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When the Phoenix Suns signed Tyson Chandler in the offseason, it became clear that they were tired of missing the postseason. The Suns haven’t made the playoffs since 2010 when they were led by Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire. Yes that long ago, I know it feels like a decade.
Going into the season the Suns knew that it would be incredibly difficult to make a run. The Western Conference basically has six or seven teams seen as locks to make the postseason. You have the Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and of course the Golden State Warriors. I haven’t even mentioned the Anthony Davis led New Orleans Pelicans or the Dallas Mavericks. What about the best defense, the Utah Jazz? You get the message.
The one edge that the Suns have over most teams in the league is their backcourt. Their frontcourt is already solid, with Chandler and Markieff Morris, but the backcourt is truly special. Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight are capable of taking over the game in different ways.
Bledsoe is a terrific all-around lead guard. He can pass, rebound and defend. The problem with Bledsoe is his shooting, but he makes up for it with his slashing ability. Through eight games he is averaging 22.4 points, 6.5 assists and 4.1 rebounds. Knight, on the other hand, is a respectable shooter who can score from midrange and inside as well. On the year, Knight is averaging 20.3 points and 4.4 assists.
The duo displayed their talents on Thursday night in a 118-104 win over the Clippers in a nationally televised game. Knight tied a career high with 37 points on 6-of-10 threes. Bledsoe finished the game with 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
The Suns are currently 4-4. With teams like the Grizzlies and Pelicans disappointing, there’s room for one more in the playoffs. Bledsoe and Knight will lead the Suns into the postseason — guaranteed.
George Middleton is a Los Angeles Lakers/NBA beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgemiddlet0n, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
