Are the Phoenix Suns in the midst of their best playoff run in franchise history?
It all started with handing LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers, who also just so happens to be one of the greatest talents to ever grace the game of basketball, the first-ever quarterfinal exit of his entire career.
Secondly, there was the 2021 NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. He found both his team and himself catching the first plane home following a 4-0 sweep in the second round.
Now the LA Clippers, a formidable Western foe (especially when healthy), is the only obstacle still standing between the Phoenix Suns and their first Finals appearance since 1993. And already, the Suns have a leg up as they currently have a 2-1 series lead.
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With all of that said and done, a blind man could see that this year just might be the one that possesses Phoenix’s greatest postseason run ever.
Taking a glance at their grandest playoff performances to date, the fact that they have never won an NBA title vastly helps this squad’s case as the best yet, as all it would have to do is merely show up to the Finals to practically clinch its label as the greatest Suns team. But what all would be claiming that achievement requires?
For starters, the lineup has to be healthy. If Chris Paul is hurt, the team is finished; the same goes for Devin Booker.
Speaking of players showing up, the roster’s depth has to be prevalent. One player scoring 34 points while the second highest-scoring player only racking up 10 is not an acceptable dynamic of any team hoping to win a championship.
Lastly, if the defense can play at least somewhat decent, Phoenix outscoring LA should not be abundantly difficult, especially with Kawhi Leonard remaining inactive until further notice.
Win or lose, if the Suns make the Finals, their 2021 unit should be crowned as their best in the mediocre franchise’s history. Considering this one’s unique combination of talent, chemistry, and winning, no other seems to have a dog in the fight.