LIVING UP TO THE MOMENT The young Suns proved themselves under the bright lights, stepping up & executing in their playoff debuts
Phoenix Suns Arena was completely dark outside of an orange and purple glow from the LED screens and a solo spotlight fixated on the Suns’ bench.
PA announcer Vince Marotta’s voice boomed through the arena as, one by one, he introduced Phoenix’s starting lineup. As Marotta called each name, the crowd grew louder as players rose from the Suns bench with their arms stretched out to high-five their teammates while jogging from one side of the court to the other.
Protecting their throne won t be easy.
A recent spell of inconsistency, spurred by injuries to All-Stars Anthony Davis (calf strain) and LeBron James (high ankle sprain), has left this club looking mortal if not vulnerable.
There is time to turn things around still, but they ll need to answer the following three questions if they hope to repeat.
When Will LeBron James Be Ready to Return?
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Chris O Meara/Associated Press
L.A. s championship hopes revolve around a healthy James, so all eyes are on the four-time MVP s right ankle that has kept him sidelined since March 20.
While Davis is nearing his return, James is still believed to be weeks away from getting back into game action, sources told ESPN s Dave McMenamin.