The Phoenix Suns kicked off their 2020-21 NBA Season with a win against the Dallas Mavericks. With the addition of Chris Paul, many critics were already labelling them as a contender in the West. And they further strengthened that claim by defeating a potential title-contender team themselves.

Phoenix Suns nullified Mavs’ offense

In contrast to last season, the Suns played astute defense. While they were lacking on the offensive end of the floor, their great energy rescued the game for them. And former player turned NBA Analyst Kendrick Perkins was in high praise of coach Monty Williams’ team.

Perkins said, “They looked phenomenal on the defensive end. They looked like a well-coached team on the defensive end. And held the Mavericks to 42% shooting from the field and 24% shooting from the three… They contest every shot. They were rotating on defense.”

Are the Suns a top-5 team in the West?

Beating a team with MVP favorite Luka Doncic pulling the strings is no straightforward task. While the Mavs were trailing by 8 points going into the half-time break, they came out of the blocks quickly in the 3rd quarter. But the Suns did well to absorb that early pressure.

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“They weathered the storm. I can tell that Devin Booker had wide-open looks, and they just didn’t fall. They did a great job of getting DeAndre Ayton involved on the low block. They made nice post moves,” said Kendrick Perkins.

Perkins continued by proclaiming the Suns as a ‘Top-5’ team in the West and said, “They had a great mixture. They looked like a well-coached team. And the Phoenix Suns will be Top-5 in the Western Conference.”

However, it may be way too early in the season to make any judgements. After all, it was just 1 game. Not to forget that the Mavs were without the services of their unicorn, Kristaps Porzingis. It might have been a different affair had he featured.

Having said that, the Suns deserve the plaudits that are coming their way. For the 1st time since the franchise had Devin Booker, they look to be a proper unit. They may not reach the Finals, but they can make a deep run in the Playoffs.