Among the posters starting this Sunday during the 2021 playoffs, the duel between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Phoenix Suns is one of the most undecided. In a series where the theoretical favorite might well be overthrown, no certainty is possible. Presentation of a confrontation where the suspense will be at its peak.
The sun is shining but not in California
After a bubble full of hope last year, the Suns confirmed this season by carrying out an exercise in line with what had been glimpsed last season. Taking advantage of the arrival of Chris Paul to stabilize the workforce and bring experience to a hitherto fairly young group, Phoenix simply rolled out. Still in the middle of the table at the end of January with a barely positive assessment of [10-8], Monty Williams’ men then chained to finally get involved in the fight for first place in the Western Conference with the Jazz. If the Arizona franchise will finally finish second, a victory behind Utah, it ensures at the same time a first positive balance sheet since 2009/2010 and thus a first qualification in the playoffs since the same season. After a huge slump, the Suns are finally back on the front of the stage.
For the Lakers, the scenario of the season was very different. Defending champion, the Californian franchise had to compose a large part of the year without Anthony Davis and LeBron James, absences which weighed heavily when doing the accounts. Indeed, following a rather satisfactory start to the year, the Lakers fighting for a place on the podium in their conference, they saw their balance sheet deteriorate from mid-February, a period equivalent to the injury of Anthony Davis, before sinking at the end of March when LeBron James also had to be absent from the courts. Los Angeles sank, so much so that the franchise was forced to contest the play-in to secure their place in the playoffs. If its two stars were back then, the Warriors did not go far from a success that might have escaped the Lakers without a miraculous shot from LeBron James. Los Angeles will be well in the playoffs this season but is not as scary as last year. Though.
The reigning champions on a mission?
For Los Angeles, a qualification will go through a solid performance of its defense. Among the franchises conceding the fewest points this season, the Lakers know the importance of defending well, they who had built their success last season around this ability to slow down the opposing attack. Faced with the offensive Suns who rank among the franchises scoring the most points this season, finding a parade will be essential.
For Phoenix, building its success will require an in-form Chris Paul. Metronome having allowed the Suns to enter a new dimension, he will also be one of the only players of his team on the floor to have the experience of the postseason. Important data for a young team which will not have an easy task for its return to the playoffs.
Last key in this series, the health of the two stars of the Lakers. Injured for many months, Anthony Davis has now been back for several weeks but will he be 100%? Same story for LeBron James, who seems to have rushed his return to secure his place in the playoffs. If these two are able to carry Los Angeles without being in full possession of their means, it might still weigh heavily in the balance once morest one of the most attractive franchises of the regular season.
Our prediction
If the logic of the regular season would like the Suns to be favorites of this series, the reality is potentially quite different once morest the Lakers. After a regular season that can be described as a failure, the Californians are forced to win and will have all the pressure on their shoulders. Titled last year, LeBron James’ teammates have not faced Phoenix in the playoffs since 2010 and won a conference final – which is also the last series played by the Suns in the playoffs to date – and lost in two of the three direct confrontations this season. However, experience might trump form in such important matches and allow Frank Vogel’s men to overturn the established order. Prediction: 4-2 Lakers.
Among the most balanced series of this first round, this duel between the Suns and the Lakers might hold many surprises for us. See you this Sunday from 9:30 p.m. for the start of hostilities, where a first trend will emerge on the side of the Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Front-page image credit: Louis Rousseau | We Sport
Louis Rousseau
The words “Minnesota Miracle” and “No-Call” are scratched from my vocabulary. My heart mourns the retirement of Drew Brees as my eyes finally widen watching the Knicks.
