Suns @ Lakers Sunday Playoff thread 5-30- 2021 - Game 4

[Hoop Head]

That's not completely accurate. Many of us said that we could not beat a healthy, full speed Lakers team. I still believe that but this is nowhere near a healthy and full speed Lakers team. I felt pretty damned confident when I saw the Lakers play GS, they looked very beatable and I know I wasn't the only one here that liked our chances against that version of the Lakers.

Without Chris Paul I believe we'd be up 3 games to 0. He's killing our offense and our defense. When you can't raise your right arm without extreme pain, you can't play either end of the court and Paul is proving that when he's in the game.

I think Paul's presence in game 3 hurt us some but didn't cost us the game and I don't believe he was a negative in game 2. The main difference between those 2 games is the Lakers seemed to key on him in game 3 after seeing his weaknesses in games 1 & 2. Game 2 was fully winnable and no way can that loss be put on one persons shoulder. Based on how game 2 played out, I don't blame the Suns for running with Paul in game 3 but it didn't work out. It was a risk that didn't pan out, IMO.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I think Paul's presence in game 3 hurt us some but didn't cost us the game and I don't believe he was a negative in game 2. The main difference between those 2 games is the Lakers seemed to key on him in game 3 after seeing his weaknesses in games 1 & 2. Game 2 was fully winnable and no way can that loss be put on one persons shoulder. Based on how game 2 played out, I don't blame the Suns for running with Paul in game 3 but it didn't work out. It was a risk that didn't pan out, IMO.

I disagree. Both losses were entirely on one person's shoulders, they call him Coach Williams. CP's defense was horrible from the 2nd quarter in game one onward. And his weak passes disrupted the flow of the offense almost as much as the fact that players were frequently doubling away from him.

I can see coach wanting to play him so badly that he just had to give him a chance. And after he made a shot or two the temptation to ride with him would be strong but it didn't take long for the shoulder pain/weakness to become evident and it was foolish to play him after that.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

As somebody who thought the suns were going to lose coming into this series - I am amazed how much worse the Lakers look than I was expecting.

So yes if we had a healthy Chris Paul I do think we would be winning now. It's not that I am reevaluating the Suns, I am reevaluating my opinion of the Lakers.

Agreed

 

[Mainstreet]

Chris Paul is a game time decision.

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[Mainstreet]

It sounds like Monty is going to play Torrey Craig and Cam Johnson more.

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[Mainstreet]

Monty wants the same rules applied to both teams particularly ejections.

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[Mainstreet]

Anthony Davis is good to go.

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[Mainstreet]

Everyone wants a healthy Chris Paul on the court. The problem is he hasn't been able to shoot properly over the last three games.

He is shooting under 40% for the series and hasn't taken a 3-point shot.

For the regular season Paul shot 49.9% from the field and 39.5% from three. Do the math.

This in no way excuses the poor shooting from the Suns forwards but the opposing defense can't be allowed to play five on four on defense.

I'm going to repeat a post because I think it's important.

If Chris Paul plays, he has to be able to shoot and pass near his regular season standard to be effective.

The Lakers can't be allowed to play 5 on 4 defense.

 

[Mainstreet]

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is out for the Lakers.

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[Mainstreet]

Perhaps Monty is sending a message to the referees?

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[Cheesebeef]

Agreed

same.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Perhaps Monty is sending a message to the referees?

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just like your timeouts, this is too late Monty.

 

[Hoop Head]

just like your timeouts, this is too late Monty.

We're down 1 game and could take home court back today, its not too late.

 

[95pro]

It sounds like Monty is going to play Torrey Craig and Cam Johnson more.

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duh coaching staff.

 

[95pro]

Monty wants the same rules applied to both teams particularly ejections.

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The media doesn’t bring up the Payne black eye or the nut shots the suns are taking.

 

[dscher]

I think if Paul can't give you a full game at 100 percent you need to sit him.. jmo. He's gonna be the ultimate competitor, but this just feels like a game they need everyone at full strength. Then ya just hope for the best. I dunno.

 

[Hoop Head]

The media doesn’t bring up the Payne black eye or the nut shots the suns are taking.

Its a bit ridiculous how the coverage has been. Its like the officiating, the Suns have a different set of standards they should be adhering to. Whatever the Lakers do is just what they always do, so its ok and to be expected.

 

[Mainstreet]

The media doesn’t bring up the Payne black eye or the nut shots the suns are taking.

I thought Payne might have received the black eye in one of the Suns pregame huddles where they get charged up to play. I've never heard a definitive answer.

 

[Raindog]

The NBA doesn't want the Lakers - and particularly LeBron - out of the playoffs, so the refs are going to everything they can to tilt the games in their direction. The NBA has been doing this since Stern took over as commissioner. That is the reality of it.

The Suns can overcome that advantage by playing a much better game than the Lakers that basically negates the advantage the referees build in. It's not impossible - other teams (albeit, a precious few) have done it over the years. But it's an uphill climb.

 

[Mainstreet]

Chris Paul is starting today.

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[Chaplin]

Booker has to get off to a fast start. Especially if he has to compensate for CP3.

 

[Cheesebeef]

Chris Paul is starting today.

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if Paul isn’t Chris Paul, I fear this is just doubling down on stupidity.

 

[Mainstreet]

Wesley Matthews to start for Lakers.

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[Mainstreet]

if Paul isn’t Chris Paul, I fear this is just doubling down on stupidity.

If Paul isn't ready I hope Monty is prepared to go to plan B quickly.

 

[Mainstreet]

It's nearing time for tip-off.