How did the Mavericks tear apart the Suns so effectively? (Author: Gardener)

The Phoenix Suns ended the regular season with the best record in the NBA, eight games better than the next best team. They led the league in net ratings and were the only team in the league to have top-five offense and top-five defense. And yet, their disastrous Sunday loss to the Dallas Mavericks was their biggest Game 7 home loss of the shot clock era. In the key moments of the season, the Suns saw both units fail spectacularly. After leading 2-0 in a row, Phoenix lost four of their next five games and in that span averaged just 104.1 points per 100 possessions, a rate that would have placed them 28th in the league in the regular season. It also scored 113.7 points per 100 for the Mavs, who would have checked in 26th in the NBA. For most of Game 7, it seemed like the Suns either forgot how to play basketball or never played the sport at all. [ Luka] Dončić to use . You could use Paul's man to set the screen to Bridges instead of Aytons to switch Paul to Dončić. However, Dallas only fielded six picks with Paul's man as a screener in Game 1. The only result the Mavs got from that action was a tip dunk where nobody boxed Dorian Finney-Smith, but they also got a few high- Quality looks that came because the Suns were more willing to send help to Paul when he needed to guard Dončić one-on-one than they were for other defenders in this situation. Paul has now played 702 combined regular season and playoff games during the player-tracking era that dates back to the 2013-14 season. In terms of the number of times CP3's man was used as a screener in pick-and-roll action, games 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of this series rank third, fifth, second, fourth, and first respectively among these 702 games. He represents five of the nine games in which he has defended the screener in double digits. They relentlessly attacked Paul in space and then smashed through him and into the paint. The fruitfulness of these possessions - as well as certainly the effect they had on Paul's body - led to uncharacteristic mistakes being made by the Suns and Paul themselves. Blown switches, missed assignments, overly aggressive help, late rotations... the sort of things the Suns rarely did during their romp through the regular season. After scoring 47 points in the first two games of the series, Paul totaled 47 points over the next five games, and his game 7 plus-minus of -39 was the worst of his career. Most troubling was his inability to do what he does better than arguably every other player in the NBA: punish drop coverage. During the regular season, Paul saw more drop coverage than any player in the league except Trae Young, with opponents using it on 1,208 of his pick and rolls, according to Second Spectrum. Of the 39 players who saw drop coverage at least 500 times, Paul had the third best effective field goal percentage and his possessions were third best overall. He continued to punish defense in Round 1 against the Pelicans and in Games 1 and 2 against Dallas. The Suns were able to overcome Paul's reduced capacity due to injury early in last year's run to the NBA Finals, and they even excelled during his 15-game absence with a broken thumb in the second half of this season. First, backup point guard Cameron Payne - who had proven to be one of the league's most reliable reserve lead guards over the past two seasons and shone when Paul was either absent or not himself - was so ineffective that Suns coach Monty Williams fired him sat straight down on the bench and turned to Landry Shamet instead. Shamet can shoot from the outside like few others in the league, but he doesn't have nearly the same level of momentum or creativity from dribbles as Payne, let alone Paul. Paul struggling and Payne riding the jaw left Devin Booker as Phoenix's only reliable perimeter creation option. The Mavericks ramped up the aggression when Booker had the ball, sending traps and blitzes and double teams his way in hopes of turning him from a scorer to a distributor. He still found his way to a decent score (22.2 per fight in the last five games of the series), but he shot just 42 percent from the field and averaged 4.8 turnovers compared to just four assists a night. Even when Booker handled the pressure well and created a look for a teammate, things went wrong. Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder and Cameron Johnson combined in Games 3-7 shot just 51 of 131 from the field (38.9 percent) and 21 of 61 from beyond the 3-point line (34.4 percent). Ayton played just 17 minutes in the Game 7 loss, which Williams cryptically described as an "internal" decision in his post-game press conference. The former No. 1 overall — incidentally drafted by the Suns ahead of Dončić despite Phoenix just hiring Dončić's former national team coach (Igor Kokoškov, who is now an assistant with the Mavericks) as head coach — scored just 5 points in the 2-of-5 Shoot, and the Suns were blown up by 23 points with him in the game. At the worst possible time, all of the failsafes built into his list that Phoenix had built in failed to secure his series lead. Despite using multiple high-level ball handlers, a cavalcade of shooters, a post-up option in case the system doesn't look good, multiple all-defense quality stoppers, a roster full of strong position defenders and more, the Suns were still dismantled. The Mavs applied maximum pressure to the one spot the Suns were most likely to break — the body of the team's now 37-year-old point guard. Without Paul operating at full capacity, the remaining suns weren't nearly as bright.

Bellator heavyweight Fedor Emelianenko had a shootout with his teammates at the Footprint Center, home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns. (Author: Gardener)

PHOENIX - For years, Fedor Ememlianenko was considered by many to be the greatest man to ever make it in an MMA cage. But what about the basketball court? On Thursday, Emelianenko accompanied student and interim Bellator Heavyweight Champion Valentin Moldavsky to an open workout at the Footprint Center, home of the NBA's Phoenix Suns. The mats covered part of the court but both tires were exposed. Emelianenko, Moldavsky and their teammate Anatoly Tokov were handed some basketballs - and showed their best shots. Emelianenko, known for his neutral expression and nonchalant personality, laughed and made facial expressions as he struggled to get the ball in the basket. Bellator 273 takes place at the Footprint Center on Saturday. The main card will air on Showtime after the prelims on MMA Junkie. The Main Event sees Moldavsky in a unification bout against undisputed champion Ryan Bader.

Devin Booker had 43 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, Chris Paul had 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, and the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to eight with a 105-97 win over the Utah Jazz (Author: Gardener)

Devin Booker had 43 points and set a career-high with 12 rebounds, Chris Paul had 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to eight with a 105-97 win over the Utah Jazz Devin Booker had 43 points and tied with 12 rebounds a career high, Chris Paul notched 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter and the Phoenix Suns extended their winning streak to eight with a 105-97 win over Utah Jazz Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives around the Utah Jazz Center Hassan Whiteside (21) gestures in the second half during an NBA basketball game Wednesday, January 26, 2022, in Salt Lake City. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives around Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside (21) in the second half during an NBA basketball game Wednesday, January 26, 2022 in Salt Lake City. SALT LAKE CITY — When Chris Paul joined the Phoenix Suns from a trade to Devin Booker last season, it wasn't always easy to decide who would be the finisher when games got close. Like Wednesday night when Booker three-quarters tanked the Suns and Paul sealed the deal. Booker had 43 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, Paul had 15 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, and the Suns extended their winning streak to eight with a 105-97 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. "It's a good feeling now, but it came with a learning curve," Booker said. Booker paced the Suns through three quarters but didn't get a shot in the fourth until he missed a runner at 3:45. Paul took over the offensive burden with his middle-class jumpers and drove to the basket. "You only build that trust by playing games together, close games like that," Paul said. The Jazz was down 98-94 when Hassan Whiteside committed an offensive foul and a technical. Booker made two technical jumps around a jumper who hit the shot clock to give the Suns the cushion they needed. Playing without Donovan Mitchell (concussion) and Rudy Gobert (left calf strain), the Jazz got a boost from Jordan Clarkson, who scored 16 of his team-best 26 points in the fourth quarter. Whiteside had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and Mike Conley also had 16 points and added 10 assists for the Jazz, who lost their ninth game of their last 11. “We're playing without Rudy and Donovan right now. This is about consistently engaging in the things that allow you to (grow)," Utah coach Quin Snyder said of his team's fickle efforts. The Suns were also missing two starters in Jae Crowder (wrist) and Deandre Ayton (ankle), but Bismack Biyombo had 12 points in his first start of the season. He said it was just "a gut feeling" to choose Phoenix when he had suitors trying to bring him back to the NBA, but playing with Paul and Booker made the choice easy for him. These guys have a will," Biyombo said. Early on, the Suns passed and passed the Jazz, turning turnovers and misses into easy transition points. Booker outscored the Jazz with 21 points in the first quarter and the Suns blocked five shots on their way to a 39-18 lead after a third. "Chris can read the game, and when Book gets that up and running he usually goes to sets where he can put him in catch-shoot environments," said Phoenix coach Monty Williams. "But when he's in that groove, I think our team feeds on it." Booker had 26 points in the first half -- a season high for the Suns -- but in the second period they went 5 for 17 points combined. On Monday, it took him 35 field goal attempts to score 33 points, but this time he was far more efficient, playing 16 for 28 and adding nine free throws. Booker became the Suns' career leader in games that scored 40 or more points with 16 points. "I don't take those moments for granted," Booker said. The Suns' senior defense frustrated the Jazz until Clarkson started taking some outside shots. Losses notwithstanding, I think we're moving in the right direction to stay connected," said Conley, despite Utah's worst stretch of the season. The same teams played a tight Monday, with Phoenix beating an extremely undermanned Jazz Team, 115-109 The most recent release for the NBA All-Star voting charts showed Booker ranked fifth among guards in the Western Conference "So many guys get so many more votes than he does — it's ridiculous," said Williams, "If you look at what he's been up to not just lately but all season and the wins we've got, you know he should be a starter on the All-Star team. Tonight was one of those games where I think he proved that point.” Booker, hearing chants of “MVP!” from the Utah crowd, says he's no longer worried about votes and I'm letting the political and media popula calculate yourself," Booker said. Booker got a technical foul in the second quarter. The Suns beat the Jazz 22-3 on fast break points and scored 22 points shy of Utah's turnovers of 14. Jazz: Bogdanovic, frustrated with a scoreless first quarter with two turnovers, threw the splint protecting his left ring finger laceration , but had them back on. He returned in the second quarter. Trent Forrest twisted his ankle after making a twisted baseline jump in the fourth quarter. The Jazz led by two points only once in the game.

Deandre Ayton has been ruled out for Friday's game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns in Arizona. (Author: Gardener)

The Phoenix Suns host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Arizona on Friday night and they will be without their starting center for the game. The Suns come into the game as the best team in the NBA and have a record of 38-9, which is good for the top spot in the Western Conference. After reaching the NBA Finals last season, they are among the contenders for a title again this season. The Timberwolves came off a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night and are the eighth seed in the West at 24-24. * DEROZAN TAKES ON JORDAN ON A LIST FOR THE BULLS: DeMar DeRozan and the Chicago Bulls were on track to start the new season as the top teams in the Eastern Conference. A four-time All-Star in his first season in Chicago, DeRozan passed Hall of Famer Michael Jordan on a franchise-record list. * STEPH AND THE WARRIORS ARE ON FIRE: The Golden State Warriors haven't made the playoffs in two seasons, but that looks set to change this season. They're excited to start the season under the guidance of superstar guard Steph Curry and have one of the best records in the entire NBA.

Get real-time NBA basketball coverage and scores as the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Phoenix Suns. We bring you the latest game previews, live stats and recaps on CBSSports.com (Author: Gardener)

Suns seek ninth straight win as they host Timberwolves The Phoenix Suns will seek their ninth straight win on Friday night as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves. Phoenix clinched a 105-97 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night, marking the team's eighth straight win. Phoenix has the best record in the NBA and is aiming for a run at the NBA championship after narrowly failing in the NBA Finals last season. Veteran point guard Chris Paul is determined to help the Suns reach their goal, but for now he's focused on the short-term view. Paul averages 14.5 points and 10.1 assists while shooting 48.7 percent. Just make sure the team is ready and put people in the right places. “He kind of puts the defense in a tough spot. He makes it difficult for defense.” So does Booker, who leads the team with 25 points per game. Deandre Ayton is second on the goalscoring list with 16.8 points and 10.6 rebounds. The Suns face a Timberwolves team on a brief hiatus after a 124-115 loss at the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Timberwolves with 31 points and 12 rebounds, and Anthony Edwards finished the tournament with 27 points and six rebounds and six assists. But Minnesota couldn't find a way to slow down Golden State, which was led by Stephen Curry by 29 points. Edwards thrived as a sophomore in Minnesota. He has convinced coaches and teammates that they think he can establish himself as a top player in the league. "He has that mentality," said Timberwolves manager Chris Finch. “He believes he can win every fight, every game, every duel. His teammates love him and they not only love him for how he plays but for who he is as a player because he's real." The Timberwolves will be hoping for a comeback from point guard D'Angelo Russell, who played at 3 -on-10 shooting against Golden State scored eight points. This is the second of three games between the Timberwolves and the Suns this season. In their first matchup on Nov. 15 in Minneapolis, the Suns held on to a 99-96 win. The third and final meeting of the season is scheduled for March 23 at the Timberwolves' home pitch. Phoenix is ​​19-5 at home this season.

The Phoenix Suns have the best record in the NBA at 40-9. And they could be even better. (Author: Gardener)

The Phoenix Suns have the best record in the NBA at 40-9. These writers have speculated in recent stories about what needs the Suns need to address ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline on Feb. 10. More: Thaddeus Young Trade talk heats up for Phoenix Suns: Spurs on big 'most likely' trade candidate Phoenix Suns tips, predictions, odds: Who will win Tuesday's NBA game? Cameron Payne's declining shot counts open the door for an upgrade, and the memories of Antetokounmpo bulldozing their bench will certainly motivate the front office to seek frontcourt fixtures, but the Suns just had a Jan. 13-1, in which DeAndre Ayton only played four times. Spurs forward Thaddeus Young is the name to keep an eye on here. He's one of the few available defenders with a real track record of harassing Giannis, and Phoenix can easily compare his salary to Jalen Smith and Dario Saric. Until the Suns are linked with anyone else, Young should be viewed as their most likely trade pick. At 38-9, rumors are sweeping the desert that the reigning Western Conference champions have been in talks about adding another shooter to the bench track, with Landry Shamet shooting 37% off the ground in his first season as the Sun. The Suns' biggest need for the #NBA trade deadline? Yossi Gozlan writes, “The Phoenix Suns already have one of the deepest and most balanced rosters in the league. They have a great chance of making it back to the Finals with their current roster and still have a small step or two that could really separate them from the top of the Western Conference. It would affect one or both of Dario Saric, who is unlikely to play this season, and Jalen Smith, whose team option for next season has been rejected. Saric has a salary of $8.5 million this season and Smith has a salary of $4.45 million. Both players can be combined in one deal to return the Suns up to $18 million in incoming salary. Phoenix could use an extra scoring wing off the bench like Terrence Ross. They could also use a versatile forward who can be a small ball center like Robert Covington or Thaddeus Young. You should be able to acquire any of these players, with most of their picks available for trading. Phoenix could also become a player in the buyout market. Although exceptions are rarely used for midseason signings, the Suns have $4.1 million remaining from their mid-level exception as of Jan. 25. This could give the Suns an advantage to further deepen their bench with a top veteran who will be waived after the close." Michael Saenz writes, "The Phoenix Suns have been consistently the best team in the league for the past two seasons. They currently have the best record in the league and appear to be on track to make it back to the NBA Finals. However, if there's one thing the team should try and solidify on their way to the stretch run, it's the depth of the apron. The Suns should be looking for a power forward who could help them in the event of an injury. The Suns are one of the deepest teams in the league and have one of the best young stars in the game. Phoenix have as good a chance as any team in the West of reaching the Finals this season." Zachary Buckley writes, "Apart from the much-discussed Jalen Smith-Thaddeus Young trade, there isn't much for the Suns to do on deadline day . That is, unless they're at all concerned about the under-40 percent connection rates of reserve guards Cameron Payne and Landry Shamet. With both Dario Saric and Frank Kaminsky on the shelf, Phoenix has to get most of its reserve rating from Payne, Shamet and Cameron Johnson. If both Payne and Shamet lived up to expectations, that would be fine. But Payne's field goal percentage is down nearly nine points from last season (39.5 from 48.4). Shamet has his worst shooting seasons ever from the field (38.0) and from three (36.4). Grant Hughes writes, “Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton proved in last year's playoffs that he has the mobility and awareness to stay grounded against reduced opposing lineups. With JaVale McGee and Bismack Biyombo looking good as traditional backup bigs, the Suns could still use a smaller option down the middle just in case. Thaddeus Young is the obvious choice, but any playoff roster will be eyeing him for just that type of role. However, few can harness his talents better than the Suns, and none of them will offer his suitors a better chance at a ring. If the San Antonio Spurs want to get the veteran right, they will send him to Phoenix where his gifts will be put to the best use." Phil Watson writes, "The Suns have weathered Ayton's injuries fix a glaring weakness exploited by the Bucks in the NBA Finals.Plus, the team knows how to end tight games.Phoenix is ​​a top 17 in the NBA -3 in clutch situations (defined as the last five minutes with a score within out of five points) and has an absurd net rating of plus 43.6 in these situations.While keeping opponents at 35.6% shooting overall and 20.4% accuracy from 3-point range, the Suns achieved in crunch time 60.0% and 39.5%, respectively It's understandable if the Phoenix Suns want to make marginal adjustments to the roster ahead of the NBA trade deadline, but it's just as plausible for them to decide they have the best Te NBA leagues are already in, so why disrupt the flow? Being there 14 days after the deadline is an enviable position. This article originally appeared in Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns trade speculation includes shooters, front court depth at NBA close

With Paul George back and Norman Powell on track to return, the Clippers could be a dangerous playoff opponent for the Suns to face in the first round. (Author: Gardener)

LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles Clippers did not take on the Phoenix Suns with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George on the floor this season. Leonard has not played since suffering a partial cruciate ligament rupture in last year's Western Conference semifinals against Utah. George has only played 29 games this season, but he's back after three months out with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right shooting arm. The Clippers (39-40) survived without their 1-2 batting and will be the eighth seed in the April 12-15 play-in tournament. So the Suns could face the team they beat last year to reach the finals in the first round of this year's playoffs, beginning April 16. "Any team that definitely sees us is going to be something different," Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. told reporters in Los Angeles after Sunday's win over New Orleans. Not really surprised, but if I were a team and happened to get us in eighth place, I'd say, damn, this is going to be a tough run.” The Suns (63-16) already have the No. 1 overall finish in the playoffs. They are up 2-1 this season with the Clippers ahead of Wednesday's matchup at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, but George did not play in those three games. "We're a confident group and we believe we can compete and play and beat anyone," George said on Sunday. but I thought they've managed our season great up to this point, but we're a confident group." George returned on March 29 and scored 34 points as he led the Clippers to a comeback home win over the Jazz. Los Angeles trailed by 25. George has played in two more games since then, scoring 22 in overtime in Chicago on Thursday and 15 against the Pelicans on Sunday To get the point," George said when asked if he was ready for the playoffs. "Just the intensity, the mindset and just the mentality that goes into the games to start the games right. Of course those games too win and do what I have to do to win, but it's more just to get rhythm, to get timing.” The Clippers play their last three regular-season games at home on Wednesday against Phoenix, am sat mstag against Sacramento and on Sunday against Oklahoma City. "We still have to improve," said Clippers coach Tyronn Lue on Sunday (George's) minutes up, trying to get his wind right. George has played an average of 30.6 minutes in his three past games. During the season he played an average of 35 minutes per game. “We went backwards to get to where we are now. Now we have to ramp it up, the boys play more minutes.” The Clippers are 16-13 with Paul, 23-27 without him. "I think my return definitely gives our dressing room even more of that certainty that we can put together another great postseason," said George, who is averaging 24.6 points this season. The Clippers could also have Norman Powell back for the play-in. He's only played three games for the Clippers since arriving in a trade from Portland, but Powell completed pre-game practice on the court involving moves, dribbling, driving and shooting ahead of Sunday's game. "Norm's a pro," George said of Powell. The two haven't played together this season. "I think with him he's a basketball player, and he knows how to do it." He knows how to play at a high level plays. The Clippers are playing seventh-place play-in in Minnesota. The winner plays second-placed Memphis in the first round. The Clippers are 3–1 with the Timberwolves, but lost their last matchup to Minnesota in January. The loser of the Clippers-T-Wolves game will set the 9-10 winner for the eighth seed and a first round matchup against Phoenix. Leonard will likely miss the rest of this season. The Clippers eliminated top-seeded Utah without him last year but fell to the Suns in the Conference Finals. Los Angeles could have leveled last year's best-of-7 streak, but Deandre Ayton's "Valley-Oop" dunk with 0.7 seconds left gave the Suns an incredible 104-103 win to edge them 2-0 to set up. Phoenix eliminated the Clippers in Game 6 in Los Angeles. Now they may meet in the playoffs for a second straight season.

Powell scores 24 points after being out for two months and the Clippers return a late rally by a Suns team that seeded four of its starters in a 113-109 win. (Author: Gardener)

LOS ANGELES — At Clippers games, they use a t-shirt cannon, feature a goofy condor mascot named Chuck and sometimes fire peanut butter and jelly snacks into the crowd after Reggie Jackson takes free throws in the fourth quarter. There was the return of Paul George last week as he scored 34 points to lead the Clippers to a comeback win over Utah in his first game since Dec. 22. On Wednesday, it was Norman Powell's 24-point return in a physical and ultimately tense test against the league-leading, albeit very undermanned, Phoenix Suns at the Crypto.com Arena where the Clippers walked away with a 113-109 win. He was a guy I looked up to growing up, a guy, we had some fights in Toronto in the playoffs, and early on in my career he gave me some words of encouragement — my rookie year, that is left to me. "So it will be fun to be able to play with him and Kawhi together when he recovers. I was having a blast out there with the guys, so I just wanted to build." After missing 22 games with a fractured medial sesamoid bone in his left foot, Powell hit the ground while running -- hitting on his first six shots before he missed his next four as his stamina waned. He hit on three of his four 3-point attempts and went 9 for 10 from the free throw line. Suspended eighth in the Western Conference, the Clippers -- who still don't have All-Star Kawhi Leonard, nor did they have 3-point threat Luke Kennard on Wednesday, who was out with a sore hamstring -- didn't need the win per se either . But with that they went back down to .500 at 40-40, giving themselves a real opportunity to finish better than .500 for the 11th straight season. "I said to that team, 'Just to get back to .500 with all that stuff that we've been through and it's a credit to the guys in the locker room and the culture that's been set here and what the guys believe in that no No matter who's playing, we can still win games,'" said Clippers manager Tyronn Lue. In his fourth game since returning, George finished 19 points - nine of which came from 11 free-throw attempts - and became the 15th active player to eclipse 15,000 points and hit the milestone when he scored his 13th point in the second quarter. The success sparked cheers from George's teammates and a sold-out crowd of 19,068 as public address announcer Eric Smith broke the news early in the second half. In response, George made a heart with his hands to show his appreciation. "The fact that I've been lucky enough to play in this league and have been playing for 12 years now, score 15,000 points and just being a kid who literally came out of the desert, that's always what impresses me." , said George, who averaged 24.4 points in his 30 games this season. “Any time I touch the ground, especially because of injury, I'm always grateful for the opportunities and I've felt more and more over the years that I appreciate what I'm doing. Lue had a lot to love -- until the Suns put on a run in the late game and beat the Clippers' reserves 48-26 in the fourth quarter to cut the 39-point lead to just four points with 10.2 seconds left. "I know they didn't have their boys tonight, but just being able to come out and build a 39-point lead against a good team and a well-trained team, that was a big deal for us," said Lue. "Now we just have to get more professional, play the game properly instead of getting comfortable." They used most of their third-to-last game before the play-in tournament to try out a range of line-ups, including ones in which Powell and George first got together this season. George missed 43 straight games between December 22 and last Tuesday. During his absence, the Clippers took over Powell and Robert Covington from the Portland Trail Blazers - three games later Powell was injured. George and Powell give the Clippers a lot more juice offensively and help bolster defense, which has been a committed defense for most of the season. On Wednesday, they held the Suns to a season-low 31 points in the opening half as they shot 28.3% (13 to 46) from the field. The Clippers outplayed the Suns 34-9 in the second half when they held them on 4-for-22 shooting. But they had to struggle to fend off Phoenix on the stretch when coach Monty Williams' side charged back in the fourth period as the Suns shot 18-to-32 from field and 9-to-17 from 3-point range. They came within 107-97 with 2:10 left before backup center Isaiah Hartenstein buried a 3-pointer from the top of the arc to give the Clippers a 13-point cushion with 2:05 remaining. Torrey Craig's bucket shortened it to 110-102, and after Robert Covington missed two free throws, Aaron Holiday hit both of his foul shots to play the lead to 110-104 by 23.8 seconds. Xavier Moon made one of two free throws, but Cameron Payne dumped a 3-pointer with 10.2 ticks to go that put the Suns 111-107 -- a four-point whisper of the NBA's greatest comeback. Amir Coffey - who came on as a substitute in the fourth quarter and only played nine minutes - sunk two free throws to disperse the threat, despite Bismack Biyombo's last bucket. Ivica Zubac finished with 13 points and 14 rebounds, Covington had 11 and Reggie Jackson, Terance Mann and Hartenstein all had 10 points. "I think we're just starting to play our best basketball," George said. But I think more than anything we've just had a good sense of what we're trying to achieve in the last couple of games."

Phoenix Sun's great Dario Saric has not played a game since tearing his cruciate ligament in Game 1 of last season's finals. (Author: Gardener)

NEW ORLEANS — Dario Saric hasn't felt the roar of the crowd all season as a player, but he received a worthwhile cheer at the practice facility this month. "He was running up and down the pitch and we were clapping our hands," said Sun's backup Big Bismack Biyombo. After tearing his right cruciate ligament in Game 1 of last year's NBA Finals, Saric has inspired his teammates on his journey. "It was really cool," Suns forward Cam Johnson said after practice last week. "He was here every day to work and see the progress. Saric even dived in during an individual training session at the facility this month. Pelicans: What You Need to Know About Game 3 "But I jumped with the sane one," said a laughing Saric of the jump off his left leg. Saric is hoping to regain "that pop" in his right leg. "I was never a Dunker," said a smiling Saric. "It wasn't part of my game." Facts, but Saric hasn't played a game since his fall on July 6. "It was challenging," Saric said of the rehab process. “My season has gone in a slightly different direction than the team, but my thoughts are still with the team and my heart is still there. Sometimes I'm fine but I just want to be on the pitch but I couldn't because it wasn't the right time for me to step on the pitch because I was still struggling with the injury. Saric entered the year with thoughts of a possible return if the Suns hit a deep playoff run, but he wasn't expected to play this regular season. The Suns ruled him out for the remainder of the season in January. General manager James Jones used the disabled player exception to complete a trade for guard Aaron Holiday just before the February 10 trade deadline. Despite this, Saric continued to infect his rehab and has made noticeable progress over the past few months. "I can go out there and shoot and run, maybe move somehow," Saric said. I really feel like a basketball player. I used to feel like a weightlifter or something, but now I'm starting to feel more like a basketball player.” Injured players were treated before the trade deadline, with former Suns point guard Ricky Rubio new. “We All Rock Together”: The Phoenix Suns amplified pregame ritual cheers the team on ahead of games. The Cavaliers moved him to Indiana this year as part of a three-team deal. Since Saric was traded three times, starting with a draft-day trade when Orlando first-round picked him in 2014, the idea of ​​him getting promoted again despite being injured wasn't a crazy idea. "They say superstars in the league kinda stay with the team," said Saric, who just turned 28 on April 8. It's part of the deal and we kind of accepted that when we came here and signed the contract." Croatia's Saric agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal in November 2020 to stay with the Suns. He averaged a career-low 8.7 points and 3.8 rebounds in 50 games last season, but Saric played against the Clippers in the conference finals. ALSO SEE: Suns' Landry Shamet could fill in for injured Devin Booker Ready to fulfill his lifelong dream of making the Finals, Saric went down in Game 1 against Milwaukee after two minutes of first-half action. The Suns won the game, but they felt Saric's defeat to the core. "It hurts," Suns All-Star Devin Booker said the day after Game 1. He's our energy in the locker room that you can't see, but we love him and we're here with him. It turns out that Saric was missed badly as the Suns didn't have the size to match the Bucks, especially when Deandre Ayton got into dire trouble. For Subscribers: 5 takeaways from Sun's Game 1 win over Pelicans to start the playoffs. Knowing Saric's health condition, Jones addressed this issue in the off-season by signing JaVale McGee and adding Biyombo later in the season. In a way, Saric was expendable, but he wouldn't budge before the trade deadline and continued his rehab with the Suns. "We love seeing him around," Booker said ahead of his April 5 encounter with the Lakers. "I love seeing the progress. From working on the table to going into the weight room to not seeing his first steps but seeing him running back on the court. I love seeing the progress and the work It's always tough to have an injury but the road back k being around the boys I know it helps him a lot Biyombo remembers he had surgery on his meniscus and that's why felt depressed but he was only out for eight weeks. Saric was out for nine months. For subscribers: 5 takeaways from Suns' Game 2 loss with Devin Booker sidelined with a hamstring injury." I can only imagine that for a guys like him is a competitor,” Biyombo said when he and Saric were teammates for the World Select Team at the 2011 Nike Hoop Summit in Portland. "It's a long time and being able to walk only nine months later, but at the same time I think he finds joy because it's a kind of achievement for him to be patient and figure out the ups and downs. As the playoffs continue, Saric's attitude is that he won't play in the postseason given where he is in his recovery and where the Suns are as a team." "I don't know if three players, three big boys are injured and you need someone and feel healthy maybe it's a different story," said Saric, who has one year left on his $9.2 million contract before becoming a full free agent in 2023, I Am For the season outside. Be there for support, but if something goes wrong and I'm in a good place, I don't know. Maybe I'll jump in and play. Have an opinion on the current status of the Suns? Reach Suns insider Duane Rankin at [email protected] or contact him at 480-787-1240.

The Suns find themselves in a best-of-7 series 2-2 after Sunday's loss in New Orleans. (Author: Gardener)

Rebounds, physicality and the third quarter have been an issue for all of the Phoenix Suns' series. Devin Booker being out since the end of the third quarter of Game 2 with a right hamstring strain only made it more difficult. They've hit a horrendous 11-of-53-of-3 in their last two games. And the disparity in free-throw attempts in Sunday night's Game 4 loss in New Orleans left Sun coach Monty Williams infuriated. The Pelicans attempted 42 free throws (made 32) while the Suns attempted 15 (made 10). "You can cut it any way you want," Williams said. "In a playoff game that's so physical, that's amazing, OK. Coaches shouldn't have to come to the mic and feel like their heads are being chopped off for telling the truth.” Game 4 recap: Suns fall on pelicans in Game 4 in New Orleans That wasn't what the Suns were in made sense as they headed into the postseason as the No. 1 overall seed. They're tied 2-2, but they're sticking to the mindset that fueled their run to the finals last year and made them the best team in the NBA this season. "We're staying the course," Sun's great Deandre Ayton said after Sunday's loss. Play hard and may the best team win. Pat them on the back for playing hard but this is a series and this is the playoffs. We just need to get home and get back on our feet and just do our business at home." For subscribers: 5 insights from suns falling in Game 4, now even featuring pelicans. For subscribers: 5 insights from Paul and Ayton at the Top Suns win without booker in Game 3 vs Pelicans So even though the Pelicans won Game 4, the Suns just need to win their possible two remaining home games, starting with Game 5 on Tuesday at the Footprint Center, and they'll go through, Suns forward Cam Johnson said : "For us, I have the greatest confidence in our group. So if it's going to be a momentum shift, they have to go back to Phoenix and we're going back to Phoenix and we know how important it is to play in our city and how important it is for us." Game 6 is taking place at Thursday in New Orleans If there is a Game 7 it will be in Phoenix on Saturday The Suns will attend Game 5 without Booker working his way back from his Achilles tendon injury Williams didn't even want to entertain him he was thinking of Booker who only had one Week away from injury."We can't worry about that," Williams said after Sunday's fourth game, scoring first-half points in that Game 2 loss, but Ayton is in no hurry to see Booker return. "I just want my mate to be healthy and ready to go," Ayton said. We know he takes care of business. We see he goes about his business every day, but I'd like him to be in top form when he comes out.” Reactions: “Are the Suns in trouble vs Johnson, the NBA's sixth man award, scored in the series averaging 11.3 points but shooting just 11 of 29 in the last three games after a 5-of-6 blitz in Game 1. "There's some consideration of tinkering a little bit," Williams said Monday afternoon in Phoenix. “However, there are different ways to do this. I think one possibility is to better align with their effective lineups. This does not necessarily mean that you change the staff, so to speak. I think one thing that happens is when you lose someone like Book, everyone moves up the pecking order, and that's a different rotation in itself. "We went above and beyond to make it essentially a best-of-3 series. Brandon Ingram scored his third 30-point game on Sunday while Jonas Valanciunas hit another monstrous double-double with 26 points and 15 Rebounds with five being offensive boards." We played together," said Valanciunas. It's fun to play that way. It feels so good to play that way, on top of winning the game." Valanciunas has spearheaded New Orleans' rising supremacy over the Suns: Loyal: Fans stick with the Suns all the way at the Footprint Center rally. The Suns are shooting 29.3-of-3 this series after finishing the regular season ninth in 3-point shooting with 36.9%. "We just didn't shoot the ball the way we all used to see our team shoot," Williams said. Additionally, New Orleans crushes the Suns in the third quarter and surpasses Phoenix 137-93 over that period. Numbers aside, New Orleans wins the physical fight, which has Chris Paul wondering if he entered Marvel's quantum realm and went back in time. "It's like the old #NBA, isn't it?" said Paul, who scored just four points on 2-of-8 shooting in Game 4 after churning out 28 in Game 3. We just have to find out which one it will be. Williams said Monday that there had been some "gray areas" in relation to the physical nature of the series, referring to Pelican rookie Herbert Jones' shoulder punch to Ayton's face in Game 1. "We showed the ability to hit first and get rebounds," he said. "We made it in Game 3. We weren't first to the floor like we were in Game 3." Any thoughts on the Current State of the Suns This article originally appeared in Arizona Republic: Rebounding, Suns stuck in series with Pelicans in the third quarter

5 takeaways by the Phoenix Suns, who take a 2-0 straight lead over the Dallas Mavericks after Wednesday's 129-109 win in Game 2. (Author: Gardener)

DALLAS — The Mavericks' 103-94 win in Game 3 of their second-round series against the Phoenix Suns highlighted one aspect of Luka Doncic's fierce competitiveness: pick him at your peril. After two days of criticism for his lax defense in Game 2 on Wednesday night, Doncic morphed into the targeter, the hunter and the all-rounder aggressor on Friday night at the American Airlines Center to... (Author: Gardener)

Dallas scored 22 points from 17 Phoenix turnovers to secure a 103-94 Game 3 win that cut the Suns' lead to 2-1. (Author: Gardener)

DALLAS (AP) -- Luka Doncic got the help he and the Dallas Mavericks needed -- from... (Author: Gardener)

You might be scratching your head trying to figure out why the Phoenix Suns played so poorly against the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of their playoff series. (Author: Gardener)

The fans involved in Sunday's incident involving Chris Paul's family will be banned from the Dallas games "until 2023," the Mavericks announced. (Author: Gardener)

It's impossible to miss. Can Devin Booker and Chris Paul get it started? Will Luka Doncic? (Author: Gardener)

Was the Suns' Game 7 wipeout against the Mavericks the worst ever in Arizona sports history? Here is the contest for that shame. (Author: Gardener)

Lukas dominance in the elimination game, the Suns grow cold and a different approach proves crucial as the Mavericks advance to take on the Warriors. (Author: Gardener)

PHOENIX (AP) -- It came as no surprise as Luka Doncic looked ready for Game 7 and calmly fired his first three shots to give the Dallas Mavericks an early lead. Doncic scored 35 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 30 and the Mavericks defeated the Suns with a 123-90 knockout on Sunday night to reach the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011. "A lot ... (Author: Gardener)

Chris Paul says he's not retiring and hopes the Suns "will be right back next year" after their season ended in a stunning Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. (Author: Gardener)

Losing Game 7 of the NBA Playoffs is usually not a shame. But it was for the Suns against the Mavericks on Sunday. (Author: Gardener)

The Phoenix Suns' pursuit of the franchise's first NBA title ended Sunday with a decisive 123-90 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals. (Author: Gardener)

Phoenix's season - which had been the best in franchise history prior to the playoffs - ended Sunday night in shocking, bewildering and humiliating fashion. (Author: Gardener)

PHOENIX (AP) -- Luka Doncic scored 35 points, Spencer Dinwiddie added 30 and the Dallas Mavericks stunned the top-seeded Phoenix Suns with a 123-90 blowout in Game 7 Sunday night to reach the finals of the Western Conference. Dallas broke through away after the home side won the first six games of the series, dominating from start to finish in a hostile environment. Conversely, it was an embarrassing no-show for... (Author: Gardener)

Devin Booker hit 22 of his best 35 in the game in the second quarter, and Deandre Ayton bet on 27 and 12 boards in Sun's Friday night win over Pacers. (Author: Gardener)

Devin Booker scored 43 points on Wednesday night as he led the underdog Phoenix to a 105-97 away win over Jazz. (Author: Gardener)

Suns head coach Monty Williams called out fans for an all-star vote on Devin Booker as the Suns star shooting guard didn't make it as a starter. (Author: Gardener)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) When Chris Paul joined the Phoenix Suns from a trade to Devin Booker last season, it wasn't always easy to decide who would be the finisher when things got tight. (Author: Gardener)

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - When Chris Paul, after a... (Author: Gardener)

Three manageable blunders in the fourth quarter dashed Jazz's comeback hopes. (Author: Gardener)

After a scare against the undermanned Jazz on Monday, is it a good idea to put the points on the road with Phoenix? Kenny Ducey is ready for it. (Author: Gardener)

Sun's head coach Monty Williams, point guard Chris Paul and forward Cam Johnson praised GM James Jones' contract extension. (Author: Gardener)

Check out some recent speculation about potential trade candidates for the Phoenix Suns ahead of the NBA trade deadline. (Author: Gardener)

The Warriors are the betting favorites at SI Sportsbook to win the Western Conference. Our experts reveal the Western Conference futures they endorse. (Author: Gardener)

Some NBA writers believe trading in a versatile big man could be the move that propels the Phoenix Suns to the top. (Author: Gardener)

The Phoenix Suns won their 11th straight game against Brooklyn 121-111 on Tuesday night at the Footprint Center. (Author: Gardener)

Luka Doncic’s dominance, Suns’ ineptitude snowball as Mavs cruise to Game 7 win

PHOENIX — The first sign that Phoenix was in trouble was when Luka Doncic coolly swished his first three shots, but no one in Footprint Center fathomed what was to become. Nor comprehend it when it did happen. Dallas’ utter dominance. Phoenix’s epic ineptitude. The combination of extremes snowballed into a mind-boggling 123-90 Mavericks victory Sunday night in the clinching Game 7 of this ...

Pacers Get Blown Out By Suns At Home

The Indiana Pacers lost to the Phoenix Suns in Indianapolis on Friday evening.

Doncic, Mavs rout Grizzlies, ending winning streak at 11

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Luke Doncic had a triple-double with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists and the Dallas Mavericks used a second-half rally to rout Memphis 112-85 on Friday night, ending the Grizzlies’ winning streak at 11 games.

Suns Starting Lineup And Injury Report On Friday

The Phoenix Suns have announced their starting lineup and injury report on Friday night for their game against the Indiana Pacers.

Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Phoenix Suns (31-9) play against the Indiana Pacers (27-27) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Game Time: 7:00 PM EST on Friday January 14, 2022 Phoenix Suns 0, Indiana Pacers 0 (7:00 pm ET) What's the buzz on Twitter? Scott Agness @ ScottAgness After ...

Suns 112, Pacers 94

The Suns defeated the Pacers, 112-94. Devin Booker led all scorers with 35 points, four rebounds and three assists for the Suns, while Deandre Ayton added 27 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. Domantas Sabonis tallied 14 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for the Pacers in the losing effort. The Suns improve to 32-9 on the season, while the Pacers fall to 15-28.

TV channel, NBA live stream info, start time

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Devin Booker, Suns rout Pacers despite Justin Holiday's 7 3-pointers

Devin Booker his a 3 to tie the score and ignite a 26-7 Suns run

Halle Bailey Shows Off Bikini Bod In Latest Pic

Halle Bailey is giving us body goals in her latest bikini flick.

Remains out vs. Minnesota

Suns' JaVale McGee: Remains out vs. Minnesota

Ayton opens up about Suns' team chemistry

Deandre Ayton sits down to discuss the team dynamic with Chris Paul and his dominance in the paint as he works towards his first potential All-Star bid.

Deandre Ayton's Status For Suns-Jazz Game

Deandre Ayton has been ruled out for Wednesday's game between the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz.

How to watch, schedule, live stream info, game time, TV channel

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Jazz's Injury Report For Game With Suns

The Utah Jazz are facing off with the Phoenix Suns in Salt Lake City on Wednesday night.

Sinema, Trump and Ducey keep Arizona in the national headlines. Plus the Phoenix Suns!

Kyrsten Sinema, Donald Trump and Doug Ducey keep Arizona in the national spotlight, and it's not always good. But don't forget about the Phoenix Suns.

Sinema, Trump and Ducey keep Arizona in the national headlines. Plus the Phoenix Suns!

Kyrsten Sinema, Donald Trump and Doug Ducey keep Arizona in the national spotlight, and it's not always good. But don't forget about the Phoenix Suns.

Watch Kyrie Irving's Mesmerizing Handles In Nets-Suns Game

Kyrie Irving had a fantastic play during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns.

Here's What Kyrie Irving Said After The Nets Lost To The Suns

Kyrie Irving spoke to the media after the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Phoenix Suns.

NBA Twitter reacts to the Nets’ loss to the Suns

Devin Booker scored 35 points to lead the Suns past the Nets on Tuesday.

Poor numbers in return

Suns' Jae Crowder: Poor numbers in return

Suns roll to 11th straight victory, beat Nets 121-111

PHOENIX (AP) Every opposing team knows that Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker can score points in bunches. They also know about Chris Paul's elite passing and mid-range game, along with Deandre Ayton's low-post scoring ability.

Suns Starting Lineup And Injury Report For Game With The Nets

The Phoenix Suns have announced their starting lineup and injury report for Tuesday's game with the Brooklyn Nets.

Suns roll to 11th straight victory, beat Nets 121-111

Devin Booker scored 35 points, Mikal Bridges added a season-high 27 and the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns extended their...

Leads team with 35 points

Suns' Devin Booker: Leads team with 35 points

Devin Booker helps Suns remain scorching hot in West, roll over Brooklyn to extend winning streak to 11 games

Said Brooklyn coach Steve Nash of the Suns: “That is a high-level team playing the best basketball in the league."

Here's What Kyrie Irving Said After The Nets Lost To The Suns

Kyrie Irving spoke to the media after the Brooklyn Nets lost to the Phoenix Suns.

Potential trade targets before 2022 NBA trade deadline

Check out some recent speculation about potential trade candidates for the Phoenix Suns ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Thaddeus Young trade talk heats up for Phoenix Suns

Some NBA writers think that trading for a versatile big man could be the move the pushes the Phoenix Suns over the top.

Suns And Mavs Current Injury Reports For Game 3

The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks have released their initial injury reports for Game 3 on Friday evening in Dallas.

'Suns in 4! Suns in 4!' Phoenix controlling Mavericks heading to Game 3

Phoenix Suns have overcome foul trouble, great play by Luka Doncic and Dallas cooking from 3 in taking a 2-0 series lead over the Mavericks.

3 Things We Learned From Mavericks-Suns Game 2 On Wednesday

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks 129-109 in Game 2 of their Western Conference Semifinals series on Wednesday to take a 2-0 series lead heading to Dallas.

Suns praise Crowder for more than his stellar shooting vs. Mavericks in playoffs

Crowder has 26 points (8-of-13 FG, 6-of-10 on 3s), team-high 15 rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal through West semifinals Games 1 and 2.

Suns regain spot as favorite to win NBA Finals, and that might not change

NBA betting: Suns regain spot as favorite to win NBA Finals, and that might not change

Bismack Biyombo is the X-factor for why Suns could win a title, and I'm not exaggerating

Welcome to Layup Lines, our daily NBA newsletter where we’ll prep you for a tip-off of tonight’s action, from what to watch to bets to make. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox every afternoon. Admit it. You probably didn't think

Phoenix Suns' Monty Williams wins NBA Coach of the Year Award

Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns captured the Red Auerbach Trophy as the NBA Coach of the Year for the 2021-22 season, the league announced.

Monty Williams Tells Suns’ Players ‘This Is Us’ After COY Win (Video)

The Phoenix coach credited his team as a major reason for the accolade.

Mavs Foe, Suns HC Monty Williams Wins NBA Coach Of Year

As the 2021-2022 season rolls on, keep up with all news as it relates to the Dallas Mavericks right here with our DallasBasketball.com NBA Tracker.

Suns' Monty Williams Earns 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year

Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns earned the 2021-22 NBA Coach of the Year Award over finalists Taylor Jenkins and Erik Spoelstra.

Monty Williams of Phoenix Suns wins 2021-22 Coach of the Year award

Monty Williams helped guide Phoenix to a franchise-record 64 wins and the league's top record.

Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Clippers picks, predictions, odds

The Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers face off on Wednesday night at the Crypto.com Arena. Which team will win?

2022 NBA picks, April 6 best bets from model on 84-54 run

SportsLine's computer model just revealed its NBA picks today for Los Angeles Clippers vs. Phoenix Suns

Suns vs Clippers Predictions: Expert NBA Picks and Betting Offers

NBA Twitter reacts to Phoenix Suns eliminating Los Angeles Lakers from playoff contention

NBA Twitter reacted to the Phoenix Suns' win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night as only NBA Twitter could.

Devin Booker's Viral Tweet After The Suns Beat The Lakers

Devin Booker sent out a tweet after the Phoenix Suns beat the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lineups, injury reports, betting odds, TV info

Here is all of the information you need to know for Wednesday night's matchup between the Suns and Clippers.

Start time, where to watch, what’s the latest

The Phoenix Suns (63-17) play against the Utah Jazz (48-32) at Vivint Arena The Phoenix Suns are spending $2,166,284 per win while the Utah Jazz are spending $3,111,748 per win Game Time: 9:30 PM EDT on Friday April 8, 2022 Broadcast Info National ...

Ty Lue Calls Suns Monty Williams Coach of the Year

The Phoenix Suns have the best record in the NBA.

Phoenix Suns Waive Former Lottery Pick

On Thursday, the Phoenix Suns waived veteran forward Frank Kaminsky. The former Wisconsin star had been in Phoenix for three seasons after coming over from the Charlotte Hornets.

Devin Booker shares moment with 'Voice of Suns' Al McCoy

Devin Booker and Al McCoy have a bond everyone saw when Booker signed his jersey for Suns broadcaster after setting team record for wins in a season.

Suns waiving Frank Kaminsky

Shams Charania: The Phoenix Suns are waiving C/F Frank Kaminsky, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Source: Twitter @ShamsCharania What's the buzz on Twitter? Gerald Bourguet @ GeraldBourguet Frank Kaminsky being waived sucks man. He was playing ...

5 takeaways from short-handed Suns nearly coming back from 39 down at Clippers

The Suns nearly came back from a 39-point deficit in Wednesday's loss at the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Riffcast: Jazz host 63-win Suns

The league’s best team comes to Utah as the Jazz honor Carlos Boozer.| It's true: @MisterCBooz will be at the game tomorrow.Want to re-live those years or educate younger Jazz fans who don't know about #5 in Utah? Download #TheNote wherever you get your pods or click here

Powell returns, Clippers beat Suns for 3rd straight win

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers got way too comfortable against the NBA-leading Phoenix Suns and it nearly cost them. Leading by 39 points in the third quarter, the Clippers survived an offensive onslaught by Phoenix's bench in the fourth and hung on for a 113-109 victory on Wednesday night.

Who Has More Motivation on Wednesday?

Read on for Action Network NBA writer Matt Moore's analysis of the Wednesday night NBA contest between the Suns and the Clippers.

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans score, live updates Game 3 of NBA Playoffs on Friday

Follow our live score updates from Friday night's Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans NBA Playoffs game.

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans, live stream, TV channel, time, odds, prediction, how to watch NBA Playoffs

The Phoenix Suns will face the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs on Friday night from the Smoothie King Center.

Phoenix Suns vs. New Orleans Pelicans

The Game-3 odds and betting for the Phoenix Suns vs. No. 3 New Orleans Pelicans Western Conference playoff game at Smoothie King Center.

3 Reasons Why the Pelicans Could Upset the Suns

Tonight, New Orleans is positioned to upset Phoenix in Game 3 at Smoothie King Center after stunning the Suns to tie the series 1-1 on the road in Game 2.

Start time of Suns-Pelicans Game 3 has been pushed back in New Orleans

Game 3 of the Phoenix Suns-New Orleans Pelicans first-round playoff series has been pushed back 30 minutes to 9 p.m. Friday because of the delay to an earlier NBA game,

With Devin Booker on the shelf for the coming weeks, where do the Phoenix Suns turn?

How do the Suns go on from here?

Game 3 prediction, pick, TV channel, NBA playoffs live stream, how to watch online

The Pelicans stole home court with a win in Game 2

What you need to know about their NBA playoffs series Game 3

Rundown of biggest storyline, key matchup, team stats, who could emerge as Suns' X-factor, and injury report for Friday's Game 3 in New Orleans.

Suns vs Pelicans Predictions: Expert Game 3 Picks & Betting Offers

NBA dynasties stopped No. 1 seeded Phoenix Suns' teams in past eras; could it happen again?

The Phoenix Suns entered the NBA playoffs with the best record in the NBA twice before. And twice before, they were topped by dynasties of those eras.

How to watch the Suns vs. Pelicans in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs

How to watch Chris Paul, Mikal Bridges and the Phoenix Suns vs. the New Orleans Pelicans in Game 5 of the playoffs, on Bally Sports Arizona and TNT.

5 takeaways from New Orleans Pelicans stunning Phoenix Suns to even series, 2-2

The Phoenix Suns regained homecourt advantage with Friday's win, but New Orleans showed on Sunday this NBA playoff series is far from over.

Ex-Suns staffer pleads guilty to illicit ticket sales

Former Phoenix Suns ticket manager Jeffrey Marcussen has pleaded guilty to illicitly selling more than 2,800 of the team's tickets through a third party from 2017 to 2019 and agreed to pay $458,218 to the team in restitution.

The Suns have to get way more physical to beat the Pelicans

New Orleans is beating up on Phoenix, and getting a boost from the referees. The Suns have to get scrappy to counter that advantage.

Devin Booker's Importance To Suns Showing In Playoff Series Against Pelicans

Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker has missed his team’s last two playoff games against the New Orleans Pelicans due to a hamstring injury and his absence has casted doubt on the Suns’ chances of advancing to the NBA Finals.

Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker ruled out for Tuesday's crucial Game 5 vs. Pelicans

Suns All-Star Devin Booker is listed as out for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Pelicans after missing Game 3 and Game 4 with a right hamstring strain.

Suns rule out Booker (hamstring) for Game 5

Suns guard Devin Booker has been ruled out for Tuesday's Game 5 against the Pelicans because of the right hamstring strain he suffered in Game 2.

Ex-Suns Employee Jeffrey Marcussen to Pay $458K to Team for Illicitly Selling Tickets

Jeffrey Marcussen, a former 

Luka Doncic is Getting Cooked by the Suns

The Suns are relentlessly hunting Luka Doncic to extraordinary success.

The Suns exposed Luka Doncic on defense and that's no good, terrible news for the Mavericks

Game 2 wasn't good from a defensive perspective for Luka.

Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson Power Mavs to Game 3 Win Over Suns

Dallas had lost 11 straight against Phoenix going into Friday night's Game 3.

Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks: Western Conference Semifinals Game 4 Live Stream, TV Channel, Start Time

Find out how to watch, live stream or TV channel and game time information for Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Phoenix Suns and the Dallas Mavericks.

Suns topple Swans in stirring AFL contest

Gold Coast have overcome a fightback to topple high-flying Sydney in a 14-point AFL victory at the SCG.

Turnovers doom Phoenix Suns, drop Game 3 to Dallas Mavericks

The Suns committed 17 turnovers that led to 22 Dallas points in Game 3 loss Friday night.

Start time, where to watch, what’s the latest

The Phoenix Suns play against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center The Phoenix Suns are spending $68,238,237 per win while the Dallas Mavericks are spending $124,600,538 per win Game Time: 12:00 AM EDT on Sunday May 8, 2022 Broadcast ...

Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Phoenix Suns (2-0) play against the Dallas Mavericks (2-2) at American Airlines Center Game Time: 9:30 PM EDT on Friday May 6, 2022 Phoenix Suns 16, Dallas Mavericks 24 (Q1 02:22) What's the buzz on Twitter? Tom Haberstroh @ tomhaberstroh Chris ...

'Better' effort helps Mavs trim Suns' lead to 2-1

Facing the potential of an 0-3 series deficit against Phoenix, Jalen Brunson, along with Luka Doncic, led a resurgent Mavericks effort Friday night, as Dallas won Game 3, trimming the Suns' series lead to 2-1.

‘Insane Energy’ Keeps Dallas Alive in Game 3 Win vs. Suns

Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson saved the Dallas Mavericks season in Game 3. Can Dallas tie the series up at 2-2 on Sunday?

Heroic masked Embiid returns to lift 76ers to crucial Game 3 win as Mavericks finally end Suns jinx

Donning a protective face mask, Joel Embiid looked and acted the role of superhero on Friday night.

Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson Power Mavs to Game 3 Win Over Suns

Dallas had lost 11 straight against Phoenix going into Friday night's Game 3.

Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks picks, predictions, odds

The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks face off on Sunday in Dallas in Game 4 of their NBA Playoffs series.

Mikal Bridges' tennis duels vs. his mom drove his love for sports

The Republic continues its “Fun Facts” series about the Phoenix Suns with Mikal Bridges, whose tennis rivalry against his mother made him love sports.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns schedule, TV information

The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks face off in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA Playoffs.

Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson lead Dallas to crucial Game 3 win over Phoenix

The Mavericks now have an opportunity to even up the series on their home floor this weekend

Everything you need to know about NBA playoffs series Game 5

Rundown of biggest storyline, key matchup, team stats, who could emerge as the Suns' X-factor, and injury report for Tuesday's Game 5 in Phoenix.

Suns’ Monty Williams named NBA Coach of the Year

The Grizzlies' Taylor Jenkins was second in the voting, the Heat's Eric Spoelstra came in third.

Suns' Williams voted NBA Coach of the Year after 64 wins

PHOENIX (AP) — Monty Williams now has the honor that his Phoenix Suns players have been clamoring that he receive for two years: NBA's Coach of the Year. Good luck getting him to take credit.

Frank Ntilikina Has Boosted Mavs' Defense vs. Suns

The Dallas Mavericks’ series against the Phoenix Suns changed when Frank Ntilikina entered the rotation.

Doncic, Mavs Look to Finish Off Upset Over NBA-Best Suns

The Mavs are deadlocked with the Suns at 3-3 despite Luka Doncic yet to have a good shooting night from the field.

When and what time is Game 7 of NBA Playoffs series?

When is the next Suns game? Here's when and what time Sunday they play next in the 2022 NBA Playoffs vs. the Dallas Mavericks. Here's what channel.

Start time, where to watch, what’s the latest

The Dallas Mavericks play against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center The Dallas Mavericks are spending $41,533,512 per win while the Phoenix Suns are spending $45,492,158 per win Game Time: 12:00 AM EDT on Sunday May 15, 2022 Broadcast Info ...

Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker 'excited' for first career Game 7

Phoenix Suns tandem Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton will play in their first career Game 7 playoff game set for Sunday at home against Dallas.

Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks

Phoenix Suns will play Dallas Mavericks in Sunday's Game 7 at 5 p.m. at Footprint Center.

Mavericks' Luka Doncic nets 33 to force Game 7 vs. Suns

All-Star guard Luka Doncic scored a game-high 33 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a blowout win over the top-seeded Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals, forcing a Game 7 in the best-of-seven series.

Phoenix Suns' Devin Booker Shares Adorable Moment with Teammate Deandre Ayton's Son

The NBA star, who is dating Kendall Jenner, shared a sweet public moment with his teammate's son and got dubbed "Uncle Books" because of it

CP3 says he's not retiring as Suns implode in G7

Chris Paul says he's not retiring and hopes the Suns will be "right back next year" after their season ended in a stunning blowout loss in Game 7 to the Dallas Mavericks.

Mavs Teach Suns: Like Dirk Before Him, Luka Doncic Is Not To Be Mocked

The winner of Game 7 is Dallas. The Mavs will face the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday.

Doncic Dominates Booker, CP3; Mavs Blow Out Suns in Game 7

The Dallas Mavericks are going back the the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2011.

Mavs’ Game 7 ‘whuppin’ of Suns proved they were better team, Luka Doncic was best player

PHOENIX — Game after game as this series stretched from five to six and finally to seven, Jason Kidd dutifully reminded us which team was the better one. And...

Suns' Monty Williams hints at 'internal' reasons for only playing Deandre Ayton 17 minutes in Game 7 loss

Ayton did not speak to the media after the game

Mavericks' Luka Doncic delivers 'knockout punch' to Suns in Game 7 win. Being the underdog motivated him.

The Mavericks' Luka Doncic likes pressure. And there's no more pressure than a Game 7. He delivered during Dallas' stunning blowout win over Phoenix.

'Told y'all Luka,' NBA world reacts to Mavs' Game 7 rout of Suns

Luka Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie & Co. have a date with the Western Conference finals. The Mavs' dispatching of the top-seeded Suns had the NBA world buzzing.

Suns Crash and Burn in Embarrassing Fashion During Game 7 Loss vs. Mavericks

The Mavericks led the entire way, perhaps exposing the Suns for the frontrunners they proved themselves to be.

Doncic, Dinwiddie Lead Dumbfounding Dallas Domination, 123-90

The Mavs never trailed and led by as many as 46 in a shocking slaughter of the 64-win Suns.

Mavericks' Luka Doncic delivers 'knockout punch' to Suns in Game 7 win. Being the underdog motivated him.

The Mavericks' Luka Doncic likes pressure. And there's no more pressure than a Game 7. He delivered during Dallas' stunning blowout win over Phoenix.

After beating Suns, Mavericks are big underdogs to Warriors

Dallas was a big underdog ahead of its Game 7 blowout of the Suns. Can the Mavericks pull another series upset?

Suns stars stay hidden as season ends in embarrassing fashion with Game 7 loss

Losing Game 7 of the NBA playoffs is usually not a disgrace. But it was for the Suns Sunday against the Mavericks.

Limping Chris Paul Insists Suns Will 'Be Right Back'

Chris Paul will not retire.

Anthony Edwards calls Suns' Game 7 performance a 'disgrace'

Anthony Edwards, the budding superstar 20-year-old guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, called the Phoenix Suns a "disgrace" after they were obliterated by the Dallas Mavericks in Game 7 of of their Western Conference Semifinal series on Sunday.

Mavericks stun Suns with 33-point blowout, advance to conference finals

All-NBA guard Luka Doncic scored a game-high 35 points and the Dallas Mavericks led by as many as 46 in a blowout of the Phoenix Suns in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Ex-Yankees star Alex Rodriguez snoozes next to new girlfriend during Mavericks-Suns Game 7

The Dallas Mavericks beat the Phoenix Suns, 123-90, on Sunday to win Game 7 of their Western Conference Semifinals series.

After beating Suns, Mavericks are big underdogs to Warriors

NBA playoff betting: After beating Suns, Mavericks are big underdogs to Warriors

The Suns were so ashamed of their loss that they issued a statement and fans roasted them for it

The Suns got beat so bad that they had the PR team step in.

Monty Williams says he and Deandre Ayton haven't talked since 'internal' Game 7

Monty Williams took Deandre Ayton out of Game 7 with 8:26 left in the third quarter and didn't put him back as Phoenix lost, 123-90, Sunday to Dallas.

A look at how the NBA's best team bowed out meekly in the second round

How did it all unravel? Let's take a look back at how the Phoenix Suns were eclipsed in the second round of the NBA Playoffs by the Dallas Mavericks.

Phoenix Suns All-Star Devin Booker lacked edge in Game 7 loss to Dallas Mavericks

Devin Booker scored 11 points on just 3-of-14 shooting in Sunday's Game 7 loss to Dallas Mavericks

Playoff exits of Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns ruin season-long wagers for many, but sportsbooks rejoice

Many future-book NBA bets crashed with the Sunday elimination of last year's finalists, the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns.

Who's to blame for top-seeded Suns' fall?

The Suns had their worst performance of the season in a stunning Game 7 loss to the Mavs, courtesy of superstar Luka Dončić.

Charles Barkley 'in shock' watching Dallas Mavericks obliterate Phoenix Suns in Game 7

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley was stunned watching the Dallas Mavericks crush his Phoenix Suns, 123-90, in Game 7 of the conference semifinals.

Patrick Beverley Rips Chris Paul, Suns After Game 7 Loss

Patrick Beverley pulled no punches when talking about Chris Paul's collapse in the Dallas Mavericks series when appearing on ESPN programs Monday morning.

Suns Drama? Monty Williams Stern on Deandre Ayton's Game 7 Minutes

Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams was direct in his postgame press conference on why Ayton barely played minutes down the stretch. Is drama brewing in the desert?

Preview: Wolves At Suns

The Minnesota Timberwolves (24-24) head to Phoenix to take on the Suns (38-9) on the second night of a back-to-back. Minnesota is coming off a loss versus the Golden State Warriors, 124-115. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns combined for 58 points in the loss. During the third quarter, D’Angelo Russell left the game with a Left Shin Contusion and did not return. Steph

Deandre Ayton's Status Timberwolves-Suns Game

Deandre Ayton has been ruled out for Friday's game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns in Arizona.