There are no easy nights in the NBA. It doesn’t matter if its a nationally televised game against the Denver Nuggets or a Tuesday night game against the Houston Rockets. There will be a tough individual match-up for the Suns in each and every game. Who are the toughest player match-ups for Phoenix?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Domantis Sabonis
Nov 28, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (10) celebrates after a play during the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns split their season series last season. In those four games, Domantis Sabonis averaged 21.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. Sabonis was also very efficient in these match-ups, shooting 63% from the floor.
The Kings center is a tough cover for the Suns because of his versatility. He can score in the post with physical play while also being able to step out and shoot the three.
DeAndre Ayton has to be ready to play defense at a high level against Sacramento. If he is not ready to slow down Sabonis, the Suns may lose those games.
Steph Curry
Jan 10, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) warms up before the game against the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Steph Curry is a marksmen. It doesn’t matter if its on the gulf course or basketball court, Curry always finds a way to put the ball in the hole. That was the case against the Suns last season as Curry played very well in those match-ups.
The two-time most valuable player award winner, averaged 29.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.5 rebounds in four games against the Suns last season. This included a 50 point outburst as well.
The Golden State Warriors added Chris Paul in the off-season. This move may make Curry even more unstoppable as a future hall of fame point guard will be setting him up to score.
Zion Williamson
Dec 9, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) dunks the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and forward Torrey Craig (0) during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns have some bad blood between them. This goes back to their first round playoff match-up in the 2022 playoffs. Zion Williamson was not able to play in that series due to injury and had a chip on his shoulder because of it.
Williamson played against the Suns three times last season. There was a playoff level intensity in each of those match-ups. The former Duke Blue Devil averaged 33.3 points, 6 rebounds, and 5.3 assists while shooting 73% from the floor against Phoenix.
The whole NBA world knows that Williamson is an amazing talent. The big question mark with him is health. If he can stay healthy, he will be a thorn in the Suns side because of his unique mixture of size, strength, explosiveness, and skill.
There are so many nightmare match-ups in the NBA. The Suns will have their hands full with Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and LeBron James, amongst so many others.
Phoenix will be able to give their opponents nightmares as well. Opponents will have fits dealing with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal. It will be so much fun seeing who wins these battles.
