a midrange masterclass. In modern basketball where 3-pointers are more prevalent than ever, Paul dominated the game with his scoring while neglecting to attempt a single shot from outside.

CP3 would end the game with 37 points to close out this series in Denver, including 25 points in the second half. In his 14-19 field goal performance, Paul even made nine consecutive shots at one point.

This performance would go down as one for the books in many ways, as Paul became the oldest player in NBA playoff history to score at least 35 points in a closeout game. He also became one of three players to score at least 35 points during a playoff game after turning 36.

Paul also played incredibly clean during his scoring barrage. He tallied seven assists, went 9-9 from the charity stripe, and only turned over the rock twice. After the game, several prominent sports figures payed tribute to Paul, including new Arizona resident JJ Watt.

Paul’s game-breaking play en route to a sweep proved pivotal during the coming days as well. Every other series still being played during the postseason’s second stage is still several days away from completion, with Phoenix accomplishing the only clean sweep. This will surely help the Suns in the long run.

Phoenix Suns Top Five Playoff Performance: Devin Booker vs Lakers, Game 6

Heading into Game 6, the Suns had an opportunity to close out the defending champion Lakers at the Staples Center and win their first playoff series in almost 11 years. Devin Booker thrived under the pressure of a close-out game, providing a historic performance and helping set the tone for a Suns win.

Booker scored an insane 22 points in the first quarter alone. The star guard outscored the entire Lakers team by 8 points during the first quarter, and the Suns led by 22 after only 12 minutes into the contest. This helped take LA’s breath away early, as desperation set in for LeBron James and company almost immediately.

In his first quarter exploits, Booker would only miss one field goal while going 6-6 from beyond the arc. At the half, Booker already had 33 points, just six behind the all-time record for most points in a half during the playoffs.

As the game got closer, Booker made sure the Suns secured their first series win since 2010 with his timely scoring. He would end the game with 47 points on staggering efficiency of 90.5 percent true shooting, going 8-10 from outside. He too added three assists, and hit all nine of his free throw attempts.