A dedicated thread for Phoenix Suns versus OKC Thunder discussion before and between; I officially have doubts :(

[Charlie Smithy!]

Get all your Phoenix Suns optimism out here before the series as well as in-between the games.

We do have a chance right.... right?

[BKinSJC]

Get all your Phoenix Suns optimism out here before the series as well as in-between the games.

We do have a chance right.... right?

I think there's a real chance the Suns win one game.

[Charlie Smithy!]

Get all your Phoenix Suns optimism out here before the series as well as in-between the games.

We do have a chance right.... right?

I think there's a real chance the Suns win one game.

What about..... two games?

[BKinSJC]

Get all your Phoenix Suns optimism out here before the series as well as in-between the games.

We do have a chance right.... right?

I think there's a real chance the Suns win one game.

What about..... two games?

Let's not get too ambitious.

[pickle]

I’m on the five game train.

[Shabazz]

Like Suns legend Bradley Beal said, we ain’t getting swept.

[pickle]

I really like this. It was a privilege to watch this team beat expectations right in front of our eyes. Whatever happens with this series, I have found hope.

[The Bobster]

My logical self doesn't expect them to win a game this series.

The fan in me believes they will have a game or two where they will play them close and with some breaks can avoid a sweep.

NBA history tells me that while they are likely to be swept, an untimely injury (an ankle sprain even) for OKC or someone on the Suns playing out of their minds could surprise us.

I am reminded of the 1980-81 Suns, who had the best record in the league (57-25) before meeting Kansas City (40-42) in the playoffs with the Kings playing without their starting backcourt. Cotton Fitzsimmons pulled a miracle with two forwards starting in the backcourt, controlling the tempo and beating the Suns in 7 games.

[The Bobster]

"What? Over? Did you say over? Nothing is over until we decide it is! Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? Hell no!!"

[Mori Chu]

I will loudly cheer for our guys. But I think this OKC team is a nightmare matchup for us. We played them pretty well in the regular season, but they'll raise their game another level or two in the playoffs, and I don't think we have another gear. Jalen Green heroics aside, we haven't looked very good in the play-in games nor for the past few weeks of the regular season. Meanwhile OKC is rounded into playoff form. I know this is the optimism thread but I think we are going to get absolutely massacred. IMO moral victory will be if we can take Game 3 in Phoenix and make it a 5-game series, but I don't have a ton of hope for that, and I would be absolutely stunned to see it go more than 5 games.

[TOO]

I'm just here to see if Jalen Green can continue to be our best player

[virtual9mm]

I am happy since the young guys will get some playoff experience, at least by just being around. My hope is that they will get some meaningful minutes.

Mess with OKC's heads. Start Dunn, Fleming, and Maluach in Game 4. Screw with their rotations and suddenly go small. Tell our guys to go as hard as they possibly can for 25 minutes each game.

I think the Suns make it a six game series. I don't think an upset is impossible if the Suns play big at times. OKC has exactly one truly big player. Beat up Chet inside, he is only 208 pounds even if he is long.

[Superbone]

Like I've said, anything more than a sweep is gravy.

[iLLmatic]

Would love to see our rookies get some time in this series.

[virtual9mm]

Would love to see our rookies get some time in this series.

Match and exceed their intensity and the Suns can beat them at their own game. Create havoc disrupt their offense, always have Goodwin or Dunn on SGA and cut the head of the snake. Just like what the Spurs did with Nash. Make sure Fleming and Maluach play to protect the rim and guard the 3. Attack Holmgren physically inside.

[LazarusLong]

I'd like to see Goodwin and Highsmith together in the lineup for a stretch or two. Great disruptive combo ...

[rhylek]

I don't think the Suns can sweep OKC. Officials will give them one or two games.

[Charlie Smithy!]

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/721097 ... roid-share

Free to read; Ott says we'll bounce back

[BKinSJC]

Get all your Phoenix Suns optimism out here before the series as well as in-between the games.

We do have a chance right.... right?

I think there's a real chance the Suns win one game.

I'd like to reconsider my previous optimism.