Phoenix Suns Media Day Takeaways: NBA Finals Loss Hurts, but will also Motivate the Team
Even the formidable Monty Williams expressed how difficult it became for him to move on from his team’s NBA Finals loss a few months ago. Williams even admitted that he “pouted” for a bit after his defeat, which although understandable, feels quite out of character for him.
Monty Williams admitted he was pouting a bit after the Finals and that is was "bad." Got back to normal eventually.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) September 27, 2021
Relatable for y'all, I'd say?
However, Williams also expressed some encouragement ahead the 2021-22 season, noting that things for him eventually came around. He got back to his inspiring tendencies, and now appears set on using the team’s Finals loss as a motivational tool, rather than anything else.
Williams said a sign has been put up for them with that message. https://t.co/KxPJUf5GgA
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) September 27, 2021
Right by his side, general manager James Jones also voiced some similar thoughts. After acknowledging that he and his team will likely feel the repercussions following last season’s ending forever, he concluded that it is indeed in the past.
By keeping Jones and Williams on the same page with hungry players like Chris Paul and Devin Booker, we know the Suns stand well prepared to move on from the Finals loss in the most advantageous way possible. But beside those guys, the players even at the team’s backend of the rotation plan to use the Finals loss to fuel their efforts this year as well.
Frank Kaminsky, noting that he's had some disappointing big-game losses in his college career too, said losing in the Finals isn't something you can ever fully process, but he's using it to drive him and is thankful the Suns can run it back this year
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) September 27, 2021
With less featured like Frank Kaminsky ready to attack the 2021-22 season, rather than enter it with his head down, it truly shows the extent at which this team’s winning culture goes. Everyone looks well-equipped to bounce back, quieting any whispers about a possible postseason hangover.
That once again makes this team unmistakably dangerous. Still, it feels foolish for to declare a team contenders or not right after media day. However, this all remains pleasing to hear, and absolutely reflects the same principles which initially helped the team go so far last year.