Boasting a 2-0 series lead at the moment, the Phoenix Suns successfully held down home court to start the NBA Finals, winning both their contests against the Eastern Conference-champion Milwaukee Bucks.
Struggling to find their groove, the Bucks looked incredibly disoriented each time out vs the Suns, strictly leaning on Giannis Antetokounmpo to carry them to the promised land while dodging all other responsibilities. Antetokounmpo, who rained fire over Phoenix with 42 points, looked incredibly gassed toward Game 2’s closing moments, as his calls for assistance went unanswered time and time again.
Contrarily, the Suns continued to play team-oriented ball en route to victory. Although led mainly by Devin Booker and Chris Paul, now the highest scoring backcourt ever through an NBA Finals’ first two games, nearly every other team member added at least something to the group’s winning effort.
Chris Paul and Devin Booker (113 combined points this series so far) have surpassed Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson's record for most points by a starting backcourt through 2 games of an NBA Finals over the last 50 seasons.
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) July 9, 2021
Curry and Thompson had 106 combined in 2018. pic.twitter.com/HNQwnWBvHf
To walk away holding a Larry O’Brien trophy, you certainly need those highlight-reel making, opponent shattering stars like Booker and Paul. But still, any “sidekick” players offering some contributions of their own hold value as well. Making just a few heads-up plays, hitting one or two clutch free throws, or just putting in timely defensive work can go a long way.
Acknowledging the productivity from our less talked-about players, all the way up to those who frequently see their jerseys sell off the racks each night, here are players grades for the Phoenix Suns through the NBA Finals thus far.