Matt Barnes Explains Why Phoenix Suns Won’t Be Among the Top Two Teams in the West This Season
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USA Today via Reuters
Jun 30, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) center Deandre Ayton (22) guard Cameron Payne (15) and guard Devin Booker (1) celebrate the 130-103 series victory against the Los Angeles Clippers in game six of the Western Conference Finals for the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
It was hard to imagine a team like the Phoenix Suns had only bad luck in the season the past six seasons and then straight off jumped to being title contenders. But they turned it into their reality. Under the tutelage of their two-year coach, Monty Williams, the Suns were facing the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Finals last season.
This was a team that surprised us all the way last season, getting big wins. In fact, they were the ones who kicked the reigning champions, the Lakers, out in the first round of the playoffs. And even though they lost, they established a threat in the West. Now, they are definitely one of the teams in the mix for the Larry O’Brien trophy in the 2021-22 season. However, Matt Barnes doesn’t feel the same way.
The West will be a competitive batch
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On ESPN’s ‘The Jump’ Matt Barnes explained that the Suns may have a star-studded team. However, if injuries won’t be as big an issue next season as they were in the last, the West will be very challenging. Matt seems to think that the Suns got lucky with all the health issues going on, which is why they “Exceeded all expectations.”
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He further stated, “Love CP! Love Book! Experience is the best teacher and they have that now. But if the West is healthy. It’s going to be loaded, and it’s going to be tough to get out.”
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No faith in the Phoenix Suns
USA Today via Reuters
Jul 17, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) and Suns guard Devin Booker (1) react while leaving the court after their game against the Milwaukee Bucks during game five of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Right after this, Richard Jefferson posed a hypothetical situation in from of him. He asked Barnes if he had to bet on two teams to be in the Finals, would he pick the Suns. Before Jeff could even complete it, Matt responded, “I wouldn’t bet on them, with all due respect.”
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“Like I said, great young team, one of the best floor generals we’ve ever seen in the history of this game. But again, a lot of things lined up perfect for them to do what they did last year.”
Barnes went on to list the Lakers, Utah Jazz, and the Denver Nuggets as teams more probable to get there if they remain healthy. However, he did not keep Phoenix completely out of the conversation, either. What are your thoughts?
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