This week on Suns Mode, I am happy to be back in my normal setup recording the best episode yet during the Phoenix Suns offseason. In this week's edition I focus mainly on two headlining topics that take up the entirety of the episode. First, the Suns have finally made their decision. They will be keeping Deandre Ayton on a maximum contract. The Suns may now look forward to FOUR MORE YEARS of Deandre Ayton and this week is just the beginning of the journey. I expect my standards for this amazing basketball player to grow, but I also have growing expectations for the Suns. I don't believe they have used Ayton anywhere near his full potential. 

• Using a statistical approach to prove that Deandre simply does not get used enough
• Same stats show much less competent players at his position are being used significantly more. 
• Why I am excited to keep podcasting

Second, I provide our first dive into the WNBA playoff race. I have been urging the Phoenix Mercury to stay on top of things and just win the damn games, but it isn't necessarily that simple. Regardless, we are hopping into the "must win" territory. If you want to make the playoffs, you need to listen to our DEMAND to win games.

• Current standings for the Phoenix Mercury and competing teams. Top 8 seeds make the WNBA Playoffs. 
• The good news and the bad news, with only NINE games left for the Phoenix Mercury.
• Mercury game on Friday vs the Storm. 
• Six other WNBA games to watch before the next Suns Mode that will help you navigate the WNBA Playoff Race.

And that will do it for the week. As always, you can catch episodes of the Suns Mode podcast on Thursdays at midnight, Arizona time! Regardless of what happens, I am always going to be here to provide a weekly update on Phoenix Professional Basketball. Hopefully, we will have a better update in store for the Mercury and their hunt for the championship, and hopefully the Suns also continue making moves that will ensure they consistently fight for a championship as well. Enjoy your week.Remember to spread love and #ValleyExcellence <3FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS! FOUR MORE YEARS!LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERC LETS GO MERCFREE BGWE ARE BG@ValleySunna