Phoenix Suns Now Have a Real Shot to Win the Western Conference

After missing Game 5, Anthony Davis returned to the starting lineup, but not for long. He left the game due to injury after playing just five minutes, and the Suns capitalized on the opportunity. A dominant first quarter put them up 22 points after just 12 minutes of game time. Phoenix rode Devin Booker’s 47 points and their hot start to a 4-2 series victory. This marked the franchise’s first appearance in the second round since 2010, and also became LeBron James’ only first-round series loss (14-0 previously).

INTERESTING FACTS

1st Suns player to record 6+ 3PM during 1 playoff quarter in franchise history
Set a Phoenix Suns franchise postseason record with 18 PTS during the 1st Quarter
Most PTS (34) by a Suns player during their playoff debut in franchise history
1st Suns player ever with 40+ PTS/10+ REB/5+ 3PM during 1 playoff GP
Phoenix will play a 2nd round playoff series for the 1st time since 2010

Odds vs. LAL: PHX +130 (Spread +3.0)
PHX Stock Price: $14.78 (via FANDEX)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

PHOENIX NOW HAS A REAL SHOT WIN THE WESTERN CONFERENCE

COLORS KEY | FULL SUNS OUTLOOK

Devin Booker’s impressive performances that helped them dethrone the champs now have them in an excellent position to make a run at the conference title. Their next opponents are the Denver Nuggets, who are without star player Jamal Murray and could struggle to defend the Suns high-octane backcourt.

Additionally, another large threat, the LA Clippers, are on the brink of elimination. This would leave Utah as their biggest competition, and they haven’t won the conference since John Stockton and Karl Malone led them in 1998. Getting past the champs and matching up with Denver, along with Booker playing great basketball, sets them up with a real shot to be conference champs this season. The lack of playoff experience and continuity could’ve prevented them from being successful this postseason but D-Book showed he’s ready for the bright lights and CP3 has brought a new level of chemistry that has them looking as good as any NBA team right now.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Booker sets playoff career-high

#NBAPlayoffs career-high 43 PTS (8 3PM) for Booker!@Suns 89@Lakers 76
4th quarter next on TNT! pic.twitter.com/3GlQtiD3dA
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2021

Big game from Booker

Devin Booker drops an #NBAPlayoffs career-high 47 PTS (33 in 1st half), 8 3PM, helping the @Suns advance! #ThatsGame
PHX will take on DEN in the West Semis with Game 1 on Monday at 10pm/et on TNT. pic.twitter.com/PHE5Og3njM
— NBA (@NBA) June 4, 2021