The Suns are playing very solid basketball. This game could go either way.
IMO if our guys play up to their potential we should win but it won't be easy.
Ayton had his way against the Lakers during the preseason and has always played well against us since he’s been in the NBA if both Booker and Ayton have a good game this is gonna be a tough game.
Joined: 19 Nov 2007 Posts: 4389 Location: Lake Nacimiento
Posted: Mon Mar 01, 2021 8:37 pm Post subject:
As long as the Lakers outside shooting doesn't drop below 30% for this game I think we win with the current momentum. I believe even without AD we can hang/beat anyone as long as the perimeter shooting isn't dreadful. All I ask for is mediocre outside shooting and anything more we become a major problem.
I wouldn't even mind seeing Kuz back in the starting lineup for this one as I saw some great defensive potential from him guarding Booker and would be interested to see it in a current regular season game now to get a real test with Booker so hot recently. I doubt it happens since i'm sure Vogel doesn't want to disrupt a good thing with the current lineups from the past 2 games. We def. can't let Booker get tons of confidence and get hot right off but luckily we've been ramping up the defense lately so I have confidence we'll at least make it difficult regardless of the lineups.
Im also interested in seeing how Gasol does against Ayton now that he's clearly in much better shape then the pre-season and starting to look like he understands his role a bit more. I also hope Vogel gives Jones a little run against him (if the back is good) just to see how he does against a legit athletic big which is no surprise a big weakness for us (until AD is back ofc). He's one of the few bigs I don't want to see Trezz having to guard.
The thing i'm personally most excited to see though is how Dennis plays CP3. I believe CP3 is the one that helped unlock another entire level to Dennis's game in there time together so now it's his turn to show CP3 the improvement first hand
- Have won 14 of their last 17 games.
- 4th in defensive rating (108.5) and 8th in offensive rating (114.4). One of two teams in the top 10 for both (UTA).
- 2nd-slowest pace (97.8 possessions).
- 3rd in point differential (+5.9; tied LAC)
- 2nd in FT% (83.3), behind LAC (84.0).
- Gives up 4th-fewest points (107.5), next to NYK (104.0), LAL (105.6) and UTA (106.5).
- Holding opponents to a league-low 11.0 opponent 3PM. Next is UTA (11.1).
- Holding opponents to the 2nd-lowest 3P% (34.3), next to NYK (32.5).
- Allows the 3rd-fewest points off turnovers (15.0; tied DAL).
- 3rd-fewest steals (6.5).
- 3rd in corner 3s (4.4) and 3rd in corner 3 percentage (44.0%).
- 3rd in mid-range baskets (6.9) and 5th in mid-range percentage (45.3).
- Leads NBA in percentage in the non-restricted paint (51.5%).
- Makes the 3rd-fewest baskets in the restricted area (14.6).
For me, I have very little expectations for tonight. Without AD, I think the Suns have the better team.
With that said, as long as they keep it competitive I will be happy. Please no "dive down the rabbithole" play where they fall down by 15-20 and that's pretty much it. Just want an entertaining competitive game, and if they win, I will smile ear to ear! (I will also be fine if, somehow, Lakers blow them out as I find those highly entertaining as well, but probably asking too much there).
Joined: 24 Dec 2007 Posts: 36128 Location: Santa Clarita, CA (Hell) ->>>>>Ithaca, NY -≥≥≥≥≥Berkeley, CA
Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 1:55 pm Post subject:
Suns seem like pretenders, but they actually have a pretty formidable big three in Chris Paul, Booker, and Ayton. _________________ Damian Lillard shatters Dwight Coward's championship dreams:
Lakers should still be able to win this game, even without AD. Just need to bring the same intensity they have had previous 2 games.
Phoenix hasn’t seen a defense like the Lakers if we get that A game from the Lakers. Dennis will push grandpa CP3 and Caruso usually does well defending Booker.
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