Phoenix Suns - Weekly Roundup - Week 7
- Matt Elvy
- Dec 6, 2021
- 4 min read
Join us as we review the highs and lows of the last week, as well as previewing the week ahead.
Week 6: 29 November - 5 December 2021
Week Record: 2-1
Overall Record: 19-4. 2nd in Western Conference.
Games Played and Results:
W - 104 - 96 Vs Golden State Warriors
W - 114 - 103 Vs Detroit Pistons
L - 96 - 118 @ Golden State Warriors
In a week that we faced the team with an equally good record, we were bound, in my opinion to lose 1 of those games. I was so glad that it was the 2nd game, as the team were able to set a new franchise record with 18 straight wins!
The Suns were able to pull out the W against the Warriors, even with Booker leaving the game part way through the 2nd with a hamstring injury. Mikal was amazing in this game, putting his defensive chops on show for everyone to see. He hassled Curry all game and barely put a step wrong, all while attempting only 4 shots and amassing 2 points. Despite all the media saying that he had an "off night", the Suns held Curry to 4 of 21 shooting for 12 points.
Next up was Detroit. A win would set a new franchise record for the Suns for consecutive wins. On paper this was an easy game, but the young Pistons would not just roll over for the Suns, getting to within 1-point during the 3rd quarter. Despite the fight, we got that 18th win.
Off to Golden State, the 2nd night of a back-to-back and as I predicted last week the Warriors exacted their revenge, giving us our 1st loss since 28th October.
Superstar Watch (Season stats):
Booker - 23.2 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, 4.5 Assists, 0.9 Steals, 45.8 FG%, 40.3 3PT FG%, 2.7 Turnovers
Chris Paul - 14.3 Points, 4.0 Rebounds, 10.1 Assists, 2.0 Steals 47.9 FG%, 33.8 3PT FG%, 2.4 Turnovers
Scorching Suns:
Cameron Johnson
Cam has been on fire off the bench this week. With Booker out with the hamstring injury, he has really stepped up to take on some of the scoring load. He's attempted 6 3's per game this week, which is up 1.2 attempts over his season average.
His stats for the week:
15.0 Points, 4.7 Rebounds, 2.0 Assists, 51.7 FG% & 50.0 3PT FG%.
Mikal Bridges
All the Defense!
Struggling Suns:
No one.
I went through all the guys, but really they've all been playing well. I almost put Cam Payne here for the 3rd week in a row, but although his shooting has still been off, he played brilliantly against the Pistons.
This week's stats:
N/A
Stat Line of the Week:
Deandre Ayton Vs Golden State Warriors (game 1)
Game stat line:
24 Points, 11 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 2 Blocks, 1 Steal, 11/19 FGs (57.9%).
Honourable mentions:
Cam Johnson Vs Detroit Pistons
Game stat line:
19 Points, 6 Rebounds, 2 Assists, 7/11 FGs (63.6%), 4/6 3PT FGs (66.7%).
Upcoming Games:
We only have 2 games this week, both at home.
2 games this week is great news in my opinion. Going in to the Spurs game on Monday we will have had 3 days rest, which has allowed Bridges to rest his dislocated finger and get used to basketball activities with the finger strapped up. As always going in to a Spurs game and as demonstrated by the Warriors (pahahaha), the Spurs can easily be a trap game.
We then have another 3 days rest before facing the Celtics. I'd like to think by Friday there may be a chance that Booker is back from the hamstring injury.
I believe, even if Booker is still out, we have enough to beat both these teams, especially with both games being at home. Therefore I predict both games to be Suns wins.
Predictions League:
Any Other Business:
16-0 Month
As well documented as the 18 win streak was, I think it may have gone under the radar that this is the 1st time since since December 1992 that the Suns had a full undefeated calendar month.
Monty Williams - Coach of the Month
Thanks to this fantastic month, Coach Monty was awarded with the NBA Coach of the Month award. Well done Coach!
Injuries
What is with picking up injuries against the Warriors this week? 1st it was Booker, who had to leave our 1st Warriors match-up with a hamstring injury. Then it was Bridges who dislocated his little finger in the 2nd match-up.
Booker's injury has kept him out of all our games since the injury and according to beat writers Duane Rankin and Kellen Olson, he hasn't participated in any basketball activities in training either.
With the Suns looking to still be playing in June, it's best that Booker rests up now to fully heal, rather than come back too soon and reaggravating it.
Bridges was able to come back in to the game against the Warriors and has been practising all week at the Suns' facility. Duane Rankin noted that the wrapping on his finger has got smaller as the days have gone on. He also noted that Monty said Mikal can and will play in this week's games.
More CP3-ness
Paul has dished 150+ assists in a calendar month for the 11th time in his career. No other active player has done that more than once.
Go On My Suns!
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