Saturday showed the reality of the second round in the playoffs for the Phoenix Suns. Phoenix kicked off the Western Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, which proved to be a rough outing.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix was able to stick with Denver in the first quarter, having a 32-31 point difference at the end of the quarter. The second quarter became the opposite.
Phoenix was able to shoot over 50 percent from the field in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 30-26. After heading the words from head coach Michael Malone, the Nuggets rallied back in the fourth quarter.
The Nuggets were able to dominate Game 1, winning 125-107.
Murray Survives the Duel Against Booker
Devin Booker had a relatively quiet night until the second half, more so going into the fourth quarter. As for Jamal Murray, he started the game hot and made sure to continue that trend during the remainder of the game.
With the Suns making a late run in the fourth quarter, Murray went on a run of his own. He scored back-to-back three-pointers, helping extend the Nuggets’ lead with Nikola Jokić resting at the moment.
Booker was making sure to respond, but the momentum had already clearly shifted in Denver’s favor. Booker ended the night with 27 points, shooting 10-of-19 from the field. He also dished out eight assists.
With (4:31) remaining in the fourth quarter, Murray had made more three-pointers (6) than the entire Suns squad, who shot 5-of-17 prior to unloading the bench.
Murray was able to cap the night off with a 34-point performance.
Ayton Shows Up in Battle Vs. Jokić
After criticism of his lack of intensity, Deandre Ayton had to be nothing short of special against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. While not necessarily as talented, Ayton proved that he can give Jokić a decent matchup issue for the remainder of the series.
Ayton found himself in foul trouble at the end of the third quarter, but he was still able to contribute 14 points and seven rebounds through three quarters of play. He also had two offensive rebounds. Ayton continued to be aggressive in the pick and roll with Chris Paul and others, finding his way to his comfortable hooks and floaters.
He also was tasked often with securing rebounds with multiple defenders, including Jokic.
Nuggets Show Their Depth
Though Denver’s frontrunners consist of Jokić and Jamal Murray, there’s no simple one-two punch to the offense.
The Nuggets showed what’s been known for much of the regular season and what can pose a problem to the Suns this series — they’re loaded.
Aaron Gordon was one of the primary catalyst to the Nuggets’ runs against the Suns. He ended the game with 23 points, shooting 9-of-13 from the field. He also had six rebounds.
The Suns showed willingness in the second half from the starters, but getting contribution at the level of Gordon is what can and will make a difference in a series against Denver.
