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The Phoenix Suns have been one of the best teams in the league once again after their remarkable playoff run in 2021. Devin Booker and Chris Paul have formed dynamic chemistry on the floor, guiding the Suns to the top spot in the Western Conference.
At the All-Star Break, the Suns sit at 48-10, which is the best record in the NBA. Last season, they had a breakout campaign, making it all the way to the NBA Finals. Phoenix was defeated by the Milwaukee Bucks in six games, but it was still an excellent season for the Suns, who appear to only have gotten stronger following that gut-wrenching series.
They were not expected to make it far in the playoffs, but Paul and Booker led them to new heights. With playoff experience under their belt, the Suns have a better chance of winning the championship this time around.
Phoenix's roster is constructed with a star-studded backcourt surrounded by great role players. Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges play their roles to perfection, elevating the team. Monty Williams' group also has great depth, which makes them a tough team to beat.
With that said, here are three burning questions for the Suns after the 2022 All-Star Break.
Suns Burning Questions
3. Can they close out a series when it matters most?
The Suns are a legitimate contender in the NBA and have a shot at winning the title. Last season, they came up short in the Finals after starting the series up 2-0.
When the series went to Milwaukee, the Bucks seized control, winning four straight games. It was a total collapse, and Phoenix has come out this season for revenge. With the best record in the league, the Suns are showing that they are a formidable opponent for any team.
Booker and the Suns will need to close playoff matchups strong, but they have the talent to get it done.
2. Can Phoenix get through the tough Western Conference again?
Although Phoenix has been the best team in the league, the Suns will have a tough road in the postseason. The Golden State Warriors have been phenomenal and will be a difficult team to take down. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are an elite big three with championship experience. Green is currently sidelined with an injury, but he is still expected to be on the floor in the playoffs, where this talented and battle-hardened group will be a bigger force to reckon with
Curry and Thompson are a dynamic backcourt that can counter Paul and Booker. Golden State also has great role players and depth to keep up with the Suns. This team is the biggest threat to the Suns making another trip to the finals.
They are well-coached and will be tough to stop. However, they lack an elite center, and Ayton could feast on them. This is the advantage that the Suns need to utilize to get past the Warriors and into the Finals again.
1. Can they stop elite bigs?
While Phoenix has a well-constructed roster, the Suns still don't have an answer for elite big men. Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo feasted on the Suns in the Finals, including a 50 point performance in the close-out game.
The Suns could face multiple top-tier bigs in the playoffs, and they need to have a game plan. Although the Los Angeles Lakers have struggled, they could make it to the playoffs as a lower seed and face off against the Suns. Anthony Davis proved to be a problem for them last season before he went down with an injury.
Phoenix could also be up against Nikola Jokic and a healthy Denver Nuggets squad. Jokic is an offensive mastermind, excelling at scoring, playmaking, and rebounding. Even if they get past the Western Conference, the Suns could meet Antetokounmpo again or Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid.
These would all be tough matchups for Williams' group, as Ayton is not an elite defender. JaVale McGee and Bismack Biyombo have been welcomed additions and are decent insurances for Ayton, but they can't be expected to contain superstar bigs.
This could be the ultimate downfall for the Suns once again if Williams can't come up with a great game plan. However, Suns fans should still be optimistic as they have been the best team in the NBA. The Suns have enough to bring home the title, but it won't be easy.
The Suns defied the odds in 2021 to make a shockingly deep run in the playoffs. They certainly could do it — and more — this season.
