The Phoenix Suns punched their way off the ropes in Game 2 of the team’s first-round series against the L.A. Clippers, winning 123-109 on Tuesday night.
With the victory, the Suns evened up the best-of-seven series, setting up a best-of-five stretch that starts with Thursday’s Game 3 in Los Angeles.
Ahead of Game 3, BetArizona.com crunched the numbers to see how Phoenix has fared in series that started 1-1 to get a sense for what Arizona sportsbooks customers can expect the rest of the way.
How Suns Have Fared In Series That Start 1-1
- 1970: Western Conference Semifinals vs. L.A. Lakers — Lost in seven games
- 1976: WC Semis vs. Seattle — Won in six games; WC Finals vs. Golden State — Won in seven games
- 1979: WC First Round vs. Sacramento — Won in three games
- 1981: WC Semis vs. Sacramento — Lost in seven games
- 1982: WC First Round vs. Denver — Won in three games
- 1983: WC First Round vs. Denver — Lost in three games
- 1984: WC First Round vs. Portland — Won in five games; WC Semis vs. Utah — Won in six games
- 1989: WC Semis vs. Denver — Won in five games
- 1990: WC First Round vs. Utah — Won in five games; WC Semis vs. L.A. Lakers — Won in five games
- 1991: WC First Round vs. Utah — Lost in four games
- 1993: WC Finals vs. Seattle — Won in six games
- 1997: WC First Round vs. Seattle — Lost in five games
- 1998: WC First Round vs. San Antonio — Lost in four games
- 2000: WC First Round vs. San Antonio — Won in four games
- 2001: WC First Round vs. Sacramento — Lost in four games
- 2003: WC First Round vs. San Antonio — Lost in six games
- 2005: WC Semis vs. Vancouver — Won in six games
- 2006: WC First Round vs. L.A. Lakers — Won in seven games; WC Semis vs. L.A. Clippers — Won in six games; WC Finals vs. Dallas — Lost in six games
- 2007: WC Semis vs. L.A. Lakers — Lost in six games
- 2010: WC First Round vs. Portland — Won in six games
- 2021: WC First Round vs. L.A. Lakers — Won in six games
- 2022: WC First Round vs. New Orleans — Won in six games
- Total: 17-10 (.629) in series that start 1-1
* — Information via RealGM.
Suns Still A Strong Favorite
It seems the Suns strong showing in Game 2 eased any fears bettors had about the team’s chances.
At BetMGM Sportsbook Arizona, Phoenix is currently listed as a -145 moneyline and 2.5-point favorite in Game 3.
The Suns are still a commanding Arizona NBA betting favorite to win the series, coming in at -300 as of Wednesday morning (the Clippers are listed at +240).
Based on the Suns’ recent run in series that have started 1-1 — with three straight victories dating back to the 2010 postseason and a .629 winning percentage dating back to the team’s first playoff run in 1970 — it’s hard to blame oddsmakers.
With Phoenix moving past the 76ers to secure the No. 3 spot on the BetMGM Sportsbook Arizona NBA title futures board (at +550), it seems the sky is the limit.
