{"id":101838,"date":"2024-10-18T11:44:55","date_gmt":"2024-10-18T15:44:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=101838"},"modified":"2024-10-18T11:44:55","modified_gmt":"2024-10-18T15:44:55","slug":"suns-have-an-opportunity-to-start-the-season-strong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/10\/18\/suns-have-an-opportunity-to-start-the-season-strong\/","title":{"rendered":"Suns Have an Opportunity to Start the Season Strong"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Phoenix Suns<\/a> 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<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

With the trio of Durant, Devin Booker,<\/a> and Bradley Beal<\/a> under new head coach Mike Budenholzer<\/a>, they have the talent to go far. This did not happen last season, but the addition of point guard Tyus Jones<\/a> and promising rookies Ryan Dunn<\/a> and Oso Ighodaro<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

However, in an ever-improving and deep Western Conference<\/a>, 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.\u00a0In 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<\/a> and Sacramento Kings<\/a>.\u00a0 Though on paper, these teams present difficult tests, it could provide a perfect opportunity to record some big wins early.<\/p>\n

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Phoenix Suns first 10 games \ud83d\udc40 <\/p>\n

– @ Clippers
– @ Lakers
– vs Mavericks
– vs Lakers
– @ Clippers
– vs Trailblazers
– vs Sixers
– vs Heat
– @ Mavericks
– vs Kings<\/p>\n

How many games are they winning? pic.twitter.com\/ypTh6q6Pax<\/a><\/p>\n

— CantGuardBook (@CGBBURNER) August 15, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n