Suns Town: Thoughts From Opening Playoff Homestand

“Beat LA,” is the mantra in Phoenix. The fans made that loud and clear in both game one and game two against the Lakers. Phoenix is a Suns town, no doubt about it.

Suns Arena is only allowing 11,000 fans, but it was rocking more than it has in a decade. The fan experience is off the charts. Bad calls are harrassed. Riveting threes in big moments are rewarded with explosive cheers. Defensive stops met with energy that seaps through the walls of the arena.

The series is tied 1-1 heading back to Los Angeles, following a 109-102 loss on Tuesday. A loss in which Chris Paul barely played, and Anthony Davis shot 21 free throws. 

What are fans saying?

There were some big moments in the second half that kept the Phoenix faithful in the game. Cameron Payne was scorching, with fans erupting every time he made a play. 

Cam Johnson also hit a buzzer-beating three to end the third, to keep the Suns in striking distance.

Taking it back to the beginning, a foul call against Jae Crowder less than a minute in was met with backfire. It was then reviewed,  but the foul remained and Davis was called for a flagrant.

Foul calls were even throughout most of the game, with both teams shooting over 30 free throws However, many fans didn’t like the theatrics down the stretch.

Game three is on Thursday at the Staples Center.