The Phoenix Suns shocked the world when they advanced to the NBA Finals last season. To beat the Lakers, Nuggets, and Clippers in one postseason really showed a lot about who they were.
According to Anthony Davis, though, they never would have gotten past the first round had he been healthy for the entire series.
In a recent chat with the media, he dropped the bombshell:
Anthony Davis, asked if his groin injury is the main reason the Lakers didn’t beat the Suns in the playoffs last year, says: “It was … We know that. They know that … They got away with one”
Anthony Davis, asked if his groin injury is the main reason the Lakers didn’t beat the Suns in the playoffs last year, says: “It was … We know that. They know that … They got away with one”
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 13, 2022
To recap, the Lakers were up 2-1 before Davis went down towards the end of Game 4. At that point, the Purple and Gold were still favored to win the series.
It should also be noted that the Suns were leading the game when Davis left, meaning they likely would have taken that game regardless of AD’s status.
So, with things at 2-2 and the series headed back to Phoenix, could the Lakers have taken two more games? It’s hard to say for certain, but the idea that Phoenix lucked their way to a Finals appearance is not exclusive to Davis.
“If the Lakers don’t break down, Kawhi doesn’t go down or even Jamal Murray is healthy, the Phoenix Suns don’t make the NBA Finals,” said Tim Legler. “They weren’t ready to take this leap. Injuries played a large part in it cause what you’re seeing now is this: they need another guy. They don’t have enough. Their roster is not enough.”
Of course, the Suns are putting that narrative to rest with their performance this season. Despite AD’s words, Phoenix looks like a team that is poised to be great for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Lakers continue to struggle to find their groove. Even with Davis on the floor, they have never really come close to matching the Suns’ play this season.
Hopefully, the two teams get a rematch to settle the matter once and for all.
