The Phoenix Suns have started off the year hot. At 8-3, this is a much better start than the Suns had experienced in their last two (playoff contending) seasons. 

• The early fight for the West

As you can see in the title of the episode, this start has not come easy. The Suns are currently working over some massive speed bumps, mainly in the form of injury. 

• Cam Johnson knee injury, timetable for return
• Chris Paul minor heel injury

The Suns have played 4 games over the past week, starting with a back - to - back on Friday and Saturday vs the Trail Blazers, before starting a large road trip toward Philadelphia and Minnesota. 

• Two different stories in two different games versus Trail Blazers
• Deandre Ayton returns
• First games without Cam Johnson
• Long distance road trip, losing to Philadelphia
• Georges Niang
• Ayton vs Embiid
• No CP3, not so much of a problem vs Timberwolves
• MIKAL BRIDGESSSSSSS

The Suns will play 3 more exciting games before the next time we meet on Suns mode. The long road trip will be ending in Florida over the weekend, with games against the Magic on Friday, and the Heat on Monday before returning home for a HUGE game versus the Warriors on Wednesday night.

• Book, DA, Cam Payne and Mikal Bridges return to Orlando, home of the bubble. 
• Ayton vs. BAM, and the rest of what should make Heat vs Suns fun
• ARIZONA TURQUOISE BAYBEEEEE

Remember to spread love and #ValleyExcellence, and come back for more Suns Mode podcast as soon as next Thursday, November 17.FREE BRITTNEY GRINER WE ARE BGLETS GO SUNS LETS GO SUNS LETS GO SUNS LET GO SUNSMIIIIIIIIGHTY MERCURY@ValleySunna