Fanning the Flames

It's been a while, but Fanning the Flames returns at a time when it seems as though Planet Orange could use a boost of optimism from the Podcast of Optimism.

Sure, Chris Paul is out for the foreseeable future. Sure, the Phoenix Suns are 1-2 since the All-Star Break. But let's not freak out just yet, Suns fans. This team is going to be just fine, and we tell you why that's the case on this episode of Fanning the Flames.

In addition, we dive into:

Who needs to step up the most in CP3's absence;

Who has the biggest opportunity to prove himself while Paul is out; and

What parallels can be drawn - if any - between the Deandre Ayton contract situation and Kyler Murray's contract situation.

Make sure to follow Paul (@DervishOfWhirl), Dan (formerly @DDuarte89), Justin (@SoSaysJ), and the pod (@FanTheFlamesNBA) on Twitter. 

The Bright Side of the Sun Podcast Network is available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play - and if you use one of those podforms, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Until next time!

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What do you do when you lose Chris Paul?

Fans who are set on looking to the future may have asked this already, as the Suns are hoping to build a roster that will stay competitive and relevant well past this year. Unfortunately, this question has surfaced sooner rather than later, as Chris Paul has suffered an avulsion fracture of his right thumb and is slated to miss 6-to-8 weeks.

With Cam Payne still hurt, the Suns went into this week down to 2 (maybe just 1?) serviceable point guard options to step in for Chris Paul. This led to a sight that's become common to Suns fans: Point Book. The Suns went on to go 1-2 in their first CP3-less week, and it's left us with plenty of new insights into how the team can sustain success.

Side Note: Don't panic Suns fans. Everything's going to be just fine!

Stick around for our Highs, Lows, and Just So You Knows in Phoenix Suns basketball, and make sure to subscribe on all podcast platforms! Also, feel free to check us out on Twitter: @TheValleyPHX

Into the Valley: A Phoenix Suns Podcast | Part of the Bright Side Podcast Network

(Hosted by Philip Russell, Ryan Shutt, and Ethan Shutt)

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Happy All Star Weekend!

Hopefully you are getting some rest and relaxation, just like the majority of the Phoenix Suns players. We take our ASG episode to recap All Star Weekend (highlighted by Devin Booker, Chris Paul and the Suns coaching staff) and talk about what's to come in the last 7 weeks of the regular season. With Chris Paul out for the foreseeable future, the Suns will have plenty of questions to answer as they look to lock up the one seed!

GAME TIME: Stick around for our End of the Year Awards fantasy draft! It's all fun and games... until a free dinner is on the line!

Into the Valley: A Phoenix Suns Podcast | Part of the Bright Side Podcast Network

(Hosted by Philip Russell, Ryan Shutt, and Ethan Shutt)

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The Suns may have just had their best week of the season.

The Suns pulled off a remarkable 4-0 week, beating the Bulls, Sixers (second night of a back to back) and the defending champs, the Milwaukee Bucks. They also beat the Orland Magic... but somehow that makes it seem less impressive, so we'll bypass that one. We talk about what made this week so special and who really stepped up on some of the biggest stages (looking at you DA!). We also cover the recent Suns trades that may have just made the team marginally better - something we predicted last week! Also, make sure you come prepared as Mr.Russell breaks down his third lesson on "Defending the Pick and Roll" - Blitzing.

Stick around for our Highs, Lows, and Just So You Knows in Phoenix Suns basketball, and make sure to subscribe on all podcast platforms! Also, feel free to check us out on Twitter: @TheValleyPHX

Into the Valley: A Phoenix Suns Podcast | Part of the Bright Side Podcast Network

(Hosted by Philip Russell, Ryan Shutt, and Ethan Shutt)

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The Phoenix Suns pulled off yet another 4th quarter masterclass against the MVP “favorite” Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. But does it leave us with more questions than answers? Should the Suns make a trade before Thursday? Has Devin Booker entered the MVP discussion? And, most importantly, are the Suns just another team that can be "punked" by other teams?

On this episode of Fanning the Flames, we dive into these questions, discuss some of the trades that have already gone down in the NBA, look forward to Thursday’s NBA Finals rematch with the Milwaukee Bucks, and, of course, talk about the continued disrespect from the national media (we're looking at you, Shaq).

Make sure to follow Paul (@DervishOfWhirl), Dan (formerly @DDuarte89), Justin (@SoSaysJ), and the pod (@FanTheFlamesNBA) on Twitter. 

The Bright Side of the Sun Podcast Network is available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play - and if you use one of those podforms, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Until next time!

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Apparently one 10+ win streak wasn't enough, so the Suns decided to do it again!

The Suns continue to increase their lead in the West, continually widening the gap between them and (almost) everyone else. We took some time to discuss why the Suns keep rolling, if the Hawks hot shooting was an outlier or a concern, and what the trade deadline looks like for a true contender. Also, make sure you Get Your Head In The Game (you're welcome HSM fans) as Mr.Russell breaks down his second lesson on "Defending the Pick and Roll" - Drop Coverage.

Stick around for our Highs, Lows, and Just So You Knows in Phoenix Suns basketball, and make sure to subscribe on all podcast platforms! Also, feel free to check us out on Twitter: @TheValleyPHX

(Check out Suns.com/brightside if you'd like to donate $11 and help make some dreams come true by supporting Bright Side Night!)

Into the Valley: A Phoenix Suns Podcast | Part of the Bright Side Podcast Network

(Hosted by Philip Russell, Ryan Shutt, and Ethan Shutt)

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The Phoenix Suns are riding an 11-game winning streak and are coming off a victory over the Steve Nash-coached Brooklyn Nets. Which begs the question: how does this Suns team compare to Suns teams of the past? Not in a "who would win in a series" sense, but in a "which of these teams do you connect with as a fan" sense.

On this episode of Fanning the Flames, we dive into that question, talk about the All-Star voting results (yeah... including Andrew freaking Wiggins), and learn how Dan feels about the movie Anchorman (spoiler alert... he's REALLY not a fan).

Make sure to follow Paul (@DervishOfWhirl), Dan (formerly @DDuarte89), Justin (@SoSaysJ), and the pod (@FanTheFlamesNBA) on Twitter. 

The Bright Side of the Sun Podcast Network is available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play - and if you use one of those podforms, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Until next time!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Although the Phoenix Suns were "lucky" to be so "healthy" last season (please pick up the heavy sarcasm), the same is not the case this year. The Suns have been consistently without contributors, but they keep on winning. Which begs the question: can anyone stop the Phoenix Suns?

On this episode of Fanning the Flames, we discuss whether any other team worries us, the audacity of Grayson Allen and the Milwaukee Bucks, whether the Suns can top the franchise record winning streak from earlier this season, and more!

Make sure to follow Paul (@DervishOfWhirl), Dan (formerly @DDuarte89), Justin (@SoSaysJ), and the pod (@FanTheFlamesNBA) on Twitter. 

The Bright Side of the Sun Podcast Network is available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play - and if you use one of those podforms, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Until next time!

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The Suns are back to their scorching ways, as they ride a new impressive winning streak into a Jazz-filled week!

Talking about the Suns will always be our top priority, BUT it's easier to understand the Suns, their success, and their future by taking the time to assess the league around them. We adjust our normal segments to talk about other teams around the league that may be worthy of our attention (for better or for worse). Also, make sure you have your pen and paper ready as Mr.Russell breaks down his first lesson on "Defending the Pick and Roll".

Stick around for our Highs, Lows, and Just So You Knows (In the NBA), and make sure to subscribe on all podcast platforms! Also, feel free to check us out on Twitter: @TheValleyPHX

Into the Valley: A Phoenix Suns Podcast | Part of the Bright Side Podcast Network

(Hosted by Philip Russell, Ryan Shutt, and Ethan Shutt)

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One week ago, Devin Booker made headlines because of his interaction with a freaking mascot. Since then, Booker has played basketball like someone who is more than human, but not quite a god (a metahuman!!) and he is the reigning Western Conference Player of the Week to show it.

As you may be able to guess, this is a DBook episode of Fanning the Flames. We discuss:

Book's performances over the past week;

Where Booker stands historically with respect to the Phoenix Suns' greatest scoring performances;

People are there yelling Mamba mentality from their mama's house; and

Heel Book.

Make sure to follow Paul (@DervishOfWhirl), Dan (formerly @DDuarte89), Justin (@SoSaysJ), and the pod (@FanTheFlamesNBA) on Twitter. 

The Bright Side of the Sun Podcast Network is available on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, and Google Play - and if you use one of those podforms, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review.

Until next time!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices