Playoffs: Suns @ Clippers Thursday game thread 4-20-2023 - Game 3

[AzStevenCal]

I think we kinda know that Kawhi is an elite player. Penny I agree with and I’ll also throw Grant Hill and T-Mac into the hat. These three are guys who could’ve legit been Top-20-25 players in the NBA but derailed by chronic and serious injuries

Bernard King belongs on that list too. He came back and played another 5 or 6 years but he was a shell of the superstar he had been prior to injury.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I have zero confidence when we face a wounded team. We did pretty well against injured opponents the year we went to the finals but otherwise, we've generally looked lifeless when we've faced undermanned teams.

 

[Raindog]

Well, one thing for certain: if we lose to them tonight with no Leonard, the momentum kill for the Suns will be significantly destructive (if not near impossible) to overcome. Talk about a belly drop.

 

[ajcardfan]

Kawhi Leonard put two different franchises on his back and willed them to a championship. Talentwise, you absolutely can put up in the 20 players of all time. But, he doesn't have the career stats.

Maybe this is going to parallel 2021. Every team we played in the Western Conference playoffs that year had a major injury or two. The Suns were healthier than any opponent. Injuries could turn on us real quick too.

 

[Finito]

He’s in Payne

10/10

 

[Finito]

I think we kinda know that Kawhi is an elite player. Penny I agree with and I’ll also throw Grant Hill and T-Mac into the hat. These three are guys who could’ve legit been Top-20-25 players in the NBA but derailed by chronic and serious injuries

Yeah all those guys were elite but Kawhi at 100% for his entire career is scary. His career has been a shell and he still has 2 rings with two finals MVPs and a 2x defensive player of the year.

I think a healthy Kawhi effects Lebrons legacy the most if he’s healthy cause he’s def getting more rings than two.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

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If he hurt it in game 1 and still performed as well as he did in game 2, he will be back for Saturday imo. Have to win tonight.

 

[Muggz]

Gotta jump on them from the get go and not let up.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Gotta jump on them from the get go and not let up.

Yeah, that sounds like us.

 

[Dback Jon]

Yeah, that sounds like us.

We need to neuter them off the bat!

 

[AzStevenCal]

We need to neuter them off the bat!

With Leonard out, they've been declawed. I just hope the trap isn't for us.

 

[Dback Jon]

With Leonard out, they've been declawed. I just hope the trap isn't for us.

As long as the Suns don't pussyfoot around, they should be the Cat's Meow

 

[AzStevenCal]

As long as the Suns don't pussyfoot around, they should be the Cat's Meow

Taking an opponent likely is a cardinal sin, we could end up being their pigeon. So let's not give the Clippers anything to crow about.

 

[SirStefan32]

I always get worried when the opponent's star or stars are out. I hope they come ready to play from the opening moment of the game.

 

[Ronin]

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[Proximo]

Well, we saw the Grizzlies yesterday pull off a W without Morant, Adams and Clarke. That's 3 of their top 7 and their MVP candidate. This team better not take tonight for granted.

Yeah, but they were going against the sorry Lakers.

Nevertheless, yes I am somewhat worried about a letdown.

 

[Proximo]

With Leonard out, they've been declawed. I just hope the trap isn't for us.

I am actually a little scared of Marcus Morris. Dude always kills the Suns.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

Yeah, but they were going against the sorry Lakers.

Nevertheless, yes I am somewhat worried about a letdown.

If they let themselves have a letdown in game 3 of a 1-1 playoff series than they deserve to lose.

 

[AzStevenCal]

If they let themselves have a letdown in game 3 of a 1-1 playoff series than they deserve to lose.

We just don't seem to get pumped up for games like this. And the Clippers will be playing at home and with no pressure with Kawhi out. Still, I expect us to win but I hate the fact that a loss for us tonight will hurt even more than usual because of this.

 

[Hoop Head]

Do we know who is replacing Kawhi in their starting lineup? I would imagine it'll take multiple Clippers to cover his production offensively but defensively they will really miss what he brings. Wouldn't be shocked if they start Covington in his place to guard KD. He hasn't seen time yet but he's probably their best defensive forward they'll have available.

 

[Superbone]

Don't get happy on the farm!

 

[Dr dumas]

Kawhi is probably their best on ball defender. If there ever was a game for Durant to go off, it should be tonight.

Suns win this one easy!

 

[Rivercard]

I am actually a little scared of Marcus Morris. Dude always kills the Suns.

Morris is toast, well past his "use by" date. The only way the Clips win tonight is if Westbrook can put up a stat line like this....

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[Dr. Jones]

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[Mainstreet]

Cam Payne is still OUT.