While they did have the lead early, the Phoenix Suns are trailing 55-51 at halftime despite being down by as much as 10 in the second quarter.
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:
Stop Jokic at all costs
The NBA MVP three times in the past four years, every team knows Nikola Jokić is one of the most dominant players in the NBA game in and game out. Averaging 30.9 points, 13.0 rebounds and 9.8 assists coming into Monday, the 6-foo-11 big man posted a triple-double against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, 27 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists.
The Suns contained Jokić to five points through most of the first half, but the Serbian got going with 19 points, three assists and two rebounds. Turning up the heat before the buzzer, Phoenix needs to keep his damage in check or things can get ugly quickly.
Keep turnovers low
In eight of the past 10 games, the Suns have turned the ball over 14 or more times, the problematic area of their game that they have yet to find a solution to. Trying to force the ball around the perimeter, being predictable when in possession and passing up shots to move it an extra time, the opposition’s defense has capitalized on the giveaways when going on a fastbreak.
After 19 turnovers against the Detroit Pistons on Saturday, Phoenix has eight thus far. While Kevin Durant is the primary ball handler without Devin Booker, he has coughed up the ball 13 times in the past two games. Spacing the ball around while being smart when in possession will be crucial for the Suns because if anything can be taken from the past few games, turnovers have been the biggest issue plaguing the team.
Assert physicality, paint presence
With the Nuggets having Jokić, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. all 6-foot-8 or above, Denver has the size advantage and physical strengths that can dominate any opponent standing in front of them. The Nuggets both outscored the Suns 26-14 in the paint and shot 22-for-44 (50%) from the field, two contributing factors to them leading after two quarters.
Even though they can’t make up the size difference, using their strength and being aggressive could counteract the odds that are stacked against them. Erasing a 10-point deficit, Phoenix did fight back but will have a lot of work to do as the game continues.
NBA veteran Patrick Beverley would prefer to play with Suns upon NBA return
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
