No more than a few weeks ago, Donovan Mitchell called out the Phoenix Suns, professing his Utah Jazz as the better team from last year even despite their second round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. Yes, that same Clippers team which the Suns decisively beat, even with Chris Paul unavailable to start the series with.
Granted, the top-seeded Jazz indeed fell onto hard times last postseason with Mitchell losing a step due to an ankle injury, but they Suns also dealt with their own injuries, as did several other teams.
But before the postseason began, the Jazz held the upper hand, at least to a certain degree. They finished with one more win than the Suns, but with regard to head-to-head matchups, Phoenix toasted them, winning all three contests.
As Phoenix’s leaders, Paul and Devin Booker seemed to notice this rivalry last year better than anyone. During those contests against the Jazz, they combined to increase their scoring by 5.6 points per game.
But with Spida and his team now fully healthy, they enter this new season wanting nothing more than to prove their superiority, and achieve their goal of dethroning the Suns. The two Western Conference titans meet four times this year, even with back-to-back contests to open thee series on Jan. 24 and Jan. 26.
However, the Valley Boys plan not to bend, bow, or break on Utah’s behalf. With a successful offseason to refuel their rotation, Phoenix will not only put up a strong fight against the Jazz, but a winning one for that matter, and end their season with a better record.