The Phoenix Suns have big aspirations this season and will want to start it strong as their window for an NBA Championship shortens with each passing year. With Kevin Durant not getting any younger and a roster hamstrung by three huge contracts, it feels like this has to be the year the Suns make a run at the finals. They have not made the biggest stage since 2021 and have endured some embarrassing playoff exits in the years following.
With the trio of Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, they have the talent to go far. This did not happen last season, but the addition of point guard Tyus Jones and promising rookies Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro gives them a much better-rounded squad. They won 49 games and finished as the sixth seed last year despite multiple injuries. Should they fare better health-wise this season, more regular-season success should be on the horizon.
However, in an ever-improving and deep Western Conference, every game and win is important. That is why it will be crucial for the Suns to get off to a strong start and set the tone for the upcoming weeks and months. In their first 10 games, they face some tough teams, with both LA teams twice in the first five, as well as dates with the Dallas Mavericks and Sacramento Kings. Though on paper, these teams present difficult tests, it could provide a perfect opportunity to record some big wins early.
Phoenix Suns first 10 games 👀
– @ Clippers
– @ Lakers
– vs Mavericks
– vs Lakers
– @ Clippers
– vs Trailblazers
– vs Sixers
– vs Heat
– @ Mavericks
– vs KingsHow many games are they winning? pic.twitter.com/ypTh6q6Pax
— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) August 15, 2024
Suns Have an Opportunity to Start the Season Strong
Availability is the Best Ability
Perhaps most important for the Suns this season is health. Last season, they were plagued by injuries, particularly to Booker and Beal. Booker played in the season opener last year but went on to miss eight of the next nine games. Beal did not make his season debut until November. As a trio, Booker, Beal, and Durant played together for the first time in mid-December.
This time around, all three are healthy and ready to go. Booker dealt with ankle soreness during preseason but played in the final game with no restrictions. Center Jusuf Nurkic also returned from a finger injury that had kept him out. That means Budenholzer has his entire starting five available, which will be vital in getting off to a strong start. Consistency and continuity were a huge problem for the side under Frank Vogel. A long run of sustained health for the stars should go a long way for their prospects over the campaign.
Need to Take Advantage
While the Suns are still adapting to a new style of play themselves, they must take advantage of other teams’ absences and early weaknesses. It is important for them to win the games they should in order to emerge amongst the top seeds.
LA Clippers star Kawhi Leonard has a knee injury that will keep him out indefinitely, almost certainly ruling him out of the first two matchups. LA also lost Paul George in free agency during the offseason, meaning the Clippers will have a much different look. James Harden will be leading the way but with a much lesser supporting cast alongside him. Coached by Ty Lue, neither game will be easy however, the Suns should have enough to overcome them, especially offensively.
It is a similar story for the Mavericks and Luka Doncic. The Slovenian has not played a game in preseason due to a left calf contusion. He should be available to begin the season and play in the third game against the Suns, but perhaps not at full effectiveness. Elsewhere, guard Dante Exum underwent right wrist surgery, which should keep him out for up to three months in a huge blow to their depth. Klay Thompson, who has struggled in preseason, is also in the equation and may need more time to settle. The two teams have struck up an intense rivalry in recent seasons, and a victory for the Suns would give them the early season edge.
They also have games against the Portland Trailblazers and Utah Jazz in their first 10, the latter in the first game of the In-Season Tournament. These are two games that the Suns will be overwhelming favorites in and should be picking up wins. It is a long season, and the Suns’ first 10 games will not make or break their year. However, when an opportunity to make a big early statement arises, they must take it.
