Phoenix Suns Passed a Huge Adversity Test

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Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.

The Suns came away with a huge win against the Lakers.

(PHOTO CREDIT: Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today.)

In the third quarter, the Phoenix Suns were leading, 70-63, with 7 minutes and change left. One call later, Devin Booker was swiftly ejected. It was weaksauce, dude.

But in what was a pleasant surprise for the Suns and their fans, the team didn’t fold. What’s more, the team didn’t fold AND they didn’t play Deandre Ayton in the 4th quarter. PLUS Chris Paul only shot four times in the whole game. It was all about the supporting cast doing their thing.

Dario Saric and Abdel Nader played the whole fourth and were burning it on both ends; Saric scored 10 points while Nader connected on both his threes in that period. LeBron James was his usual but Mikal Bridges closed the door with one minute left.

And that’s the thing. In the past, the Suns would probably lose big without Booker. But Phoenix has gotten comfortable with what they are. They’re much better defensively now. They were able to carry themselves without Booker, Paul, and Ayton. It helps to have veterans like Saric, Jae Crowder, and a more experienced Bridges, who is having a heck of a year. And props to Nader, who absolutely made the most out of his PT.

Sure, we can say that the Lakers didn’t have Anthony Davis, Marc Gasol, and Kyle Kuzma. But in many ways, this isn’t about their opponent. It’s about the Suns overcoming adversity and having this test on whether they are good enough in these kinds of situations. They passed with flying colors. And overall, they are 15-3 in their last 18 games after splitting their first 16 games.

At least, next time, when they go against a full Lakers squad, they can be confident enough to roll with the punches without any of their stars on the floor. Yes, going against the Lakers with Davis, Gasol, and Kuzma would be a different kind of test. But these Phoenix Suns are ready for prime time. I’m not saying they’ll win the championship but I don’t think they’ll shrink away from the moment, either.

Bullet Passes

So these are the participants of the other all-star events.

I suppose it’s because the dunk contest is at halftime so there are only three competitors. Still, that’s going to be a bit strange.

I’ve never been too excited for the Skills Challenge but it’s a fun little race.

And the three-point shootout hardly fails.

Nikola Jokic made a huge case for his MVP push. 37-10-11 in a blowout win over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks.

The Hawks have that new coach smell as they win against Miami in their first game under Nate McMillan. Both the Bucks (5) and the Heat (6) had their winning streaks snapped.

The Celtics might be waking up a bit more after they beat the Clippers. Kemba Walker is also starting to get it going as he’s averaging 26 points in this three-game win streak.

The league really should be showcasing Ja Morant more. The 2020 Rookie of the Year went for 35-5-10 in a big win over the Wizards.

San Antonio moves in silence, as we know. And the humbled the heck out of the Knicks. As usual, they’re not doing anything hugely spectacular but they do take care of the basketball. They average the fewest turnovers (11.0 per game) and have the lowest turnover percentage in the league (9.8 percent).

NBA Scoreboard

Mar. 2, 2021

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Toppin is in the contest for stuff like this.

I hope he shows out on Sunday.

Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.

You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.

You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.

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