Playoffs Round 1, Game 5: New Orleans Pelicans @ Phoenix Suns (2-2), Tues 4/26/22

[Wally_West]

Time: 7:00 pm AZ (7:00 pm PT/10:00 pm ET)
Place: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
TV: TNT

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Go Suns!!!

Dis • cuss

[AmareIsGod]

We've had some great luck with early threads a day before the game. Let's keep it going!

[Superbone]

LET'S DO THIS!!!!!!

Getting my voice ready for tomorrow in text form. I'd love to see all out effort from the opening tip and a game where we crush their spirit and give them doubt. However, that's asking for a lot. Pels are feeling themselves right now and are peaking at just the right time while we've taken a step back and it feels as if we peaked too early. A big game from the Suns could put us back on the right track but I'll be honest, I'm nervous about this one. Our games seem to be very tight and they match up well with us especially without Book. Other than the Game 1 first half, we've looked vulnerable. I hope to see something different Tuesday night. Let' f'n go!

[JeremyG]

LET'S DO THIS!!!!!!

Getting my voice ready for tomorrow in text form. I'd love to see all out effort from the opening tip and a game where we crush their spirit and give them doubt. However, that's asking for a lot. Pels are feeling themselves right now and are peaking at just the right time while we've taken a step back and it feels as if we peaked too early. A big game from the Suns could put us back on the right track but I'll be honest, I'm nervous about this one. Our games seem to be very tight and they match up well with us especially without Book. Other than the Game 1 first half, we've looked vulnerable. I hope to see something different Tuesday night. Let' f'n go!

The one simple way we could have that "rout" game is if every shooter starts hitting threes like crazy.

[Indy]

It is more about our defense than our offense.

BI is shooting over 50% from the field and from 3, and has taken over 30 FTAs (at 88%).

CJ is shooting 40% from 3 on almost 10 attempts a game.

JV is averaging 7 Oboards each game!

[bajanguy008]

[In2ition]

It is more about our defense than our offense.

BI is shooting over 50% from the field and from 3, and has taken over 30 FTAs (at 88%).

CJ is shooting 40% from 3 on almost 10 attempts a game.

JV is averaging 7 Oboards each game!

Their big 2 offensive guys are obviously younger than Book & CP3. CP3 looks like he's starting to show his age every other game. They have some nice pieces around them too, with JVV, Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, Larry Nance Jr., Troy Murphy, and who knows if Zion will ever get back into shape. NO has a lot to be excited about for their future.

[Flagrant Fowl]

He needs to stop being reactive, anticipate the adjustment from Willie and make his counter move in advance. I thought it was a great sign in Game 1 when the Suns came out and made the Pels adjust, but Willie has been a step ahead of Monty for most of the series since then.

[Wally_West]

[bajanguy008]

Book was ruled Out around 5pm Eastern the day before Game 4
Not gonna lie, I'm more nervous about him playing than the actual game

[bajanguy008]

Book was ruled Out around 5pm Eastern the day before Game 4
Not gonna lie, I'm more nervous about him playing than the actual game

Oh well there ya go

[Indy]

They aren't going to risk him playing unless it is an elimination game.

[Drewsprocket]

It is more about our defense than our offense.

BI is shooting over 50% from the field and from 3, and has taken over 30 FTAs (at 88%).

CJ is shooting 40% from 3 on almost 10 attempts a game.

JV is averaging 7 Oboards each game!

There are easily 20 missing points from bricking open shots alone. We’re not winning anything unless that changes. Their poor shooting is putting pressure on the defense and giving the pels too many chances to get out in transition.

[JeremyG]

It is more about our defense than our offense.

BI is shooting over 50% from the field and from 3, and has taken over 30 FTAs (at 88%).

CJ is shooting 40% from 3 on almost 10 attempts a game.

JV is averaging 7 Oboards each game!

Their big 2 offensive guys are obviously younger than Book & CP3. CP3 looks like he's starting to show his age every other game. They have some nice pieces around them too, with JVV, Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, Larry Nance Jr., Troy Murphy, and who knows if Zion will ever get back into shape. NO has a lot to be excited about for their future.

Fortunately, every other game is all it takes to win a seven game series.

[JeremyG]

Cam Payne needs to be benched completely. And should have been before last game. Play Holiday instead and see what happens. Monty just refuses to make adjustments.

[Flagrant Fowl]

Cam Payne used to constantly play on the edge of control. Sometimes it hurt the Suns when he'd get an offensive foul or turnover, but he'd also often swing a game in the Suns favor by constantly putting pressure on the defense and being a pest on the defensive end.

Seems like more recently he's trying to do a Chris Paul imitation and is just not that guy, not to mention it's playing right into the Pelicans strategy when he does it.

[Shabazz]

Cam Payne used to constantly play on the edge of control. Sometimes it hurt the Suns when he'd get an offensive foul or turnover, but he'd also often swing a game in the Suns favor by constantly putting pressure on the defense and being a pest on the defensive end.

Seems like more recently he's trying to do a Chris Paul imitation and is just not that guy, not to mention it's playing right into the Pelicans strategy when he does it.

He's been in several times when the Pels had Nance as the only big and it took until game 4 for him to consistently attack the basket. Of course, he negated his good drives with a few dumb turnovers and fouls.

[In2ition]

Cam Payne used to constantly play on the edge of control. Sometimes it hurt the Suns when he'd get an offensive foul or turnover, but he'd also often swing a game in the Suns favor by constantly putting pressure on the defense and being a pest on the defensive end.

Seems like more recently he's trying to do a Chris Paul imitation and is just not that guy, not to mention it's playing right into the Pelicans strategy when he does it.

Right? He also used to be an irritant, and he's not doing that anymore either. Just irritating his own team and fans now.

[Split T]

Payne needs to play with Paul or Booker…we really don’t have that 3rd guy that can be the primary offensive weapon. Payne flashes that skill, but not when teams can focus their defense on him.

[Superbone]

We NEED this game. The team that wins game 5 to go up 3-2 wins 80% of the series.