The Phoenix Suns are trailing 58-55 to the Miami Heat and are going back and forth, with this being anyone’s game thus far.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Here is what the Suns have to do to come away with the win out of halftime:
Limit turnovers
Trying to distribute the ball, keep it within bounds or battling for a loose ball, the Suns turned the ball over nine times and the giveaways translated to eight points. Kevin Durant had three, Devin Booker had two and four other Suns had one apiece. Turnovers have been a persistent issue for Phoenix and while it has kept that number down lately, there should still be more awareness with the ball.
Miami is relentless on defense and will tightly guard its opposition, so Phoenix has to keep the same flow when passing the ball around while being smart when in possession.
Limit Herro’s effectiveness
While the rest of his team couldn’t get going in the first quarter, Tyler Herro was one of the bright spots for the Heat. The Wisconsin native was 3-for-4 from three in the half, good enough for 14 points. Phoenix shut him out until 5:12 of the second frame.
Dominate in the paint
Jusuf Nurkić quickly collected 10 rebounds not even halfway through the second quarter and Phoenix led in boards in the half. The Suns were aggressive in the paint and had someone near the basket jumping up before snatching the ball out of the air.
Keeping the presence that they have in the paint and continuing to box out the Heat will be key for the Suns since Miami has multiple options who can score anywhere on the offensive side of the ball. Though he shot 3-for-15 from the field, Bam Adebayo will keep being a force as he has six rebounds, but watching where he is will impact how many fewer second-chance opportunities Miami will get.
Get Beal going
Off to a rocky start, Bradley Beal didn’t score a single point in the first half and committed three fouls, being subbed out for Ryan Dunn by Mike Budenholzer to change things up. Beal, who has been battling right elbow soreness lately, was made active, but has been ice-cold. He is getting the looks to score, but the shots are not falling and he has been seen with disappointed facial expressions multiple times.
Budenholzer may elect to go to Dunn more in the second half or he may go with Dunn. If Beal stays in the game, the rest of the team will have to pick him up and keep their trust in him. Let him shoot and things continue to spiral, Dunn or someone else will come off the bench.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Mercury, Suns and ASU Athletics for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
