The Phoenix Suns ended their preseason with a record of 4-1. Ultimately the wins and losses mean absolutely nothing but how did they play? What players stood out? Do the stars look like they are ready to carry the load when needed? Let’s take a look at Jusuf Nurkic’s performance during the preseason.
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In the Suns first preseason game they were on the road against the Detroit Pistons. The Suns won the game 130-126 in overtime. Detroit made a comeback in the fourth quarter of that game to make it close. The first three quarters were dominated by the Suns.
Jusuf Nurkic was only “OK” in his first game with the Suns for lack of a better term. He finished the game with five points, 5 rebounds, and 4 fouls. The fouls can cause concern as teams will look to attack Nurkic on the defensive end of the floor. Will Nurkic be able to hold his own on switches when teams run plays to get their best or quickest offensive player in a one on one match-up against him?
Denver Nuggets
Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal did not play against the Denver Nuggets. This was Nurkic’s opportunity to show what he is capable of without the “big 3” on the court. Nurkic played well in this match-up as he went at Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
Jokic is widely considered to be the best player in the NBA. Jokic was very inefficient in this game, shooting 4/11 from the floor and 0/3 from three point range. Nurkic was a major part of the Suns holding Jokic to nine points and two assists.
Nurkic also went at Jokic on the offensive end. He finished the game with 10 points. Nurkic didn’t shoot well but was able to get to the free throw line and take full advantage going 8/8 from the charity stripe.
Trailblazers in Portland
This was a highly anticipated game by preseason standards as new Portland Trailblazer Deandre Ayton played against the Phoenix Suns for the first time in his career. The Suns were able to create separation in the second quarter as they ended half on a 21-2 run. Nurkic was really good on both ends in this game.
The former Trailblazer thoroughly outplayed Ayton in this match-up. Nurkic finished the game with 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and plus/minus of +27. Ayton was only able to score seven points and grab six rebounds.
Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles came out with great intensity and physicality on the defensive end of the floor. Taurean Prince and the Lakers were able to hold Durant and the Suns in check in the first quarter. Durant got going in the second quarter. The same can not be said for Jusuf Nurkic.
He struggled in a major way against the Lakers. Nurkic finished the game with three points, eight rebounds, and five fouls. The athleticism of Anthony Davis and the other big men for the Lakers seemed to really bother Nurkic. He shot 1/11 in the game.
Jusuf Nurkic’s Preseason Grade
Jusuf Nurkic had a very inconsistent preseason. He showed that he can bang with the most physical big men in the league but also showed a weakness against the more versatile big men. Nurkic was great against Nikola Jokic and Deandre Ayton. He was serviceable against the Pistons and downright terrible against the Lakers. The inconsistent play led to Nurkic getting a “C” for his preseason grade.
