Phoenix Suns’ Playoffs Failure Draws Similarities To LeBron James And Miami Heat’s Big Three In 2011

When superstar Kevin Durant teamed up with the Phoenix Suns, they automatically became title contenders.

But it didn’t turn out that way.

After defeating the Los Angeles Clippers in the Western Conference first round, they lost 4-2 in the semifinals to the Denver Nuggets. Even though Chris Paul was injured and Deandre Ayton was inconsistent, the reason they lost might’ve been due to Durant’s inability to take over.

This could cause some Miami Heat fans to have flashbacks of when the Heat lost in the 2011 NBA Finals. The Suns didn’t make it that far but their offensive strategies draw relation to the first season of the Heat’s “Big Three”.

When LeBron James joined the Heat in 2010, they were led by Dwyane Wade. In the Finals, James shied away and let Wade take the lead but lost 4-2 to the Dallas Mavericks.

During the offseason, it was reported Wade told James it was now his team and he needed to take over the way he did with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The plan worked as it earned them back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.

The Suns might want to follow their strategy. When the Golden State Warriors won back-to-back championships, Durant was their leader. He also led the Brooklyn Nets even though he played with star Kyrie Irving.

Once he joined the Suns, he stood back and let Booker average 33 points in the playoffs while he averaged just 29. If Durant can get back to his leadership role, the Suns’ future might be bright.

Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.