2021 Western Conference Round 2: (2) Phoenix Suns vs. (3) Denver Nuggets

[insidehoops]

2021 NBA playoffs second round Suns vs. Nuggets series discussion thread

Your series predictions? And key factors for each team?

Game 1: Suns 122, Nuggets 105
Game 2: Suns 123, Nuggets 98
Game 3: Suns 116, Nuggets 102
Game 4: Suns 125, Nuggets 118
Suns win series 4-0

[DOUBLE DRIBBLE]

Suns in 5. Suns backcourt will just be too much for Denver to contain. Jokic will have a few triple doubles but other then him nobody else on the team will really step up.

[fsvr54]

Nobody on the Suns can remotely guard Godkic, and don't say Ayton. Godkic had Gobert for dinner last year.

[DOUBLE DRIBBLE]

Nobody on the Suns can remotely guard Godkic, and don't say Ayton. Godkic had Gobert for dinner last year.
Jokic will do his thing no doubt but who else is going to step up for Denver? Gordon and or MPJ? Key matchup will be Mikal vs MPJ. Can Mikal contain MPJ? I think Mikal is going to lock up MPJ and limit his scoring. Gordon isnÂ’t going to go off on offense being guarded by Crowder. Nobody on Denver can stop Book from getting his, so another key will be CP3Â’s play. If CP3 is healthy then he is most definitely going to be 20/10 each game because nobody on Denver can contain him if heÂ’s healthy. The Suns backcourt is just too good for Denver without Murray playing. Will Payne have success on offense off the bench? I think yes because DenverÂ’s backcourt isnÂ’t very good right now. You are going to see scoring no doubt from Book and CP3, the Suns will exploit DenverÂ’s vulnerability in their backcourt. They wonÂ’t look for MikalÂ’s shooting, his primary assignment will be trying to lock up MPJ which I think he can do. I donÂ’t see any big scoring coming from Gordon. Ayton can score against Jokic but he isnÂ’t going to stop Jokic from going off in pointsÂ… Jokic will have a few 30 point games easily so the rest of the team will have to do their defensive assignments and limited the other Denver players from stepping up on offense. Another big key is going to have to be AytonÂ’s rebounding. HeÂ’s going to have to limit DenverÂ’s 2nd shot points and rebound the same ball and not let Jokic get offense rebounds. Denver will try to exploit AytonÂ’s inexperience and get him in foul trouble early to take away the Suns rebounder. Because other then Ayton the Suns are a weak rebounding team. Ayton doesnÂ’t have to do much on offense and he doesnÂ’t have to try to stop Jokic which he canÂ’t anyways but he canÂ’t get in early foul trouble because the Suns need his rebounding desperately. Biggest question mark is CP3Â’s healthÂ… if heÂ’s at 100% or near it then the offense is going to flow smoothly and I could see them ending this series in 5. If Murray was playing then this series would go the distance and IÂ’d give a slight edge to Denver but not having his scoring will hurt them against this high octane offense the Suns haveÂ… I just donÂ’t see them matching up with their scoringÂ… they have too many weapons on offense.

[kawhileonard2]

This would be an epic series with everyone healthy.

[KOBEtherealKing]

Suns in 6

[Lebron23]

Nuggets in 6

[Akeem34TheDream]

Suns in 7

[Foster5k]

I have no idea who will win this series. The main reason being, no one really knows how good the Suns truly are.

The Lakers would have won that series, vs the Suns, if fully healthy. Then again, a fully healthy Lakers can hang with any team currently in the NBA. The Nets would beat them in a series though, imo. However, that's another story.

So, as I said, don't know how good the Suns are considering they played an injured Lakers squad that went 6 games. It's like if the Hawks manage to somehow beat the 76ers, without Joel Embiid, no one is picking them vs the Bucks or the Nets. I should just say the Bucks, because I don't think the Nets would ever be underdogs anyhow vs anyone. I'm just trying to make a comparison to the Suns.

All in all, the Suns seem like a good team. They were the 2nd seed in the West. Again, were they? Meaning, a lot of people were saying the Lakers were the real 2nd seed if fully healthy. Suns are a huge question mark, at this point.

Even if they do win this series vs the Nuggets, the Nuggets aren't fully healthy. We still will have some doubt at the true strength of the Suns. We'll get to that story if and when it comes.

In the end, I guess I'll take the Suns. Denver is injured. They're missing one of their key players in Jamal Murray. Do I feel good picking the Suns? Not really. The Suns, to me, are still a team in the dark. Are they really giant killers, or are they just the guy who got a lucky shot vs a couple injured giants?

[Axe]

I pick the suns. Portland should have forced a game 7 against denver.

[coin24]

Nuggets in 5..

[Proctor]

Denver in 6

[imdaman99]

Let's go Nuggets. I think Jokic already said something like Ayton gave him the most trouble this season. But good thing playoff Jokic is a different beast :applause:

[Mask the Embiid]

1 down....1 to go....Here we go phoenix! Here we go! (clap clap)

[Akeem34TheDream]

1 down....1 to go....Here we go phoenix! Here we go! (clap clap)

:roll:

[LeCola]

Suns in 5.

Murray is a huge loss for Nuggets. :(

[RRR3]

Suns are a better TEAM but Jokic is quite easily the best player on either side. Could go either way. I’d lean Suns tho.

I also wish Murray was healthy. Would be much more fun. Barton too

[Chuckbe]

nuggets are playing really well considering they are missing murray. even for an athletic center like Ayton, Jokic will be a handful and then some to guard. i don't even feel confident we can beat the nuggets in a series. suns role players have been garbage for the most part. crowder finally hit some 3s in game 6 but up until that point he was like 15% from 3pt. birdges missed a shit load of wide open 3s and he usually sinks those. payne played like ass in game 6, cam johnson has missed a ton of 3s and he's supposed to be a 3pt specialist :facepalm

the team was carried by booker. what the nuggets have going for them is experience and their players don't disappear for entire games. i suspect booker will not be able to continue carrying the team alone, so if the role players continue their trash play, nuggets will easily win this.

i expect jokic to get his 30+ points a night with a dozen assists. that's his strenght afterall right? he's a mistmatch for any center to guard while being an excellent point guard at the same time. cp3 is playing like he's running on fumes, probably due to injury. i also fear he iwll re-injure hiself as he has never proven to be durable.

Mantecas, have some ****ing faith in your team.

[RoseCity07]

It will be super interesting to see how Phoenix handles Jokic. He's looking pretty unstoppable. Then again we only had 1 legit big to throw at him. Nurkic never got his stamina right after coming back late in the season. I think Ayton can keep up.

[Smoke117]

Suns in 6.

[Gotterdammerung]

The Suns can win if Booker is the best player on the floor, and Ayton can slow down Jokic without requiring too many double-teams, and Paul can step up more than he did in the first round.

Booker scorched the Lakers with 29.7ppg,k 6.2 rpg, and 5.0 apg at 48.8% FG. Ayton dominated the Lakers' interior with 15.8 ppg, 10.7 rpg, at 79.6 FG%.

However, the Nuggets will win because Jokic has been the best player in the league, and has the superior supporting cast. he averaged 33 ppg, 10.5 rpg, and 4.5 apg at 52.8 FG%, 42.9 3FG% and 91.7% FT in the first round. Porter Jr averaged 18.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg to make up for the Nuggets' missing backcourt (Murray and Barton).

The Nuggets have had the top 3 regular season records in the West for the last 3 years, and reached the conference finals last year, so they're young but experienced. Whereas the Suns lack playoff experience, and Paul has made only one conference finals in his illustrious career.

Denver in 6

[ShawkFactory]

Honestly just excited to watch Jokic. Regardless of the outcome of the series he’s going to have Ayton working really hard in the gym this summer.

Paul and Booker should have their way but I thought Dame and CJ would move the needle too.

Who knows

[DABIGSALSISHA]

Ayton will finally be tested. Those bums from the Lakers did nothing to stop him.

Great, great series ahead.

It's all on Bookers hands how far the Suns will go.

I picked the Nuggets to win the west with Murray but not now. We will see...

[DABIGSALSISHA]

Suns in 5.

Murray is a huge loss for Nuggets. :(


I could see that happening if Booker goes nuts. you never know....

[Spain_]

Very Difficult to predict.

[wagexslave]

Game day. Let's go Suns, gotta show up with energy and unmatched hustle especially like in games 5 and 6 against the Lakers. I hope Monty has a well thought game plan for this team established, this series is gonna be tough and we need to try to stop Jokic but not try too hard to where his teammates are burning us.

I have no ill will towards the Nuggets or their fans though, so I hope it's a good, respectful, well reffed series that's all about the basketball, don't wanna see any fights, or injuries on either team. May the best team win and if that happens to be the Nuggets then so be it. Hoping it's gonna be my Suns though.

[ArbitraryWater]

The Suns can win if Booker is the best player on the floor, and Ayton can slow down Jokic without requiring too many double-teams, and Paul can step up more than he did in the first round.

Booker scorched the Lakers with 29.7ppg,k 6.2 rpg, and 5.0 apg at 48.8% FG. Ayton dominated the Lakers' interior with 15.8 ppg, 10.7 rpg, at 79.6 FG%.

However, the Nuggets will win because Jokic has been the best player in the league, and has the superior supporting cast. he averaged 33 ppg, 10.5 rpg, and 4.5 apg at 52.8 FG%, 42.9 3FG% and 91.7% FT in the first round. Porter Jr averaged 18.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg to make up for the Nuggets' missing backcourt (Murray and Barton).

The Nuggets have had the top 3 regular season records in the West for the last 3 years, and reached the conference finals last year, so they're young but experienced. Whereas the Suns lack playoff experience, and Paul has made only one conference finals in his illustrious career.

Denver in 6

they can clearly win without Booker being the best on the floor though

[Ghost1]

let's go suns!

we need vlatko

[pegasus]

Jokic in 7. He is that good.

[kabacho]

Celtics dont look that bad now

[kabacho]

https://i.ibb.co/DwYdVy8/1623092887657.png

[imdaman99]

OMG y'all see that Jokic hops on that pass off the backboard to himself? :eek: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[FultzNationRISE]

:lebronamazed:

Michael Poster Jr

[LukeWalton]

wow was that GUy Fieri in the Phoenix crowd!?

[HBK_Kliq_2]

https://i.ibb.co/DwYdVy8/1623092887657.png

Jokic, Booker, kawhi, gobert, giannis, irving, trae.

Only one I can't figure out is big ears at the end. Who is that? I will take a guess and say middelton

[kabacho]

I guess joel embiid. One per team.

[lilteapot]

Chris Haynes is struggling

[FultzNationRISE]

wow was that GUy Fieri in the Phoenix crowd!?


You bet your ass it was ;)

[HBK_Kliq_2]

I would be surprised if nuggets win this series. Ayton isn't a slouch like nurkic and enes.

[kabacho]

take out Campazzo

[HBK_Kliq_2]

The salsa dance man Crowder is doing it again. He son'd LeBron and now got his confidence up

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Nuggets continue to surprise me. Old man Chris Paul has sucked in these playoffs in terms of scoring

[LukeWalton]

You bet your ass it was ;)

were in flavor country now.

[Lebron23]

Michael Porter Jr is a future max contract player.

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Saric sucks ass. Where is kaminsky

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Michael Porter Jr is a future max contract player.

6"10 more athletic klay thompson

[Lebron23]

The denver nuggets are the modern day Duncan's Spurs. They have an Argentinian. And Jokic is as good as prime duncan

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Ayton could be way better then he is. Too many dumb moments. Still a pretty good player though

[HBK_Kliq_2]

The denver nuggets are the modern day Duncan's Spurs. They have an Argentinian. And Jokic is as good as prime duncan

Murray is better then tony parker in my opinion.

Porter JR is worse then manu though easily

[kawhileonard2]

This series will be like how those Dallas vs San Antonio series were. No matter who was actually better the series always were competitive.

[LukeWalton]

look at this thread fire up! lots of love for these two teams in this forum!

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Chris Paul has been embarrassing.

Wide open layups, wide open 3, wide open midrange. It don't matter, all bricks. Even that Argentina rat campasso is out playing him

[Smoke117]

****ing Paul, bricking everything

[FultzNationRISE]

Who the hell is this Mikhael Bridges!?

[FultzNationRISE]

look at this thread fire up! lots of love for these two teams in this forum!

:roll:

[Smoke117]

look at this thread fire up! lots of love for these two teams in this forum!

70% of these clowns just obsess about lebron

[kabacho]

Spent $1700 on tickets for this game, really need Suns to pull thru

if u paid so much why didnt u go to the game

[imdaman99]

Jokic tired, never seen him brick so many wide open 3s

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Jokic looks like the most overrated mvp ever in this game. Hasn't made his presence felt at all.

[kabacho]

7 pts game

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Suns with an explosive 3rd. Yok looks gassed.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Bridges finally showing up.

He was a ghost offensively against the Lakers.

[kabacho]

bench payne

[FultzNationRISE]

Suns managed to knock down a few more shots than the Nugs in Q3, but it doesnt feel like they otherwise outplayed them significantly. Still anyone’s game.

Feels like this whole series is gonna come down to just a few makes and misses each game

[kabacho]

https://i.ibb.co/WB5gqXK/1623106243985.jpg (https://ibb.co/j3fgBY4)

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Porter JR is a legit retard who happens to be an elite shooter

[kabacho]

https://i.ibb.co/GccSLtX/1623121370270.jpg (https://ibb.co/dGGYqLS)

[Smoke117]

Chris Paul putting these fools away

[HBK_Kliq_2]

4th quarter Chris Paul is God wow

[Lebron23]

Porter JR is a legit retard who happens to be an elite shooter

I'll be rooting for the Clippers in the playoffs

[FultzNationRISE]

Kevin Harlan in beast mode

[kabacho]

Kevin Harlan in beast mode

:applause:

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Jokic just watches Paul get a layup hahahaha

No rim protection and ring less for life

[Lebron23]

Jokic just watches Paul get a layup hahahaha

No rim protection and ring less for life

7'1" Brian Windhorts.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Paul looks better than he did vs LA. Series wont last long with him returning to form.

[elementally morale]

Jokic had a bad game. Not sure if it's the defense or him. If the former this series is over.

[D-Wait]

7'1" Brian Windhorts.

:lol:lol:lol

[Smoke117]

Take Paul out this is over

[OmniStrife]

Jokic can't keep carrying these bums, not at PHX's pace & defense.
If CP3 is indeed back, Suns aren't losing this series.
With a healthy Paul, Suns are the 2nd best team in the playoffs.

[dankok8]

CP3 looks healthy and this is a bad sign for Denver.

[Manny98]

I bet Philly are regretting trading away Mikal Bridges

Stupid ass franchise :facepalm

[kabacho]

i was there :)


https://youtu.be/N1KIiQ3CAvo

Nice :applause:

[Manny98]

i was there :)


https://youtu.be/N1KIiQ3CAvo
did you have to pay extra for larger seats?

[red1]

Im rooting for the suns in the west now. hope they can make it far. suns fans and cp3 deserve it.

[wagexslave]

Im rooting for the suns in the west now. hope they can make it far. suns fans and cp3 deserve it.:cheers:

[hold this L]

Im rooting for the suns in the west now. hope they can make it far. suns fans and cp3 deserve it.

Outside of the Clipps, all the other teams on the West are pretty likeable. It would be nice to see either of those 3 teams making the finals before they get ran over by the Nets.

[hold this L]

:durantunimpressed:

I don't want it to happen.. but someone gotta say it.

[ArbitraryWater]

I find the Jazz more likeable than the Suns now, tbh


Suns got them idiots

[bladefd]

I find the Jazz more likeable than the Suns now, tbh


Suns got them idiots

Suns live and die by the 3, much like the Hawks. Jazz on the other hand can actually play elite defense for fairly long stretches even if their shot isn't falling.

[Joey Turnbuckle]

Are you ready?

You think you can tell the big nug what to do?... you think you can tell the big nug what to wear?... you think that you're better? Yeah, well, you better get ready, to bow to the big nug!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oKFk3BUa-0



https://media.giphy.com/media/ftSalHoEma5EtzulYE/200.gif


https://media1.tenor.com/images/1191909b5cabc1445fa6667455679215/tenor.gif?itemid=13448347


https://media1.tenor.com/images/5759e3763ad2eabb3ba75a911df7a48e/tenor.gif?itemid=13448349


https://media.giphy.com/media/xUOwGilLh0Xn5AuEa4/giphy.gif

[Joey Turnbuckle]

I got 14" of Dirk's fat sub in honor of new Dirk, the big Nug Jokic. Just in time before the witch shop closed for the night. Also got a fat nug in honor of the big nug man.


https://cdn.franchisesamerica.com/700x-/franchise_file/650/c6d7a8cf257111a69f0b95cfba7a8888bf987aed.jpg

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/18/29/ef/1829ef86b4ef62b22df9bdb6288f51a6.jpg

[Joey Turnbuckle]

8-5-2 Jokic with 4:00 left in 1st

[Smoke117]

Ayton is garbage

[FultzNationRISE]

Okay Will Barton!

[FultzNationRISE]

Okay Dario Saric!

[Joey Turnbuckle]

Jokic
1st qtr - 10min
8pts(3/6) - 5rebs(2o/3d) - 4ast - 1stl

[FultzNationRISE]

Kobe assist!

[kabacho]

https://i.ibb.co/mNz5D6C/1623247588769.png (https://ibb.co/3RhmrBy)
upload images (https://imgbb.com/)

[Indian guy]

Suns live and die by the 3, much like the Hawks.

Phx was 15th in 3PA during the regular season. Hardly living and dying by it. Utah's 1st in 3PA on the other hand.

[FultzNationRISE]

:roll:

[Joey Turnbuckle]

Porter 0/6
Morris 0/4

Nugs down 10. Need big nug back out there

[1_BAD_TIGER]

No one other than Joker and Barten can hit a shot tonight.

[Indian guy]

I enjoy Phx but the calls Booker gets are just :facepalm

[kabacho]

dont know what it is, but i dont like Booker

[Sportal]

I wish Murray wasn't injured, this series would've been sweet.

[Mask the Embiid]

dont know what it is, but i dont like Booker
He's half black....that's probably what it is with you...don't worry your brain will come up with another reason as a coping mechanism so you don't feel like a racist...but thats really the reason....your brain is even gonna trick u into thinking thats not the reason but it is

[kabacho]

He's half black....that's probably what it is with you

whot. how black are mj, lebron, kd, cp3, etc, cause I like them.

[Mask the Embiid]

whot. how black are mj, lebron, kd, cp3, etc, cause I like them.

no you don't... u just think you do...if they "do something wrong" you'll turn on em

[kabacho]

no you don't... u just think you do...if they "do something wrong" you'll turn on em

i dont like Embiid though

[elementally morale]

no you don't... u just think you do...if they "do something wrong" you'll turn on em

I don't know if you are orange or purple but this constant act about race from you is sad and boring. But I figured out a solution at last. Ignore list is a nice place for you purple prince.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

I dont know if you can win a title with Jokic. Great offensive player but he's such a liability on defense.

Can't protect the rim, can't switch to smaller players, can't defend pick and roll. Anytime a team is in a lull just put him in a pick and roll. CP3 or Book pick and roll with Ayton will be unguardable all series.

Dirk was a solid, underrated defender in comparison and he played the 4 so you could put a defensive center like Tyson Chandler next to him. You can't play Jokic with a center and you need an all time level defensive 4 that can switch and protect the rim to make up for his holes on defense.

[Smoke117]

Dead game thread because the fakkot losers on this board can’t obsess about Bran. :facepalm

[FultzNationRISE]

Nuggets gotta get to the rim

[Indian guy]

Phx just looks all class. Teams with multiple stars don't fluke into the 2nd seed in a loaded conference. And their secondary characters are all young and talented players themselves. Well coached on top of it. I can see them coming out of the West.

[FultzNationRISE]

Nevermind, no point. It’s over.

[kabacho]

wow

[FultzNationRISE]

Phx just looks all class. Teams with multiple stars don't fluke into the 2nd seed in a loaded conference. And their secondary characters are all young and talented players themselves. Well coached on top of it. I can see them coming out of the West.

Gonna be a good series with Utah.

Then again, I thought this was gonna be a good series, and Brooklyn Milwaukee was gonna be a good series. So I guess we’ll see :lol

[elementally morale]

Campazzo is not a bad player but every time he orchestrates the offense is a time when Jokic doesn't. And Campazzo is a traditonal PG and while not bad, predictable still. Jokic's strength is he is unpredictable with his passes. So I'd probably use Campazzo less. This doesn't work.

[Smoke117]

10 assists, 0 turnovers. Point God.

Edit: 11

Second edit: 12

Third edit: 13

[kabacho]

:oldlol:

[Nilocon165]

So is Jokic a bitch and horrible leader now since he didn’t get back on d to complain about a call?

[kabacho]

Jokic is becoming very whiny.

[kabacho]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E3e5uK-VUAYVqLE?format=jpg&name=small

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

CP3 should have won MVP SMH

[Joey Turnbuckle]

Nuggets 24/69 35.2%


Jokic is 9 of 17 of that with 6 assists


Nuggets sucking bunghole except the big nug

Down 20 only 61pts

[Proctor]

Chris Small fans should be nervous. He's playing great so the clock is ticking for his next injury.

[Smoke117]

CP3 should have won MVP SMH

This.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Nuggets 24/69 35.2%


Jokic is 9 of 17 of that with 6 assists


Nuggets sucking bunghole except the big nug

Down 20 only 61pts

Shows how bad Portlan_ is. They play literally 0 defense :oldlol:

[kabacho]

do they have a deadline to pick the mvp?

[Smoke117]

The Point God should have 15+ assists, but bums like Bridges bricking all those 3pters he set him up for.

Edit: Well he has 15 now, so like 18.

Nuggets have no chance with Paul back healthy.

[FultzNationRISE]

Prime. Kevin. Harlan. :rockon:

[Joey Turnbuckle]

Every starter in double figures on suns. They have bench players with 7, 8, 9. Could have 8 players score double digits

[Smoke117]

Chris Paul is ruthless.

[Spurs m8]

Every starter in double figures on suns. They have bench players with 7, 8, 9. Could have 8 players score double digits

Love to see it....team ball

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

CP3 is healthy. League in trouble.

[elementally morale]

Wow. CP3. I expected him to be a problem but I didn't see this coming.
It's not a problem Denver can solve. They have noone to use effectively against Paul and this will not change the rest of the way.

[bladefd]

Phx was 15th in 3PA during the regular season. Hardly living and dying by it. Utah's 1st in 3PA on the other hand.

You are right. I didn't know Jazz were chucking up that many 3s a game.

[Im Still Ballin]

Looking at how Denver is fairing, LA clearly did well defending Phoenix. They can't contain CP3 like the Lakers were. Chris wasn't THAT injured -- he got locked up.

[Airupthere]

This cp3 was missing in the Lakers series.

[Airupthere]

Looking at how Denver is fairing, LA clearly did well defending Phoenix. They can't contain CP3 like the Lakers were. Chris wasn't THAT injured -- he got locked up.

They did when hobbling AD was there.

[Smoke117]

Looking at how Denver is fairing, LA clearly did well defending Phoenix. They can't contain CP3 like the Lakers were. Chris wasn't THAT injured -- he got locked up.

Nah, Paul was clearly ailing.

[Axe]

The Point God should have 15+ assists, but bums like Bridges bricking all those 3pters he set him up for.

Edit: Well he has 15 now, so like 18.

Nuggets have no chance with Paul back healthy.
15 ain't a bad number at all lol

[dankok8]

Denver is not only unable to stop CP3 but they have nobody to make him work on defense. When you give CP3 a chance to just chill all game on defense watching mediocre players put up 3pt shots he will absolutely destroy you on offense.

That being said he might be playing the best playoff series of his career. He has like 30 assists with 1 turnover or something. Just bonkers. Suns honestly loo like they will win it all. You know a team where guys have that twinkle in their eyes and just never give up. Phoenix has that vibe. I don't think anything or any team will scare them.

[Im Still Ballin]

Jesus christ. 15 assists. 0 turnovers.


Nah, Paul was clearly ailing.

IDK. One minute they were talking about how injured he was, the next "he's back!"

My guy @bladefd knows what I'm talking about.

I think the Lakers defended him well. Not surprising, given they're the #1 defense in the league.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Looking at how Denver is fairing, LA clearly did well defending Phoenix. They can't contain CP3 like the Lakers were. Chris wasn't THAT injured -- he got locked up.

Please think that and bring back the same LA squad next season :oldlol:

CP3 was off with his passes and could barely dribble the ball most the series. He only showed up in this form in game 4.

[Smoke117]

Jesus christ. 15 assists. 0 turnovers.

26 assists, 1 turnover through first two games.

[Axe]

2-0 now

[Im Still Ballin]

26 assists, 1 turnover through first two games.

Goddamn.

Did the Lakers have any shot of signing him/trading for him last offseason?

[Airupthere]

26 assists, 1 turnover through first two games.

:applause:

[elementally morale]

Goddamn.

Did the Lakers have any shot of signing him/trading for him last offseason?

Playing LeBron with Paul is not a good idea. Unless you have two basketballs.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

Goddamn.

Did the Lakers have any shot of signing him/trading for him last offseason?

No but the Milwaukee Cucks did :oldlol::roll:

[bladefd]

Jesus christ. 15 assists. 0 turnovers.



IDK. One minute they were talking about how injured he was, the next "he's back!"

My guy @bladefd knows what I'm talking about.

I think the Lakers defended him well. Not surprising, given they're the #1 defense in the league.

Lakers played good defense in that series, including on CP3.

Lakers offense was just garbage though and couldn't match what the Suns were doing from 3pt line. The two guys we couldn't defend though were Ayton and Booker. Those 2 murdered us and Crowder in 5/6.

[Smoke117]

Playing LeBron with Paul is not a good idea. Unless you have two basketballs.

Well, it worked with Harden in 18 with them trading off.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E3fe5SGVEAIauWe?format=jpg&name=medium

:pimp:

[lakerstekkenn]

Lakers played good defense in that series, including on CP3.

Lakers offense was just garbage though and couldn't match what the Suns were doing from 3pt line. The two guys we couldn't defend though were Ayton and Booker. Those 2 murdered us and Crowder in 5/6.

Davis scores his 30+ points and James is Healthy The Suns aren't beating the Lakers let alone blowing them out.

[elementally morale]

Well, it worked with Harden in 18 with them trading off.

True. It worked to an extent but they weren't the best of friends. And Harden was/is less stubborn than 36 year-old LBJ. In theory it could work but as far as I can assess personalities it would end in a disaster. Plus LeBron is not the shooter Harden is, so he needs the ball more to be effective.

[DoctorP]

Good to see CP3 making some noise with the Suns. Hopefully he can do this against a team not missing firepower.

Suns look good.

[Axe]

Imagine if denver would find themselves in another 3-1 deficit later lol

[ImKobe]

Good to see CP3 making some noise with the Suns. Hopefully he can do this against a team not missing firepower.

Suns look good.

I can't see them getting past the Clippers, I'd give the Suns a decent chance against the Jazz though, since Booker would be best player in that series.

[ArbitraryWater]

Playing LeBron with Paul is not a good idea. Unless you have two basketballs.

you have no idea what you're talking about do you

harden and paul playing together had 70 win pace in 2018 and were up 3-2 on the greatest team ever

[wagexslave]

I can't see them getting past the Clippers, I'd give the Suns a decent chance against the Jazz though, since Booker would be best player in that series.

Only thing is Jazz is the only team in the league that the Suns don't have home court advantage against.

That said, the Suns did sweep the Jazz in the regular season.

I can see the Suns getting past the Clips, but I would expect it to be tough. The Clips did have a 2-1 winning record against the Suns in the regular season, but I wouldn't put much weight into those regular season games they played against each other. The Clips 5pt win was super early in the season when the Suns were still getting used to their new roster and didn't have nearly the chemistry they have now. The 10 point win the Clips had was on the 2nd night of a Suns road back-to-back where they had just a grueling OT win against the Jazz in Utah the night before(meanwhile the Clips were rested). The Suns stayed with the Clips most of the game but visibly ran out of gas towards the end. The 8 point win the Suns had against the Clips was without Kahwi playing. None of those games are great references to look back on.

[ImKobe]

Only thing is Jazz is the only team in the league that the Suns don't have home court advantage against.

That said, the Suns did sweep the Jazz in the regular season.

I can see the Suns getting past the Clips, but I would expect it to be tough. The Clips did have a 2-1 winning record against the Suns in the regular season, but I wouldn't put much weight into those regular season games they played against each other. The Clips 5pt win was super early in the season when the Suns were still getting used to their new roster and didn't have nearly the chemistry they have now. The 10 point win the Clips had was on the 2nd night of a Suns road back-to-back where they had just a grueling OT win against the Jazz in Utah the night before(meanwhile the Clips were rested). The Suns stayed with the Clips most of the game but visibly ran out of gas towards the end. The 8 point win the Suns had against the Clips was without Kahwi playing. None of those games are great references to look back on.

HCA aside, Suns match up much better against the Jazz. I wouldn't put much stock into the RS match-ups because I believe both Conley and Mitchell were out the last time they played each other.

Clippers have too many defenders to throw at CP3 and Booker and Kawhi would be the best player in that series, so I definitely think you have a better chance vs. Utah as Booker could easily outscore Mitchell & I'd expect Ayton to outplay Rudy with how great that kid has been against Davis and Jokic so far.

[999Guy]

Denver is not only unable to stop CP3 but they have nobody to make him work on defense. When you give CP3 a chance to just chill all game on defense watching mediocre players put up 3pt shots he will absolutely destroy you on offense.

That being said he might be playing the best playoff series of his career. He has like 30 assists with 1 turnover or something. Just bonkers. Suns honestly loo like they will win it all. You know a team where guys have that twinkle in their eyes and just never give up. Phoenix has that vibe. I don't think anything or any team will scare them.

Not even close to the best series of his career. Wtf?


A series like his one against 2016 Portland way tops this. He was devouring them on both ends.

And it makes sense being he was a much better player.

[dankok8]

Not even close to the best series of his career. Wtf?


A series like his one against 2016 Portland way tops this. He was devouring them on both ends.

And it makes sense being he was a much better player.

Paul obviously isn't a better player than 5 years ago but the way he's playing now is better. Before in his career defenses played him to be a scorer and his assists always plummeted leaving his teammates to their own devices to create shots. When CP3's teams were successful on offense is when he's creating shots for guys and he's been doing that as masterfully as I've ever seen him in the first two games of this series.

[DoctorP]

Malones an old school coach. Just letting Denver fn have it with no filter. I love to see it.

That's a proper coach.

[DABIGSALSISHA]

This series is over before it even started. Denver doesn't have a point guard. Denver may win one game. That's it.

[RRR3]

Not even close to the best series of his career. Wtf?


A series like his one against 2016 Portland way tops this. He was devouring them on both ends.

And it makes sense being he was a much better player.
You’ll have to forgive him, he bases everything solely off how good the team does regardless of individual performance.

[NugzFan]

This series is over before it even started. Denver doesn't have a point guard. Denver may win one game. That's it.


Injuries killed us

If healthy we could win the west

As is, we would lose to most playoff teams

[Mask the Embiid]

:eek:

[Druckenmiller]

There may not be a worse starting NBA backcourt than Frank the Tank and Joan Rivers

Sign somebody out of the G League or the WNBA.

[Indian guy]

Phx giving off serious 2011 Mavs vibes. A team that quietly excelled all regular season and hasn't missed a beat in the playoffs. But it's so out-of-nowhere that none of us know exactly how to feel about 'em. But they are a 2 way powerhouse. Top 5 offensively. Top 10 defensively. They have 2 legit offensive stars (Booker & CP3), which is an absolute must in the playoffs. And the rest of the roster is filled with athleticism and quality 3 & D guys. And they are very well coached. Ball movement is arguably the best of any team in the league.

They can't beat Nets with Harden, but if he's not returning, then....

[Chuckbe]

Phx giving off serious 2011 Mavs vibes. A team that quietly excelled all regular season and hasn't missed a beat in the playoffs. But it's so out-of-nowhere that none of us know exactly how to feel about 'em. But they are a 2 way powerhouse. Top 5 offensively. Top 10 defensively. They have 2 legit offensive stars (Booker & CP3), which is an absolute must in the playoffs. And the rest of the roster is filled with athleticism and quality 3 & D guys. And they are very well coached. Ball movement is arguably the best of any team in the league.

They can't beat Nets with Harden, but if he's not returning, then....

Ch-ch-choos mera lauda
Aja choos mera lauda
Chaat merey tatte jaise aaloo ka pakoora

[Bronbron23]

It's no wonder ratings are down. Nba so soft

[fourkicks44]

Should Jokic be angry with the Nuggets front office?

This team is noticeably worse than last season.

Grant and Craig were huge losses especially defensively.

Aaron Gordan is a trash acquisition.

[Bronbron23]

Jokic is nice offensively but he really is a liability defensively. He can't defend the pick and roll and that's all teams do these days

[Lebron23]

Lakers put up a better fight than the Chicken Nuggets

[Spurs m8]

Lol the Suns are absolutely toying with them hahahjaj

[Bronbron23]

Back over?

[jlip]

When did Crowder become worthy to talk so much trash?

[sbw19]

Guardplay is a total mismatch. This series would've been very different with Murray playing. Give phoenix credit though, Suns vs Jazz would be a great series to watch.

[And1AllDay]

Should Jokic be angry with the Nuggets front office?

This team is noticeably worse than last season.

Grant and Craig were huge losses especially defensively.

Aaron Gordan is a trash acquisition.

i mean you know jamal murray is hurt right?

[bison]

I’m not sure how much a difference Jamal Murray would have made. The suns are just playing good basketball.

[DABIGSALSISHA]

Bring in the broom....

https://media3.giphy.com/media/eA0ISBY2td31e/giphy.gif?cid=82a1493bx5xa2wwbc2nkwawiux20hefr4c3b x3uvgd56pl6e&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g

[DABIGSALSISHA]

I’m not sure how much a difference Jamal Murray would have made. The suns are just playing good basketball.


It would've made a HUGE difference, The Nuggets are playing with NO Point Guard at all.

They have a midget that can't do anything vs the amazing Suns guards.

[DoctorP]

Jokicball can only go so far.

Murray is missed, these Suns are too good.


It's over.

[red1]

suns shitting on everyone so far


lets go finish the series in 4 and start getting ready for the clippers and nets. we'll shamelessly join your bandwagon no problem

[ArbitraryWater]

suns shitting on everyone so far


lets go finish the series in 4 and start getting ready for the clippers and nets. we'll shamelessly join your bandwagon no problem

clippers?



:crazysam:

[red1]

clippers?



:crazysam:

they only need to win game 3 to get back in the series


kawhi is still too good. his teammates are letting him and reggie jackson down.



lets see if paul george can give reggie jackson a hand next game.

[ArbitraryWater]

they only need to win game 3 to get back in the series


kawhi is still too good. his teammates are letting him and reggie jackson down.



lets see if paul george can give reggie jackson a hand next game.


PG actually played better than Kawhi last game

[ImKobe]

Jokicball can only go so far.

Murray is missed, these Suns are too good.


It's over.

Murray out, MPJ injured.

Suns are catching every break, they might play Utah with an injured Conley and who the hell knows if Embiid or Harden will be healthy if they were to make the Finals.

[red1]

PG actually played better than Kawhi last game

kawhi













paul george.

[Jasper]

Does everyone remember where the Suns were last year ??
And then they acquired a CP3.

Dude is playing amazing ball , and the kids are listening to him
He might get to his first finals.

[wagexslave]

Murray out, MPJ injured.

Suns are catching every break, they might play Utah with an injured Conley and who the hell knows if Embiid or Harden will be healthy if they were to make the Finals.

As a Suns fan who doesn't root for opposing players to get injured, and respects Murray/Denver, I legit felt bad for them. No doubt they would have been more challenging to beat with Murray healthy.

But also as a Suns fan who dealt with god awful luck the majority of last decade, dealing with watching players getting injured regularly(shit, we signed Brandon Knight to a big contract, then he got injured for YEARS and we pretty much never even saw him play again and was just dead cap space that set our rebuild back multiple seasons), not to mention all of the times we had terrible records then got knocked BACKWARDS in the draft and never moved forward until FINALLY getting the #1 pick and getting Ayton(only for Luka to surpass all expectations look like a superstar since day 1), and all of those top 10 draft picks where we drafted a guy who was hyped by the "experts", got good ass draft grades then watched the player bust horribly(Alex Len, Josh Jackson, Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, etc...). Traded IT for a bag of chips only for him to magically turn into a star player the very next season for Boston. Drafted Bogdan Bogdanavic then he didn't even come over from Europe to play for us, then we trade him and suddenly he finally comes over and is very good for the Hawks. Etc..

My point is, I think we earned finally having luck on our side(referring to us Suns fans who stuck through all that shit all while being treated as the laughing stock of the league getting clowned on by media and other fans constantly).:confusedshrug:

That being said, trying to avoid getting injured is a legitimate part of the sport, and so far this Suns roster has been good at it(knock on wood).

[wagexslave]

https://twitter.com/gabbgoudy/status/1403705069305008134

Holy shit... this Nuggets fan paid hundreds to go to the game to experience 2 L's in 1 night... yikes. How do you have high ground on the guy, and cheap shot him, then still get absolutely destroyed and run off humuliated? And dude's friend was too much of a ***** to even back him up. :biggums:

[tontoz]

Does everyone remember where the Suns were last year ??
And then they acquired a CP3.

Dude is playing amazing ball , and the kids are listening to him
He might get to his first finals.


I remember. They missed the playoffs by a game after going undefeated in the bubble. Both their starting center and the backup missed roughly half the season.

[fourkicks44]

i mean you know jamal murray is hurt right?

Even before he got hurt the same thing was apparent.

Murray should also have the same discontent as Jokic should.

Last year they were the second best team in the NBA and would have won the championship if not for LeBron.

The Nuggets F.O have done nothing to push them to the next level this season. It should have been their year, especially with Jokic improving to outright MVP form.

Jerami Grant was always going to be to expensive to keep, but what have they done to replace him?

They have clearly taken one step back.

[Axe]

Would denver find themselves in another 3-1 deficit after game 4?

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Jamal Murray is their best player, I've been telling people that. Jokic is pretty much jonas Valančiūnas if he could pass. While Murray is a bad bad man like if kyrie Irving and Stephen curry molded into 1 guy

[DABIGSALSISHA]

Jamal Murray is their best player, I've been telling people that. Jokic is pretty much jonas Valančiūnas if he could pass. While Murray is a bad bad man like if kyrie Irving and Stephen curry molded into 1 guy

I totally agree with the statement about Murray, but not with the one comparing Jokic and Valanciunas. The problem with Valanciunas is that his game turned into a very artificial, ROBOTIZED one. He is too predictable on what he is gonna do with the ball at all times. The Guy is not confident to even shoot a jump shoot anymore. I thought he was gonna do well vs Gobert in the 1st series vs utah, I was wrong, he didn't and got dominated after game 1.

Jokic, on the other hand, is a very cerebral player, versatile, good shooter and what impresses me the most, durable. Well, he just won MVP, Valanciunas can only dream about that.

[fsvr54]

Both of you are dumb because on no planet is Murray better than Jokic

[PWB15]

I totally agree with the statement about Murray, but not with the one comparing Jokic and Valanciunas. The problem with Valanciunas is that his game turned into a very artificial, ROBOTIZED one. He is too predictable on what he is gonna do with the ball at all times. The Guy is not confident to even shoot a jump shoot anymore. I thought he was gonna do well vs Gobert in the 1st series vs utah, I was wrong, he didn't and got dominated after game 1.

Jokic, on the other hand, is a very cerebral player, versatile, good shooter and what impresses me the most, durable. Well, he just won MVP, Valanciunas can only dream about that.

I dont recall him being that good. maybe I need eye surgery

[Smoke117]

Jamal Murray is their best player, I've been telling people that. Jokic is pretty much jonas Valančiūnas if he could pass. While Murray is a bad bad man like if kyrie Irving and Stephen curry molded into 1 guy

Hbklit going full retard3.

[999Guy]

Jamal Murray is their best player, I've been telling people that. Jokic is pretty much jonas Valančiūnas if he could pass. While Murray is a bad bad man like if kyrie Irving and Stephen curry molded into 1 guy

The basketball gods give you one day of breath before Conley comes back and takes it, and this what you do with it.

[999Guy]

going to be one of those games...booker is bricking shots
Chris Paul just will not have a bad game against this kind of scheme. Unless Denver can get in a shootout they’re done.

[fourkicks44]

Gordon... Wtf man.

This ends tonight.

Sweep.

[insidehoops]

Nuggets offense missing Jamal Murray so badly.

[insidehoops]

End of 1Q: Suns 28, Nuggets 22.

Devin Booker 10 points, on 9 shots though.

Jae Crowder 3 pts, 6 reb, 3 blocks.

Nuggets starting PG Monte Morris 9 pts.

Nikola Jokic 6 pts, 7 reb, 3 ast.

Nuggets 29.6% FG and 2/9 threes.

[fourkicks44]

campazzo is curry tonight :facepalm

Fouling like Dwight Howard tho

[1_BAD_TIGER]

The refs are serving Phoenix home cooking on a silver platter, and the games in Denver :oldlol:

[Chuckbe]

Chris Paul should've at the least been runner up for MVP, got robbed like Gib

[And1AllDay]

lets go su-uns

[Smoke117]

It’s hilarious how Nuggets have let Paul get that mid range shot going right over and over again the entire series. That’s essentially a lay up for him.

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Jokic "I won mvp but I'm going to let Chris Paul run the same play and shoot over me a 100 times"

[Chuckbe]

CP3 the GOAT 36 year old

[Nilocon165]

:biggums::biggums::biggums:

[KOBEtherealKing]

Frustration foul. Why booker acting like he didn’t do one a few weeks ago.

[fourkicks44]

Reggie "it was all ball"

:facepalm

[Spurs m8]

What a fvcking clown d1ck...joker alright

[Proctor]

Reggie "it was all ball"

:facepalm

Looked like it at first tbh

Dumb foul though

[And1AllDay]

joker ready to throw down

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Jokic Valančiūnas biggest disgrace in the history of MVPS. What do you got bricks in your shoes? Try guarding the pick and roll for once you moron. Jeremiah grant really made the difference on this team defensively.

[And1AllDay]

ima need a flagrant for Jokic, that's unnecessary.

Book is for sure gonna get a T.

100

[And1AllDay]

Jokic Valančiūnas biggest disgrace in the history of MVPS. What do you got bricks in your shoes? Try guarding the pick and roll for once you moron. Jeremiah grant really made the difference on this team defensively.

this dude forget kiwis cheeks got clapped by the mvp last year?

in case you forgot put some respeck on his name


https://i.postimg.cc/vB6X6X7Y/xyz_Kawhi_choke.png

[Spurs m8]

Your mvp chants won't stop this joker getting swept in the 2nd round, champs

[And1AllDay]

flagrant 2 :kobe:

[Code Breaker]

Ejected? :biggums:

[Smoke117]

https://i.postimg.cc/vB6X6X7Y/xyz_Kawhi_choke.png

:roll: :roll:

[Spurs m8]

Yes, got what it deserves....Happy with that.

Nice one, mvp...getting ejected when your teams needs you most

Pack ya bag, off to Cancun for you

[Proctor]

Flagrant 2...lol...yikes. What a joke.

[Smoke117]

Flagrant 2 is excessive. Nobody wants to see the series end this way.

[Chuckbe]

Brotherhood wins again hahahahaha

[SATAN]

Jokic Valančiūnas biggest disgrace in the history of MVPS. What do you got bricks in your shoes? Try guarding the pick and roll for once you moron. Jeremiah grant really made the difference on this team defensively.

Still shook :facepalm

[HBK_Kliq_2]

Jokic swept and ejected. Worst mvp ever. It's easy to play every game in regular season when you literally do nothing on defense.

[fourkicks44]

TBH Payne's long, weasely, rat face is a hard target to miss.

[paksat]

LOLLLLLLLLLLL flagrant 2????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????????????

[brownmamba00]

:oldlol:

Get his ass outta here

[Derka]

They just threw the league MVP out of a home game in the playoffs for grazing a guy’s face.

What the actual f*ck is this league?

[HBK_Kliq_2]

this dude forget kiwis cheeks got clapped by the mvp last year?

in case you forgot put some respeck on his name


https://i.postimg.cc/vB6X6X7Y/xyz_Kawhi_choke.png

Prison bubble: Lakers out in 1st round, nuggets swept, heat swept, Celtics out in 1st round.

Meaningless basketball

[And1AllDay]

i woulda been fine with flagrant 1...2 is excessive

agreed. suns aint losing a 3-0 lead anyway but dumb way for refs to end the series

no way nuggets win w/0 jokic and murray

[fourkicks44]

If Booker didn't make a big deal about it and didn't get a tech they only assess that a flagrant 1 and Jokic doesn't get ejected.

[HBK_Kliq_2]

They just threw the league MVP out of a home game in the playoffs for grazing a guy’s face.

What the actual f*ck is this league?

Smacked a guys face and then picked a fight with Booker.

Worthy of two technicals = ejected

[And1AllDay]

Prison bubble: Lakers out in 1st round, nuggets swept, heat swept, Celtics out in 1st round.

Meaningless basketball

boi your dreaming



https://i.postimg.cc/dtxM7bCC/jokinc_pimp.png




https://i.postimg.cc/Pqc2xM9z/dat_stretch.png




https://i.postimg.cc/DwBBgvdv/wasn_t_ready.png



almost deleted these, good thing not cuz some people need to be reminded from time to time i guess :oldlol:

[paksat]

you don't throw the league mvp out of a playoff game on his homecourt down 0-3 unless there's blood

that was.. the nba of these days

[Derka]

Smacked a guys face and then picked a fight with Booker.

Worthy of two technicals = ejected

A sure sign that this league has been inseminated with weak, soft man-children and legions of soft man-children fans. That ejection was a joke.

[Proctor]

https://i.postimg.cc/Pqc2xM9z/dat_stretch.png



:roll:

Precisely how he penetrated Kawhit

[brownmamba00]

What if JaGOAT brings them back

[HBK_Kliq_2]

boi your dreaming



https://i.postimg.cc/dtxM7bCC/jokinc_pimp.png




https://i.postimg.cc/Pqc2xM9z/dat_stretch.png




https://i.postimg.cc/DwBBgvdv/wasn_t_ready.png



almost deleted these, good thing not cuz some people need to be reminded from time to time i guess :oldlol:

He won a MVP though, he's not Jason terry. Also the bubble asterisk.

[1987_Lakers]

boi your dreaming



https://i.postimg.cc/dtxM7bCC/jokinc_pimp.png




https://i.postimg.cc/Pqc2xM9z/dat_stretch.png




https://i.postimg.cc/DwBBgvdv/wasn_t_ready.png



almost deleted these, good thing not cuz some people need to be reminded from time to time i guess :oldlol:

:roll:

[HBK_Kliq_2]

They suddenly look good when Jokic gets ejected hahahaha

[HBK_Kliq_2]

:roll:


https://youtu.be/a4nQlShRLbE