ESPN: Suns Are Biggest Threat to Nuggets in Western Conference
With all the talent assembled for the Phoenix Suns since owner Mat Ishbia took over and spent like crazy, there's hope the stars aligning on the court can potentially influence the stars aligning in the sky.
The Suns are still very much after their first franchise championship after being so close the last few seasons. Their run to the 2021 NBA Finals saw them up 2-0 on the Milwaukee Bucks in the series before ultimately losing their next four. The following season saw a franchise-record in regular season wins with nothing to show in the postseason past the first round.
Names such as Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal help headline a new era of Suns basketball. Though their Finals run was only a few short years ago, only Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton remain from that roster.
Phoenix will need every ounce of help to finally get over that championship hump, which will involve overcoming the defending NBA champion Denver Nuggets in the process.
In their recent predictions for the Western Conference, ESPN still has Denver as the top team in the West, though Phoenix is right behind at No. 2:
ESPN's Western Conference Record Predictions
1. Denver Nuggets: 53-29
2. Phoenix Suns: 51-31
3. Golden State Warriors: 47-35
4. Sacramento Kings: 47-35
5. Los Angeles Lakers: 46-36
6. LA Clippers: 45-37
More from ESPN's panel: "The Nuggets are our clear choice to top the West after a dominant performance in the conference in 2022-23. Their 16-3 playoff run concluded in Denver with them hoisting the Larry O'Brien NBA Championship Trophy for the first time in franchise history.
"The dynamic duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray is back for more, as Denver remains the favorite to repeat, according to 2024 title odds at Caesars Sportsbook. The question is: Who in the West can stifle what the Nuggets hope is a dynastic run?
"Phoenix, according to our experts, serves as the biggest threat within the inner circle of title contenders. The new-look Suns showcase a recently acquired Bradley Beal alongside Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton. If the Suns can build out their depth and stay healthy, they certainly demand attention in the West.
"But don't sleep on the Warriors in the No. 3 spot. They return one of deepest teams in the conference, headlined with franchise stalwarts Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Now, with the addition of Chris Paul, the Warriors add a different dynamic to their All-Star lineup."
The Suns were able to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of play last season but fell to Denver in the Western Conference Semifinals during the Nuggets' run to glory.
There's hope that story changes this season.
