After suffering an epic collapse in the 2020 NBA Finals, the Phoenix Suns entered this season with a vengeance as they went on a fantastic and consistent run for all 82 games. 64 wins is an admirable number despite lengthy injuries to guys like Chris Paul, Deandre Ayton, and Cam Johnson. As the best franchise entering the NBA playoffs, this is definitely the best opportunity for them to claim that elusive crown.
Being in their current position gives them home-court advantage all throughout the playoffs even if only have a day to prepare for their first round opponent. Moreover, their bracket in the Western Conference is vastly easier with the eighth seed, a hobbled Luka Doncic for the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz who have still failed to reach the Western Conference Finals with their current core.
Thus, there is no doubt this is Chris Paul's best opportunity to win his long-awaited NBA title. Here are 3 reasons.
Paul is aging
Even without a ring on his resume, the impact and value of Paul in all his stints have been tremendous as he imparts a winning environment, especially the Oklahoma City Thunder organization. The change of spirit in Phoenix began with the addition of Ricky Rubio, but it was the Thunder-Suns swap in the 2020 offseason that propelled the Suns to legitimate championship contention.
At 36 years of age and his 16th year in the association, this is the best opening for Paul to reach the mountaintop with the constant performance the Suns have been possessing this year. The ability of Paul to galvanize the troops to chase the same goals in just his second season proves his commendable leadership and determination to win the championship before his production plummets.
Suns are the best in the NBA
The aforementioned edge of having home-court advantage all throughout the playoffs must be maximized by the Suns for this title run. Momentum is still headed toward Phoenix as they continued racking up wins before the regular season wrapped up, particularly their 17-point fourth-quarter comeback against the Jazz. These individuals from the Suns found numerous ways to remain motivated toward the end of the regular season even if it was non-baring games for their squad.
Even with the injuries incurred by the team, it did not even affect the standing of the Suns a tad bit. Additionally, their notable opponents in the West are still searching for ways to insert their star players back into the groove and optimize the contributions of these players. Entering Game 1 on Sunday night, the Suns would just need to step up on the floor and stamp their class against either the Los Angeles Clippers or New Orleans Pelicans.
West will be better next year
In connection to the injuries being incurred by the stars in the West, some superstar names like Kawhi Leonard and Jamal Murray are highly unlikely to suit up in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. The Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers are just three franchises who have struggled mightily this season, so the Suns must take advantage before these squads are revitalized for 2023.
Some would argue that Booker, Ayton, and Mikal Bridges are still young, but fans must realize that this huge opening of reaching the finals once again is a rare one. One could even state that the Eastern Conference is more formidable this season, but that may not be the case anymore in the near future. Even teams like the Golden State Warriors are just welcoming Stephen Curry in Game 1 after missing over a month due to a foot injury.
Coach Monty Williams will come prepared with a plethora of schemes and spectacular in-game adjustments that will guarantee the utmost preparation for the Suns. Paul, Booker, and the rest of the crew will finally experience the position they have been dreading since October 2021, so the collective group must begin on the right footing and impose their will right from the onset.
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