Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns are heading to the 2021 NBA Finals, and they have LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers to thank for that.
According to Booker, playing and losing two games to the Lakers is a blessing in disguise for the Suns. After all, given the relative inexperience of the roster in the postseason out of Chris Paul, they really needed the beatings and intensity they got from the Purple and Gold to test them early.
“Going through that experience [against the Lakers] shaped us for the next series in Denver,” Booker said, per NBA TV. “And then seeing the Clippers and dropping two games to them also, so just understanding it's a series–and it's a long series”
True enough, the Suns got the best litmus test when they had the Lakers as their opening match-up. LeBron James and LA were the reigning champions, and there's absolutely no better way for Devin Booker and Phoenix to test their NBA title credentials.
When the Suns fell 2-1 to the Lakers, many believed LA had complete control of the series. Nonetheless, the Arizona team did not back down and responded with three straight victories to close out the opener. Ousting Frank Vogel's men certainly gave Phoenix a lot of confidence, and they kept the momentum going with a clean sweep of the Denver Nuggets.
While they struggled at times against the Los Angeles Clippers, it was clear right from the off they were just the better team. The Suns jumped to a quick 2-0 lead against the Clips, and they did not let the advantage go to waste by finishing Paul George and Co. in six games.
It might have been the same result had the Suns faced a different team other than the Lakers in the first round, but there's no doubt that series made them a better and more mentally resilient team.
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