PHNX Suns Podcast · ALLCITY Network, PHNX Sports

Tim Legler: Phoenix Suns Are The Best Team In West Play-in

·16 min·1 clip

Tim Legler declares the Phoenix Suns as the top play-in team, predicting they'll advance to a best-of-seven series.

This episode features ESPN analyst Tim Legler evaluating the Phoenix Suns' playoff prospects with the hosts of the PHNX Suns Podcast. Legler assesses the team's potential despite a recent losing streak and key injuries. He specifically analyzes their likely path through the play-in tournament and a first-round matchup. Legler states the Suns will likely finish as the seventh seed and face the San Antonio Spurs in the first round. He argues success for Phoenix would be winning the play-in and then losing a competitive six- or seven-game series to the Spurs. The analyst notes the team's recent close losses to playoff teams, including game-winners from Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić. He believes the Suns have shed their previous reputation as underachievers and are now viewed as a tough opponent. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Devin Booker's recent fourth-quarter struggles. Legler is not concerned long-term, citing Booker's proven track record in clutch situations. He attributes some struggles to the absence of guard Dylan Brooks, who shares late-game shot-making responsibility. Legler acknowledges that team expectations and pressure have increased as the season progressed, which may contribute to players pressing. Regarding Jalen Green, Legler describes his play as an expected "rollercoaster" of electrifying scoring mixed with inconsistencies in shooting and turnovers. He also discusses Colin Gillespie as a Most Improved Player candidate, comparing his rise to players like Reed Sheppard and Nikhil Alexander-Walker. When asked directly, Legler says the Suns are the best team in the play-in field, favoring their consistency and style over the LA Clippers' peak potential. The tone is analytical and conversational, blending strategic playoff forecasting with specific player evaluation. The style is insider-focused, relying on Legler's expertise as a former player and current analyst. This episode is ideal for Phoenix Suns fans seeking a realistic, nuanced playoff preview or NBA listeners interested in Western Conference dynamics. Listeners looking for breaking news or pure entertainment might find the detailed team assessment too specialized.

As heard by us

A grounded Suns read that treats winning the play-in as the realistic benchmark, with a modest ceiling beyond it.

Tim Legler treats Phoenix as a team with a real shot at the play-in, but he keeps the ceiling modest. The case depends on everyone being available, because the spacing changes fast when pieces are missing and Devin Booker ends up carrying more of the load.

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Why you'd press play

You want a straight read on whether Phoenix can matter if everybody gets back.

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