Phoenix Suns: Are the playoffs too easy?
By Seth Little
The Phoenix Suns have advanced from the Western Conference finals.
Now, only the Milwaukee Bucks or Atlanta Hawks stand between the Phoenix Suns and an NBA title. While these opponents are talented, both present manageable paths to the championship for the Suns.
If the Phoenix Suns face the Atlanta Hawks, they will be significant favorites. The Hawks lack the top-tier talent needed to win a championship, especially with their star point guard, Trae Young, limited with an ankle injury.
If the 5th-seeded Atlanta Hawks pulled off an upset against the Phoenix Suns, they would be the lowest-seeded team to win a championship in 25 years.
The Milwaukee Bucks finished their season as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. However, with their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, injured, the Bucks would be an easier NBA Finals opponent than the Atlanta Hawks.
If Giannis Antetokounmpo does not play, the Milwaukee Bucks stand no chance against the Phoenix Suns. In 75 years, no team has ever won an NBA championship without an All-Star playing.
It is unfortunate that the Phoenix Suns will play the Atlanta Hawks or the hobbled Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals.
This year, every one of the Phoenix Suns playoff opponents has dealt with major injuries. The Los Angeles Lakers lost Anthony Davis to a groin strain, the Denver Nuggets lost Jamal Murray to an ACL tear, and the Los Angeles Clippers also lost Kawhi Leonard to a right knee injury.
With so many great players injured this year, the Phoenix Suns never had a chance to prove themselves.
A matchup against the fully-loaded Milwaukee Bucks or a healthy Brooklyn Nets team in the NBA Finals would have presented an opportunity for the Phoenix Suns to earn respect.
Unfortunately, the Phoenix Suns will win the 2021 NBA championship too easily.
Because the Phoenix Suns have not faced healthy teams this postseason, opposing fans will put asterisks on their accomplishments. The Suns will be characterized as lucky, rather than deserving.
There will only be one way to silence these doubters: back-to-back NBA championships. The Phoenix Suns still have a lot to prove after this season.