Phoenix Suns - Weekly Roundup - Week 9
- Matt Elvy
- Feb 22, 2021
- 3 min read
Join us as we review the highs and lows of the last week, as well as previewing the week ahead.
Week 9: 15 February - 21 February 2021
Week Record: 2-1
Overall Record: 19-10. 4th in Western Conference
Games Played and Results:
L - 124 - 128 Vs Brooklyn Nets
W - 132 - 114 Vs New Orleans Pelicans
W - 128 - 97 Vs Memphis Grizzlies
After an embarrassing loss to the Nets, where we gave up a 24 point lead, the Suns absolutely demolished the Pelicans and Grizzlies.
The loss to the Nets wasn't embarrassing because the Nets are a bad team, they're the favourites to come out of the East, but it's the way we performed. It was like watching to different teams when you compare our first half to our 2nd half in that game. You can read our write up of the game here.
I think the team were embarrassed by their performance in that game, as they came out in the next 2, to show how good they truly are. Earlier in the season, we played to our opponent's level and it showed as we'd already lost to both of these teams. No offense to either the Pelicans or Grizzlies, but they are generally seen as lesser teams at this point in the season.
The Suns tied a team record 22 3 pointers against the Pelicans and then went on to break the team record with 24 3's vs the Grizzlies. The last team to hit 22+ 3's in back-to-back games are the James Harden led Houston Rockets, who did it 3 times in 3 years.
Both Devin Booker and Chris Paul led the the way for the Suns this week and it's clear that their synergy is at it's highest point so far in the partnership.
Booker averaged 22.7 Points on 49% field goals and 43.8% from 3. He also added 4.7 Assists.
It was the Point God who most impressed this past week showing why he's considered one of the best leaders in NBA history. You can read about his week below.
Superstar Watch:
Booker - 24.3 Points, 3.8 Rebounds, 4.3 Assists, 0.8 Steals, 49.3 FG%, 37.2 3PT FG%, 3.5 Turnovers
Chris Paul - 17.1 Points, 4.6 Rebounds, 8.5 Assists, 1.2 Steals 49.5 FG%, 39.8 3PT FG%, 2.3 Turnovers
He's still leading the league in Free Throw shooting at 97.2%
Scorching Suns:
Chris Paul
CP3 has had a great week, leading the team to the 2-1 record. Even in defeat against the Nets, it was Paul trying to fight off the Brooklyn comeback, posting 17 points in the 4th quarter for a total of 29 for the game.
Paul had 15 Points and an incredible 19 Assists against the Pelicans. He added 16 Points and 6 Assists in only 22 minutes against the Grizzlies.
His averages for the week were:
20 Points, 3.3 Rebounds, 10.7 Assists, 1.0 Steal, 60.0 FG%, 61.1 3PT FG% and only 1 Turnover per game.
Struggling Suns:
Cameron Johnson
It isn't that Cam's games have been so bad that he's cost us games, but there have still been occasions where he is completely open from 3 and he misses the wide open shot. We aren't used to seeing this from Johnson, as he's usually consistent, but this has started to become a trend since he joined the starting line-up. Going back to the 2nd unit does not seem to have helped him.
For the week he averaged:
7.3 Points, 36.8 FG% & 30.8% from 3.
Stat Line of the Week:
Chris Paul Vs New Orleans Pelicans
15 Points, 4 Rebounds, 19 Assists, 6/11 FG - 54.5% & 3/5 3PT FG - 60%
Rookie Watch:
Jalen Smith - 0 game this week.
Smith is currently playing in the G-League Bubble in Orlando.
Season Stats
8 Games, 6.3 mpg, 1.8 Points, 1.3 Rebounds, 0.3 Assists, 0.3 Blocks, 35.3 FG%
Upcoming Games:
This coming week we have 4 games.
On the face of it, this week looks to be an easy ride compared to recent weeks.
The toughest match-up comes tonight against Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. If the game is close at the end (Dame Time), it could go either way, so it's important for us to play our game and not let it get close. For the last week the 2 teams have been trading the 4tth and 5th spots in the Western Conference. Going in to the game the Suns are 1 game ahead of Portland.
Any Other Business:
All-Star reserves will be announced on Tuesday. We hope to see both Booker and CP3 awarded a spot, but it's most likely that only one gets the nod.
Thank you for reading. Please like, comment below what you think and share on social media.
You can also use the code 'SUNSFANSUK' on The Throwback Store to receive a 10% discount on any order you make.
Comments