With a brief home game on their plate, the Phoenix Suns can’t afford to lose on Saturday. The Suns are hosting the Philadelphia 76ers, who have won nine of their last eleven games.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix, on the other hand, can’t say as much in that regard. The Suns have lost six of their last seven games, which has come with its consequences.
Now in fifth place, Phoenix will be tasked with overtaking Philly while at home.
There’s much work left to be done, but the Suns took a 58-53 lead going into halftime.
Devin Booker Carrying the Load
There’s an overbearing amount of pressure on Booker at the moment. Without two starters and losing games left and right, Booker is in the crosshairs of Suns fans with championship aspirations.
As such, Booker sought out the more efficient attempts on Friday against the Sacramento Kings. That looks to be the case against the 76ers.
Booker only attempted one three-pointer against Sacramento, and he currently only has two attempts in the first half. On the contrary, he’s also up to 18 points while shooting 6-of-9 from the field.
There’s only so much to expect from a top-heavy squad that’s without both Kevin Durant and Deandre Ayton. The hope is that Phoenix can walk away with a win, but so far, the blame can’t be placed at Booker’s feet if not.
Next Man Up…Okogie or Craig?
On Friday, it was the Terrence Ross showing that helped keep the Suns in the game against the Kings. Even with the addition of Ross, Phoenix can’t solely depend on him while other pieces make up the roster.
More specifically, the two starters in Josh Okogie and Torrey Craig are in demand. Okogie has gotten familiar with his starting role in recent times, with Craig being a filler at times depending on injuries.
Craig finished the half with six points, shooting 2-of-2 from the three-point range with one rebound and one assist.
Okogie wasn’t as effective, finishing with no points and one rebound and assist. He finished the half minus-6 during his time on the court.
There’s still another half of ball to be played, and the Suns will need Craig’s aggressive shooting to continue.
