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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Phoenix Suns started the season on an inconsistent note. However, they have shown a marked improvement in recent weeks. The Suns have suffered from injuries to their key players like Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. But Kevin Durant’s exceptional performances have kept the Suns near the top of the standings. The Phoenix Suns’ current form indicates that they are one of the best teams in the league and they will be contending for the title deep into playoffs.

The Suns continued their excellent form, as they defeated the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday. Booker returned to action after missing a couple of games through an injury. However, his comeback has given rise to another concerning factor for the Suns’ fanbase.

Devin Booker’s lack of honesty about his injuries

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D-Book returned to the starting lineup after he missed Phoenix’s loss to the Nuggets on 2nd December. Booker missed the game due to a right ankle injury. Booker had an exceptional comeback game, as he recorded 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in the game.

The Suns’ fans were thrilled to see Booker return so soon after suffering an injury. However, a faction of fans held the view that Booker should have been provided with additional rest, as his track record in prior seasons hasn’t instilled confidence in Booker’s durability. While discussing the Suns victory over Memphis on the Phoenix Suns Podcast, host Lindsey Smith said, “As much as I would have liked him to have an extra day of rest, I am glad for the way he looked because it gave me more confidence in trusting him. I know it sounds messed up, but it is what it is. We’ve seen the track record over the last couple of years. We’ve lost a little bit of trust when it comes to Devin and being completely honest about his injuries.” With Booker back on the court, can the Suns win their first NBA title?

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Are the Suns a title contender?

Over the last couple of seasons, the Phoenix Suns have shown their mettle as a title challenger. However, this season, the Suns have completely changed their roster. This offseason, the Suns traded away Chris Paul for the extremely talented but often injured Bradley Beal. They also traded away disgruntled DeAndre Ayton for Jusuf Nurkic.

Read More: Is Kevin Durant the Most Disrespected Superstar in the History of NBA?

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A roster that consists of the likes of Booker, Durant, and Beal is automatically labeled as a contender. However, the Suns’ lack of depth and injury concerns regarding their star players are too glaring to overlook. Their current performances have been good, but maintaining that over a long and arduous season is a completely different ball game.

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