Three Keys to a Successful Postseason for the Phoenix Suns

The playoffs are approaching, and here are three keys for the Phoenix Suns to have a successful playoff run.

The playoffs are nearing, and the Phoenix Suns are preparing for what could be a long playoff run in the Valley. Though the Suns didn’t finish as high in the standings as they would’ve hoped to enter the season, their record certainly doesn’t reflect their talent. 

With Kevin Durant playing, the Suns are 6-0 this season. While it is a small sample size, they haven’t seen anywhere near the same success when he’s sidelined. Opposing defenses are still yet to figure out the one-two combo of Booker and Durant, giving the Suns a substantial offensive advantage over other teams. 

With all of that said, here are three keys to a successful postseason for Phoenix.

Play to their strengths

The Suns have a variety of talents on their team, who all have a particular set of skills. Booker and Durant, while they can be playmakers, are primarily scorers. Chris Paul is one of the best playmakers in the NBA, averaging the fifth most assists in the NBA this season with 9.1 a contest. Deandre Ayton is a decent scorer, but he makes his impact in the interior, grabbing boards. On paper, this is a perfectly balanced "core four". Two elite scorers to carry the load offensively, a playmaker to facilitate the offense, and a top big man to get the job done in the paint.

This lineup will only remain a perfect balance if everyone plays to their strengths and does their part. For example, Paul taking deep threes or trying to force a bucket in the playoffs isn't gonna cut it. But if he can carry over his elite playmaking skills to create shots for Booker and Durant, the Suns will be a force to be reckoned with.

Staying healthy

While it may be obvious, it's not only true, but it's also a big concern. Since the trade deadline, Durant has played just six games with Phoenix, and in that time, the Suns looked like a play-in team at best. While the starting lineup is close to perfection, this Suns team doesn't have much depth. Losing any of their key players would be detrimental to Phoenix, and their odds at a championship would plummet. 

Their complete team remains undefeated, instilling a lot of confidence in the team at full strength. Hopefully, this won't be a problem for the Suns in the postseason, and they can have an injury-free playoffs.

Not playing down to their opponent

The Western Conference is wide open this season as the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and Phoenix Suns all have +850 or better odds to win the Western Conference, according to Against the Spread. A lot of these teams will be better in the playoffs than their record shows, as well as the Los Angeles Lakers, as they have been on a tear over the last week or so.

They can't let their record determine how hard they play against a team in the postseason. They will also have to play every game like it's a game seven. Each matchup will be high-intensity and uncertain heading into the series. They have to prepare to play the 73-9 Warriors team to ensure they're as ready as can be for a hectic playoff run.