The Phoenix Suns find themselves down 2-0 and have had little to no answers in the first two games for what the Minnesota Timberwolves have thrown at them in their first-round series.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!There are certain schematic adjustments that can be made, but a big rotation adjustment could be playing Bol Bol, as fans have pointed out on social media.
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas echoed these feelings on his “Gil’s Arena Show.”
“Right now, with the talent that’s on the floor, and you look at (the Suns’) bench, there’s only one guy who can actually change the outcome of the series, and that is Bol Bol because his skill level is unmatched,” Arenas said.
Gilbert Arenas says Bol Bol could change the outcome of the Phoenix/Minnesota series
(🎥 @GilsArenaShow / h/t @yaqqed )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 25, 2024
Bol, a fan favorite, has not played outside of garbage time in the Suns’ first two games during the series, which have both been blowouts due to big third quarters by the Wolves.
The 24-year-old, 7-foot-3 forward averaged 5.2 points on 61.6% shooting (42.3% from 3) and 3.2 rebounds in 10.9 minutes per game in his first regular season in Phoenix. Bol had some big moments late in the season and impressed with his unique offensive skillset and rebounding.
"I just like how solid he's been, there for us on the rebounds, blocking shots, just being a threat out there."
🗣️ Kevin Durant on Bol BolA playmaker on both ends, Bol found a way to impact the game and provide a spark for the team on the floor ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/K85OHp7X3G
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 19, 2024
“We’ll consider everyone,” coach Frank Vogel said of potential adjustments at yesterday’s practice. “Offensively, (Bol’s) a gifted guy that can shoot 3s, that can make plays when we get the defense in rotations. And he can help us on the boards as well.”
The Suns did end up winning the rebounding battle 41-39 in Game 2 after embarrassingly losing it 52-28 in Game 1, but the Wolves’ two-big look has given the Suns a lot of problems, something Bol could help with.
As a counterpoint, another area the Suns have struggled is turnovers, as they are averaging a league-worst 17.5 per game in the playoffs, and this is something Bol has shown the tendency to do if he is given freedom on offense.
Overall, Bol would bring a dynamic to the Suns that the Wolves have not seen yet with his unorthodox style.
Grayson Allen is questionable with a right ankle sprain, so if he is unable to go, it is very likely we see Bol. However, the Suns could choose to insert Bol anyways to switch things up. Thaddeus Young and Josh Okogie are some other players the Suns could choose to add to the rotation.
Game 3 is tonight at 7:30 p.m. MST, as the Suns will look to get their first win in front of their home crowd.
Grayson Allen reveals his injury status for tomorrow’s Game 3 matchup against Timberwolves
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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau
