How Suns Can End Season on High Note
The Suns are set to play game 82 - here's how they can come away with victory.
The Phoenix Suns have one job in today's game.
Secure the victory.
Phoenix and the New Orleans Pelicans are set to commence the final regular season contests for the respective teams at the same time - so we will know the Suns' fate by mid-afternoon. A Suns win + Pelicans loss would see Phoenix jump to the sixth seed and out of the dreaded play-in tournament.
The unknown shouldn't deter them. It should rejuvenate them. Give motivation to prove the naysayers wrong. To flip the script in what seemingly is the biggest playoff run in franchise history for the third consecutive season.
Yes, the Suns came into the season with expectations that were astronomical. Yes, they aren't seeded as high as was anticipated.
That is completely fine.
There were some who expected teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves - the Suns' foe today ironically enough - to improve this season.
But not this much.
The Suns can go into this game loose and decide to play with no abandon - they can go toe-to-toe with virtually anyone on a game-to-game basis, despite the inconsistency that comes as the antithesis to the high-end play.
How does this factor in a heavyweight duel with a team that is both fighting for a one seed and could be the ultimate first-round matchup for the Suns?
The Suns have found the blueprint to get the job done, at least it seems that way.
Ultimately, the Suns need to execute how they executed the previous two times against Minnesota - coach Frank Vogel has clearly found a formula that bodes well against the Wolves.
The Suns have to stick to the script - attack the mid-range, which in turn will open up ample opportunities for the supporting cast, play disciplined defense, and limit second chances.
If these things can once again be executed, the Suns will finish the season at 49-33, which would be an improvement of five wins over the 2022-23 season.
May the best team win.
