Phoenix Suns Games 2022-23 Season Preview and Prediction

Introduction

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the most exciting teams in the NBA for the past few years. Led by star shooting guard Devin Booker, the Suns have quickly risen to prominence and become a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference. With a young core of talented players, an innovative coach in Monty Williams, and a passionate fanbase, the future looks bright for basketball in Phoenix. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the Suns' most anticipated games for the 2022-23 NBA season.

Phoenix Suns vs Dallas Mavericks

Any matchup between the Suns and Mavericks is sure to be a thrill ride, given the burgeoning rivalry between these two teams. The Mavs memorably defeated the Suns in Game 7 of the 2022 Western Conference Semifinals, fueled by Luka Doncic's incredible performance. Doncic scored 35 points in the deciding game, stamping his mark as a Suns killer. Devin Booker and Chris Paul will be eager to exact some revenge this season against Doncic and the Mavs. With the addition of Christian Wood to Dallas, these games could determine playoff seeding in a tightly contested Western Conference.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns

The Lakers and Suns have developed an intense rivalry over the past few years. Phoenix took advantage of an injured Lakers team to eliminate them from the first round of the 2021 playoffs. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis healthy and motivated, Los Angeles will be looking to return the favor this season. The star power in this matchup is immense, with James, Davis, Booker, and Paul. These nationally televised games will be a big test for the Suns to prove they can compete with the league's elite teams.

Phoenix Suns vs Golden State Warriors

The reigning NBA champion Warriors will be eager to reassert their dominance this season. Taking on the Suns will allow Golden State to measure itself against one of the best teams in the West. Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson form a lethal backcourt that can catch fire at any moment. Defending them will be a major challenge for Phoenix's perimeter defenders like Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson. Meanwhile, the Suns' offense led by Booker and Paul will try to keep up with the Warriors' explosive scoring. With possible Finals implications, these Suns-Warriors tilts will have a playoff-like atmosphere.

Key Players

Devin Booker

As the Suns' first option on offense, Booker will be the catalyst for Phoenix this season. His smooth shooting stroke and craftiness attacking the rim make him one of the NBA's top scorers. After averaging over 26 points per game last season, Booker will look to take another leap and cement himself as a true superstar. With Chris Paul deferring to him more and more in crunch time, Booker will be the go-to guy in the Suns' biggest games.

Chris Paul

Even in the latter stages of his Hall of Fame career, Paul remains an incredibly impactful player. His leadership and poise running the Suns' offense are invaluable. Paul's passing genius and pick-and-roll mastery unlock easy scoring opportunities for the rest of Phoenix's roster. And in tight fourth quarters, there are few players better than Paul to have the ball in their hands. The Suns will lean heavily on his veteran savvy in the playoffs.

Deandre Ayton

After drama over his contract situation, Ayton is back to anchor the Suns in the paint. His size and athleticism make him a force around the rim as a finisher and rebounder. Ayton has great chemistry with Paul in the pick-and-roll and provides vital defensive cover at the backline. For the Suns to take the next step and win a championship, they'll need Ayton to keep developing his inside-out skillset on both ends of the court.

X-Factors

Mikal Bridges

One of the most underrated players in the league, Bridges is the quintessential 3-and-D wing that every contender covets. His ability to guard multiple positions with his length and lateral quickness is hugely valuable for Phoenix's defense. And Bridges has also developed into a dangerous spot-up shooter who provides crucial floor spacing. If he can add some shot creation to his game, it would take Bridges and the Suns to another level.

Cameron Johnson

Johnson emerged last season as a key rotation player for the Suns. He shot over 42% from 3-point range, using his size and shooting mechanics to snipe from the outside. Johnson was also surprisingly effective attacking closeouts and finishing at the rim. With his scoring gravity from the perimeter, Johnson pulls defenders away from Booker and Paul to give them more room to operate. His growth gives Phoenix another dynamic offensive weapon.

Landry Shamet

One of the Suns' main offseason acquisitions, Shamet will provide valuable shooting and secondary playmaking. He's a career 40% 3-point shooter who can play either guard spot. Shamet should thrive getting open looks from Chris Paul's distribution and Devin Booker's gravity. If he can soak up some backcourt minutes off the bench, it would take pressure off Booker to create as much offense.

Prediction

This Suns team has all the pieces to compete for the NBA championship this season. Their balanced roster blends veteran savvy with young talent perfectly. Monty Williams has crafted an unselfish, team-first culture that gets the best from his players. Phoenix also matches up well with other title contenders like Golden State, Memphis, Dallas and Denver. After two years of playoff frustration, everything seems aligned for the Suns to finally break through and win it all. As long as Chris Paul and Devin Booker can stay relatively healthy, Phoenix should deliver an exciting season capped off with the first title in franchise history.

FAQs

Who are the Phoenix Suns' biggest rivals?

The Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Golden State Warriors are the Suns' biggest rivals. Dallas knocked Phoenix out of the 2022 playoffs in a thrilling series. Meanwhile, the Lakers and Warriors matchups are always high-profile contests between contenders.

What was the Suns' biggest offseason move?

Re-signing Deandre Ayton to a long-term contract was critical for Phoenix this offseason. Keeping their athletic starting center locks in the core of Booker, Paul and Ayton through their championship window.

How far can the Suns go this season?

The Suns have a balanced, deep roster capable of winning the 2023 NBA championship. With few weaknesses and matchup advantages over other contenders, Phoenix could very well win its first title in franchise history.