A few injury/load management issues to stars could help the Suns make up ground in the standings over the next two games.
I still stand by my piece published on Monday, which stated that the Phoenix Suns’ championship hopes appear to be in the air due to their lack of consistent play, defensive struggles, and effort concerns. I felt even more vindicated in my beliefs after they got pummeled by the Denver Nuggets 117-90 later that day.
However, the Valley had a valiant effort on Christmas, defeating the Denver Nuggets 110-100. The team played stellar defense when needed, allowing just 22 points in the third after allowing 45 in the same quarter a game before and forcing Denver to shoot just 8/29 from three. Bradley Beal had one of his best games of the year, scoring 27 points on an efficient 11/21 from the field and 3/7 from three. The Valley got their first win on Christmas in 15 years.
While Phoenix would need to do a lot for me to put them back into the title mix, their next two contests could allow them to move up in the Western Conference standings. Not only is Devin Booker expected to be back soon, but their next two opponents may both be without their top players.
The Suns host the Dallas Mavericks tonight, who will be without Luka Dončić, who may be missing extended time with a left calf strain he sustained on Christmas. Tomorrow, the Valley will go to California to play the Golden State Warriors, who may be without Steph Curry.
The Warriors face the Valley on the second end of a back-to-back. After playing 36 minutes on Christmas, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said the baby-faced assassin may sit for one of the two legs.
Steve Kerr says resting Steph Curry in one of the next two games — a back to back at Clippers and home against Phoenix — is something Warriors will take a look. Sounds like Curry could rest one of the games after playing nearly 36 minutes and a “hard” 36 as Kerr put it.
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) December 26, 2024
Curry is slated to be out tonight against the Los Angeles Clippers, but keep an eye on his status for Saturday’s game against the Valley.
The Mavericks are 3.5 games ahead of the Suns in the standings, and the Warriors are tied with them for the eighth seed. Phoenix is 3-0 combined against both teams this season. A victory against the Mavericks would secure a season victory in the series and a dub against the Warriors tomorrow would ensure at least a tie.
After snapping their three-game skid last contest, the Suns have an opportunity to make up more ground in the standings over the next 48 hours.