The Phoenix Suns bowed out of the playoffs after a 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Denver Nuggets, and that had a theory come forth that they never beat a healthy team in the NBA playoffs.
After trailing 0-2, the Suns rode on stellar outings from Devin Booker to even the series, only to lose Games 5 and 6 consecutively. The latest 125-100 loss is eerily similar to the 120-93 blowout loss they had at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks last season.
On that note, we take a look at Devin Booker and Chris Paul’s postseason journey where they never got the better of a team that was 100% healthy.
2021 NBA Playoffs
First Round: The Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers 4-1 (The Lakers led 2-1 before Anthony Davis suffered an injury)
The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off their championship run booked a first-round playoff clash against the Suns, who comprehensively beat them 4-1. After winning Game 1, Phoenix lost Games 2 and 3, before the pendulum swung their way in Game 4 to even the series with a 100-92 win after Anthony Davis went down with a groin strain.
After being ruled out for the remainder of Game 5, Davis played only 5.5 minutes in Game 6, and Booker’s 47-point explosion sealed the deal for the Suns.
Second Round: The Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 4-0 (The Nuggets were without Jamal Murray for the entire series)
The absence of Jamal Murray severely hampered the Nuggets’ chances of making the finals. And the Suns took full advantage to win 4-0. They coasted to the Conference Finals that season.
Western Conference Finals: The Suns beat the LA Clippers 4-2 (The Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard for the entire series)
The LA Clippers had made it to the finals on the back of some fighting performances but didn’t have the services of Kawhi Leonard. While the Clippers managed to win Games 4 and 5, their 0-3 trail left a lot to be caught up, and Chris Paul shut the door on them with a 41-point performance as the Suns advanced to the NBA Finals.
NBA Finals: A healthy Milwaukee Bucks outfit beat the Suns 4-2
Up next was the formidable Milwaukee Bucks challenge and the Suns had no answer to a healthy team that had played some quality basketball throughout the season. They did play well to gain a 2-0 lead but later blew at after the Bucks stormed back to win four games on the trot and takes the series 4-2.
2022 NBA Playoffs
First Round: The Suns beat the New Orleans Pelicans 4-2 (The Pelicans were without Zion Williamson)
The Zion Williamson-less New Orleans Pelicans made the playoffs and were up against the Phoenix Suns. They lost Game 1 but rebounded to win the second. Phoenix notched up wins in Games 3, 5, and 6 to take the series 4-2. Booker suffered a hamstring strain over the course of the series but returned in Game 6.
Second Round: The Dallas Mavericks beat the Suns 4-3
In what was a similar outcome against the Bucks a season prior, the Suns ran into a healthy Mavericks unit. Credit to the latter, though as they forced a Game 7. Dallas dominated the whole of Game 7 and had 57 points going into halftime, while the Suns had 27.
Luka Doncic (35 points), Jalen Brunson (24 points), and Spencer Dinwiddie (30 points) got the better of the Suns. Booker had just 11 points in a key game, while Paul had 10.
2023 NBA Playoffs
First Round: The Suns beat the LA Clippers 4-1 (The Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George)
After going down in Game 1, the Suns sprang back with wins in Games 2 and 3, one of which saw Leonard go down with a knee injury. It should also be noted that LA was without Paul George as well. Much of the load was on Russell Westbrook, and while he did contribute on both ends of the floor, the loss of the two superstars meant the Suns had the advantage as they won 4-1.
Second Round: A fully healthy Denver Nuggets beat the Suns 4-2
Despite the addition of Kevin Durant, and Chris Paul out with injury, Phoenix has enough ammo to get the better of the Nuggets as they showcased in Games 3 and 4. But their lack of effort on the offensive end cost them dear as a fully healthy Denver put them away in Game 6 to take the series 4-2.
Devin Booker Came Up Short In Key Games For The Phoenix Suns
While Devin Booker dominated the series against the Clippers, he was a no-show in the elimination game against the Nuggets in Game 6, despite averaging 33.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists.
This was the second time he came up empty when the Suns needed him the most. Prior to this, he had 11 points in Game 7 vs. the Mavericks during the 2022 playoffs. This saw fans roast him and Chris Paul after their damp Game 6.
It’s debatable to see if this Suns team can hold their own against a fully healthy team. While they have played quality basketball, it appears their best bet to winning is against teams that have one or more missing superstars.
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