Whilst the Phoenix Suns’ main aim is to win the NBA Championship this season, there will still be an eye on success in the NBA Cup. However, if they are to have any chance of lifting this year’s trophy, they must win against the LA Lakers on Tuesday to keep those hopes alive. This will be the Suns’ third cup game so far, in which they have won one and lost one. Another defeat would end their chances of moving on.
The Suns Face Must-Win to Stay Alive in NBA Cup
Wins & Point Differentials Matter
The Suns’ quest for NBA Cup glory last season ended at the first knockout stage against their upcoming opponents. This year, they risk falling at the very first hurdle if they fail to beat the Lakers. In 2023-24, they advanced as the Western Conference wildcard team, and they may have to do so once more to avoid being eliminated.
Last season, both Eastern and Western Conference wildcard teams—the New York Knicks and Suns—lost just one group stage game. The Dallas Mavericks currently hold the wildcard spot with two wins, while six teams, including the Suns, are still in the mix with 1-1 records. To have the chance to advance to the knockout stage, the Suns will have to win their remaining two games against the Lakers and San Antonio Spurs.
However, a victory over the Lakers would not only keep their wildcard hopes alive but also keep them in contention for the top spot in West Group B. The Lakers currently hold this spot, but a Suns win would tie their records at 2-1. It would see the Suns overtake the Lakers in the group standings on head-to-head. Increasing their point differential would also keep them within reach of the OKC Thunder, who also are 1-1.
A wildcard berth will also likely come down to point differential. This is where the Mavericks hold a huge advantage, with +41 in comparison to -8 for the Suns. Should Dallas pick up a third win in group stage play against the Memphis Grizzlies, it will be a tough ask for any team, let alone the Suns, to catch them. A defeat, however, would open the door for several teams. Therefore, a win over the Lakers presents multiple avenues in which the Suns can advance.
Reinforcements On the Way
Following a five-game losing streak and just one win in their last seven, the Suns are finally getting some help back. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal expect to make their injury comebacks for Tuesday night’s game with the Lakers. The Suns announced the pair as ‘probable’, confirming their likely returns. Mike Budenholzer’s side have been the beneficiaries of a rare five-day break, which has allowed the two to get healthy after suffering left calf strains.
Suns’ Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal plan to return to the lineup against the Los Angeles Lakers in Tuesday’s NBA Cup game in Phoenix, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/wH2GUhJTvo
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 25, 2024
Durant has been the Suns’ best and most important player this season. He has delivered an MVP-caliber campaign in the nine games he has played. Durant is averaging 27.6 points on 55.3% shooting, while converting 42.9% of his attempts from deep. With him in the lineup, the Suns are 8-1 and without him are 1-6. He had been playing 38.8 minutes per game, a figure that will surely be monitored going forward.
He will be joined by Beal, who has not had the same success offensively but is still a key component of the team. Despite averaging just 17.8 points, he takes defensive attention away from the main duo of Devin Booker and Durant while being an elite off-ball threat. He missed five games, in which the Suns failed to record a win. Now, with the team whole once more, expect the number in the wins column to start rising again.
