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Tag: Phoenix Suns

  • “What in point of fact killed KD and LeBron isn’t participant empowerment” – Nick Wright believes LeBron James and Kevin Durant selected the incorrect level guard

    Issues don’t seem to be going neatly for LeBron James and Kevin Durant and their respective groups. Heading into the season, the LA Lakers and Brooklyn Nets had been favorites to play for the NBA name, however they’re recently maintaining play-in match spots.

    The 2 superstars performed vital roles in placing in combination groups they believed may contend for a championship. However that has no longer labored out neatly for both of them thus far.

    In Los Angeles (31-42), LeBron is recording monster performances however does no longer get sufficient manufacturing from his supporting forged.

    It’s been a lot of the similar in Brooklyn (38-35) for KD, who has needed to play with a disgruntled James Harden and a part-time Kyrie Irving. (A metamorphosis in New York Town’s vaccine mandate Thursday will permit Irving to be a full-time participant. Harden is now in Philadelphia after being traded for Ben Simmons, who has no longer performed this season.)

    Sports activities analyst Nick Wright at the “What is Wright?” podcast spoke in regards to the Lakers’ and Nets’ eventualities and has a number of blame to head round. He believes each superstars put themselves of their present positions and don’t have anything to do with participant empowerment.

    “They each did make a selection this case,” Wright mentioned. “So, one may argue, yeah … participant empowerment has value them. I feel this is too slender of a view, as a result of participant empowerment isn’t just what were given LeBron to the Lakers, however Anthony Davis to the Lakers. They usually did win a name two seasons in the past. So, it labored out for him there.

    “Participant empowerment no longer best were given KD to the Nets, however Kyrie (Irving) there with him, and (James) Harden there with him. And everybody with the exception of me idea that group used to be going to win a number of titles. What in point of fact killed KD and LeBron isn’t participant empowerment, it is they selected the incorrect level guard.
    “LeBron selected Russell Westbrook, and that has submarined this Lakers season even if Russ has performed higher lately. And KD selected the least dependable big name in sports activities, Kyrie Irving.”

    In any case, he mentioned, they each made the incorrect possible choices whilst they’d a large say in deciding who to play with. In James’ case, Wright believes his ego and short of to reach what no person else may with Westbrook put him and the Lakers on this precarious place.

    Each LeBron James and Kevin Durant must safe their playoff berths throughout the play-in match
    LeBron James is recently the league’s main scorer.

    The Nets are in a greater place, as they’re recently 8th within the Japanese Convention and may best play one play-in sport to safe their playoff berth. With Kyrie Irving again to enjoying full-time, the Nets’ probabilities of possibly mountaineering to 6th – and steer clear of the play-in video games – have higher. However they are nonetheless narrow

    Brooklyn has 9 video games last. Irving will have the ability to play in all 9 (versus simply two prior to the New York Town restriction used to be lifted.) Nonetheless, the Nets path the sixth-place Cleveland Cavaliers (41-31) by way of 3.5 video games.

    The seventh-place Toronto Raptors (40-32) are 2.5 video games forward of Brooklyn. If the postseason started lately, Brooklyn must play at Toronto within the Seven-8 Recreation. On account of Canadian rules, Irving cannot play in Toronto.

    The winner of the Seven-8 Recreation will get the No. 7 seed within the playoffs and can face whoever wins the for the No. 2 seed, which might be any of 4 groups. The loser will get some other likelihood, dealing with the winner of the 9-Ten Recreation for the No. 8 seed.

    Brooklyn leads the ninth-place Charlotte Hornets (37-36) by way of one sport and the Atlanta Hawks (36-37) by way of two video games. A slip may put the Nets within the 9-Ten Recreation.

    For the Lakers, they’re vulnerable to getting knocked out of the highest 10. They’re 9th within the West. However the Tenth-place New Orleans Pelicans (30-42) and San Antonio Spurs (29-44) are shut in the back of. The Pels are a half-game in the back of the Lakers and play them two times prior to the season ends. The Spurs are two video games again.

    The Lakers are 4.5 video games in the back of the eighth-place LA Clippers (36-38), in order that they most probably would possibly not make the Seven-8 Recreation. That being the case, they’re going to need to win two play-in video games to nab the No. 8 seed, which is able to most probably face the Phoenix Suns (59-14).

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    It is going to be a tricky adventure for each groups, however with the caliber of avid gamers they’ve, neither of them will also be written out simply but. James is recently the league’s most sensible scorer, averaging 30.0 issues consistent with sport. In the meantime, KD is averaging 29.7 ppg and could be a contender for the scoring name if he had performed as many video games to be eligible.

    Edited by way of Joseph Schiefelbein

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  • “Even though Draymond Inexperienced comes again, and the Warriors are enjoying nice basketball, that is an absolute coin turn of a sequence” – Brian Scalabrine believes it’s exhausting to wager towards the Phoenix Suns

    Former NBA participant Brian Scalabrine stated it’ll be exhausting to wager towards Phoenix this postseason Thursday on “The Beginning Lineup.”

    The Suns (53-13) changed into the primary NBA staff to clinch a playoff spot on Wednesday after their 111-90 victory over the Miami Warmth.

    Phoenix Suns first to clinch playoff spot, Brian Scalabrine believes squad might be exhausting to wager towards

    Of a possible playoff collection between the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors, former NBA participant Brian Scalabrine stated:

    “Even though Draymond Inexperienced comes again, and the Warriors are enjoying nice basketball, that is an absolute coin turn of a sequence.”

    The Warriors (44-22) are 3rd within the West, stumbling since dropping Inexperienced to a again damage in early January.

    The groups were given off to sizzling begins. Golden State began18-2, whilst Phoenix went 19-3. When the Warriors beat the Suns 116-107 on Christmas, Golden State used to be 27-6 and Phoenix used to be 26-6.

    In the meantime, the Suns’ Devin Booker and Chris Paul, then again, have led a tempo few groups can fit.

    Scalabrine stated Phoenix’s tempo is a matter:

    “Right here’s the object in regards to the Phoenix Suns, they unfold you, they usually simply stay going, it doesn’t matter what.”

    He used their remaining matchup towards Miami for example, pronouncing that it doesn’t matter what Miami did, Phoenix saved enjoying at its desired tempo.

    Scalabrine stated:

    “They simply stay enjoying. … It didn’t subject what the placement used to be. They arrive down. They execute. They area. They assault the ball.”

    Phoenix hasn’t misplaced greater than two video games in a row all season. They’ve had 3 two-game skids.

    Booker is averaging 25.6 issues, 5.2 rebounds and four.7 assists. Paul contributed 14.9 issues, 4.5 rebounds, and 10.7 assists in line with sport earlier than being sidelined with a fractured thumb remaining month.

    The Suns’ win over Miami used to be large, even supposing it had now not landed them the primary playoff berth. Miami leads the Jap Convention, and the Suns performed with out Paul. If Phoenix can beat the opposing convention’s perfect whilst lacking a celebrity, Scalabrine is also proper: Golden State would possibly battle with the Suns.

    A recognized defensive nice and three-time NBA champion, Inexperienced may pose a big factor for Phoenix. Regardless of averaging handiest 7.9 issues, 7.6 rebounds, and seven.4 assists in line with sport this season, Inexperienced has a prime basketball IQ on each ends. He is aware of tips on how to close down offensively dominant warring parties and produce the sport right down to a relaxed tempo.

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    However Scalabrine has some extent. With the best way the Suns are rolling, a wholesome Inexperienced would possibly now not even have the ability to forestall them. That could be a horrifying perception for whoever sits within the Suns’ trail. Phoenix is making an attempt to get the championship that proved elusive remaining season, when dropping to Milwaukee within the NBA Finals.

    Edited through Joseph Schiefelbein

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  • “Lakers would have an excellent shot at profitable the championship” – Chris Broussard believes Anthony Davis is retaining LeBron James and LA Lakers again from getting every other ring

    At first of the NBA season, no person would have envisioned this LA Lakers staff to be plagued with the sort of horrible run. With the signing of the ultimate season’s help champion, Russell Westbrook, the Lakers appeared like a robust name contender. The trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook used to be one who instilled worry in different groups.

    With each loss, the franchise’s hopes for a playoff look glance dim.

    James has been the staff’s maximum constant participant, averaging 29.4 issues, 8.1 rebounds and six 2 assists. In a Saturday win over the Golden State Warriors, LBJ made a touch, recording a season-high of 56 issues, with 10 rebounds and 3 assists. That victory snapped a four-game shedding skid.

    “It used to be surprising to peer the quantity 56, however now not stunning. Staring at him all 12 months you knew LeBron used to be able to this sort of efficiency. LeBron proved if AD used to be retaining up his finish of the cut price, the Lakers would have an excellent shot at profitable a championship.” — @Chris_Broussard”It used to be surprising to peer the quantity 56, however now not stunning. Staring at him all 12 months you knew LeBron used to be able to this sort of efficiency. LeBron proved if AD used to be retaining up his finish of the cut price, the Lakers would have an excellent shot at profitable a championship.” — @Chris_Broussard https://t.co/DgcxlkZKri

    On ESPN’s “First Issues First,” Chris Broussard reacted to James’ large sport, describing it as “surprising however now not stunning.” He blamed Davis, who has been out with an damage, pronouncing that if Davis had performed his position, the Lakers would have a great opportunity at profitable the name.

    “It used to be surprising to peer the quantity 56, however now not stunning,” Broussard stated. “Staring at him all 12 months, you knew he used to be able to this sort of efficiency. I hate to be a downer and have a look at Anthony Davis. However with this LeBron James, if Anthony Davis used to be retaining up his finish of the cut price, they might have an excellent shot at profitable the championship.”
    Is the LA Lakers’ shot at making it to the playoffs in danger?
    Carmelo Anthony (7) of the LA Lakers reacts after his rating with Austin Reaves right through a 124-116 win over the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Area on Saturday in Los Angeles, California.

    The LA Lakers (28-35), seven video games under .500, are 9th within the Western Convention. The New Orleans Pelicans (27-37) are carefully in the back of in tenth, 1.5 video games in the back of Los Angeles.

    LEBRON DROPS 56 PTS TO BEAT THE WARRIORS ???

    LEBRON DROPS 56 PTS TO BEAT THE WARRIORS ??? https://t.co/3Alf5xhGsU

    It is going to appear to be the franchise is sort of assured to complete 9th or perhaps 8th (which might be extremely not going). However the LA Lakers stand a greater likelihood with a wholesome Anthony.

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    If the Lakers make it to the playoffs, their ceiling may be able to be a first-round go out if they are matched with the Phoenix Suns (51-13). The Memphis Grizzlies (44-22) might be every other staff to fret about, as they’ve defeated the Lakers in 3 in their ultimate 4 matchups.

    Edited through Joseph Schiefelbein

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  • Watch: “Do not ever move private” – Shaquille O’Neal hilariously roasts NBA on TNT co-host Adam Lefkoe after he compares Dwyane Wade to LeBron James

    Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, Candace Parker and Adam Lefkoe have been again for any other episode of the NBA on TNT to speak about the entirety basketball. Smartly, nearly “the entirety” because the display has included the so-called TNT Tuesday Confessional. The phase is geared toward a lighter facet of the dynamics between the 4 co-hosts.

    On the most recent version of the Tuesday Confessional, Adam Lefkoe trolled Dwyane Wade, referencing the #9 he gave Aaron Gordon within the notorious 2020 Slam Dunk Contest. The sportscaster took any other shot at Wade, calling him “nearly a LeBron” after the retired Miami Warmth big name belittled Lefkoe’s unique turtlenecks.

    Shaquille O’Neal, in spite of Lefkoe’s glaring try to get a hold of one thing humorous, half-jokingly gave him a work of recommendation:

    “Pay attention. There’s laws. Ok?… All of us [Shaq, Parker and Wade] right here have G-14 classification. You’re a customer within the studio. Don’t ever move private… He by no means stated not anything about you… You went private. Technical foul on you!!!”

    Coming from Shaquille O’Neal, Lefkoe used to be obviously seeking to grasp again his laughter. Shaq’s famously identified for his common dissing contests with fellow Corridor-of-Famer and Within the NBA co-host Charles Barkley. In comparison to what the LA Lakers legend and “Sir Charles” constantly throw at each and every different, Lefkoe’s troll activity felt amateurish at absolute best.

    Shaquille O’Neal places Adam Lefkoe at the sizzling seat all through Devin Booker’s post-game interviewThe NBA on TNT Tuesday is readily appearing enviable chemistry and rapport [Photo: YouTube]

    Shaquille O’Neal and Adam Lefkoe persisted their back-and-forth following the Phoenix Suns’ win over the Brooklyn Nets. The Suns have simply gained their eleventh instantly sport and personal the most productive report within the NBA. In spite of their scorching shape, neither Devin Booker nor Chris Paul made it as starters to the mid-year extravaganza.

    The “Black Superman” requested the Phoenix Suns’ deadeye taking pictures guard if he felt disrespected this season. Booker’s retort positioned the hosts of the NBA on TNT within the highlight:

    “I heard anyone within the studio this night say I wasn’t gonna have 30 this night too! Slightly birdie advised me that, however you understand how I’m. Who stated that up there?””I heard anyone within the studio this night say I wasn’t gonna have 30 too…”

    @DevinBook were given some motivation this night from the TNT Tuesday team

    “I heard anyone within the studio this night say I wasn’t gonna have 30 too…” ?@DevinBook were given some motivation this night from the TNT Tuesday team https://t.co/ASQvFEbStd

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    Shaquille O’Neal briefly and without problems deflected the blame on Adam Lefkoe when it used to be Dwyane Wade who stated it to problem Booker. The chemistry between the 4 hosts is readily rising, and the basketball global can stay up for extra top of the range basketball communicate and banter from the quartet.

    Edited by means of Rachel Syiemlieh

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  • Phoenix Suns vs Toronto Raptors Prediction & Fit Preview – January eleventh , 2022 | NBA Season 2021-22

    After a disappointing loss to the undermanned Miami Warmth, the Phoenix Suns will head to the street beginning with a sport towards the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. Phoenix is as wholesome as ever and can glance to dance in a large approach towards a surging staff.

    The Phoenix Suns have been uncharacteristically sloppy of their offense and lackluster on protection of their loss to the Warmth. They allowed their fighters to get going early and not in point of fact recovered from the barrage of three-point photographs, sooner or later shedding 123-100.

    Phoenix will for sure attempt to have a greater sense of urgency towards a staff that’s beginning to acquire momentum.

    The Toronto Raptors are using a season-high six-game successful streak. Pascal Siakam, who neglected the staff’s first 10 video games is beginning to appear to be his All-Big name self. Fred VanVleet has additionally been on a tear, making the athletic Raptors appear to be legitimate playoff contenders.

    Suppose you forgot one thing

    #NBAAllStar | #PascalSiakam twitter.com/NBA/standing/148…Pascal Siakam packed the stat sheet and notched a double-double because the @Raptors prolong their win-streak to six!

    Pascal Siakam: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL
    Fred VanVleet: 32 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST

    Pascal Siakam packed the stat sheet and notched a double-double because the @Raptors prolong their win-streak to six!Pascal Siakam: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST, 2 STLFred VanVleet: 32 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST https://t.co/J7zVGmiDEyThink you forgot one thing ⬇️#NBAAllStar | #PascalSiakam twitter.com/NBA/standing/148…

    Head trainer Nick Nurse and the training personnel can be anticipating a made up our minds Suns staff who can be taking a look to position the irritating loss in the back of them. If the visiting staff remains true to shape, the Raptors can be up for an overly aggressive evening.

    Fit Main points

    Fixture: Phoenix Suns vs Toronto Raptors | 2021-22 NBA season

    Date & Time: Tuesday, January eleventh; 7:30 PM ET (Wednesday, January twelfth; 6:00 AM IST)

    Venue: Scotiabank Enviornment, Toronto, ON

    Phoenix Suns PreviewThe Phoenix Suns are as wholesome as they may be able to be heading into the sport towards the Toronto Raptors. [Photo: Sky Sports]

    The Phoenix Suns most probably performed their worst sport of the season towards the resilient Miami Warmth. In spite of massive scoring nights from Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, they shouldn’t had been that outmatched making an allowance for the Warmth’s skinny lineup.

    Chris Paul, unsurprisingly, additionally had a deficient sport through his requirements. He simplest had 9 issues, two rebounds and 7 assists with 4 turnovers. The Phoenix Suns have been virtually bursting with power when function avid gamers like Bismack Biyombo and Jalen Smith have been at the ground in the previous few video games.

    They must be again to their same old selves after they get their power and energy again.

    Key Participant – Chris Paul

    How CP3 performs in large part dictates how the Phoenix Suns will do. With Paul reputedly out of rhythm, the staff a great deal struggled on each ends of the ground. The Level God leads the league in assists however didn’t have his same old metronome sport.

    Credit score must be given to Kyle Lowry for utterly dominating the purpose guard matchup. Realizing how fiercely aggressive Chris Paul is, he’ll for sure be taking a look to redeem himself in a large approach towards the Toronto Raptors.

    Phoenix Suns Predicted Lineup

    G – Chris Paul | G – Devin Booker | F – Mikal Bridges | F – Jae Crowder | C – Deandre Ayton

    Toronto Raptors PreviewThe Toronto Raptors are beginning to display their possible. [Photo: NBA.com]

    The Toronto Raptors after all have just about their complete squad are compatible and wholesome. Nick Nurse prior to now constructed a championship squad with a defensive id anchored on duration, athleticism and Kawhi Leonard. He’s looking to mirror that very same components with exceptional result of past due.

    Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, Khem Birch and Chris Boucher and almost all of the lineup is a sea of fingers and duration. They’re switchable on offense and protection and are a difficult quilt for any staff.

    Fred VanVleet is most probably the only exemption to the Raptors’ new id, however he performs such a lot larger than his body. He’s additionally an energizer bunny that by no means stops transferring, shouting instructions and orchestrating performs. The pint-sized level guard may even make the All-Big name staff and now not elevate an eyebrow.

    Key Participant – Fred VanVleet

    In the course of all of the duration and boundless athleticism is a cumbersome and brief level guard who’s the chief of the Raptors. In his closing 8 video games, Fred VanVleet is averaging an excellent 30.6 issues, 7.6 assists and four.9 rebounds. He has been scorching-hot from long-distance, changing 45.6% of his three-point makes an attempt.

    The NBA named the Toronto Raptors’ level guard because the Jap Convention Participant of the Week, which may be very deserving. Toronto’s uptick in shape and self belief is by no means past twist of fate when VanVleet’s play is considered.

    Toronto Raptors Predicted Lineup

    G – Fred VanVleet | G – OG Anunoby | F – Pascal Siakam | F – Scottie Barnes | C – Khem Birch

    Suns vs Raptors Fit Prediction

    The Phoenix Suns have the third-best internet ranking within the NBA trailing the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. Both the Warmth utterly took them out in their sport or they only made the error of taking a look previous their fighters’ short-handed lineup. Irrespective of the explanation, they’re going to for sure pop out with aggression and effort.

    If the Suns keep in personality, they might snap the Raptors’ successful run in an edge-of-your-seat ball sport.

    The place to observe the Suns vs Raptors sport

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    The NBA League Cross will move the sport reside. Native protection of the matchup is to be had by the use of Bally Sports activities Arizona and TSN.

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