WC | Rd. 2| (2) Suns vs (3) Nuggets [4-0 Suns]

[cjx]

Campazzo will muscle through and score a layup on CP3, then do the "too little" gesture in game 1

[Wigginstime]

Nuggets big weakness is they'll never be able to go small...So they really don't ever have very many lineup adjustments they can make in a given series...Might not make a difference in this series, but if they play a team like Brooklyn, there's just almost no chance.

I don't get this comment. The traditional purpose of "going small" is to put better shooters on the court while sacrificing size. The Nuggets two best 3pt shooters are 7' Jokic and 6'11" Porter. If anything the Nuggets are going to want to hammer the Suns with size (7' Jokic, 6'11' Porter, & 6'11" Gordon) and force them into going big.

[Papi_swav]

I got Suns in 6. Jokic will have his way but Ayton length and size can distract a little. Suns have several wing 3 and D players to matchup with MPJ and Gordon. But Nuggets don't really have the guys to guard both CP3/Booker. Murray getting hurt will show in this series. Compazzo is just too small to guard CP3 and I don't see Barton stopping Booker.

[kinggnik87]

If CP3 is 100% then it might help the Suns a little, with him at 75%, I just don't see how this will be a series win for the Suns.

As most said, Jokic in the Playoff is a different-level monster. He is the MVP that will figure things out and dismantle the C and PF of the Suns. The current level of talent for the Nuggets is a little concerning (due to injury), and Sun has better defensive strength than the Blazers, but since one of the Barton and Dozier will be back, it should cover that part.

I predict a Nuggets win, but it will be hard-fought.

[mcmurphy]

I got Suns in 6. Jokic will have his way but Ayton length and size can distract a little. Suns have several wing 3 and D players to matchup with MPJ and Gordon. But Nuggets don't really have the guys to guard both CP3/Booker. Murray getting hurt will show in this series. Compazzo is just too small to guard CP3 and I don't see Barton stopping Booker.

I'm non worried of the offensive power of CP3 and Booker...

Cp3-Booker (LAL serie) 13.5/29.7(FG% 45.5) 2.8/7.5(3P% 37.3) 38.9 ppg/9.7reb/12.7 ast ts% 57.0

... as the Nuggets managed to overcome the overwhelming power of the Portland Gs

Dame-CJ (Nuggets serie) 18.6/41.3(FG% 45.0) 8.1/20.0(3P% 40.5) 55.0 ppg/10.3reb/14.5 ast ts% 59.9


Rather Ayton will be able to contain the hurricane that is coming? x2.5 times the volume of LAL's Cs

Jokic 35.2mpg (POR serie) 12.5/23.7(FG% 52.7) 2.5/5.8(3P% 43.0) 33.0 ppg/10.5reb/4.5 ast ts% 62.6
Drummond+Gasol 38.4mpg (PHO serie) 5.4/9.0(FG% 52.7) 1.4/2.2(3P% 43.0) 14.2 ppg/14.8reb/3.0 ast ts% 69.4

[Saberestar]

Nuggets big weakness is they'll never be able to go small...So they really don't ever have very many lineup adjustments they can make in a given series...Might not make a difference in this series, but if they play a team like Brooklyn, there's just almost no chance.

I don't get this comment. The traditional purpose of "going small" is to put better shooters on the court while sacrificing size. The Nuggets two best 3pt shooters are 7' Jokic and 6'11" Porter. If anything the Nuggets are going to want to hammer the Suns with size (7' Jokic, 6'11' Porter, & 6'11" Gordon) and force them into going big.

Gordon is 6'8.

Porter is 6'10 or 6'11, OK, but he doesn't play big. He is more of a perimeter player that can shoot over smaller defenders but isn't very good in the low post or strong enough to punish defenders in the paint. A guy like Jae Crowder is a good matchup for him.

Jamal Murray out is the key here. With him, like we saw in the RS, these two teams are about the same and the series would be close. Without him I think the Suns win in 5 or 6 games.

[Papi_swav]

I got Suns in 6. Jokic will have his way but Ayton length and size can distract a little. Suns have several wing 3 and D players to matchup with MPJ and Gordon. But Nuggets don't really have the guys to guard both CP3/Booker. Murray getting hurt will show in this series. Compazzo is just too small to guard CP3 and I don't see Barton stopping Booker.

I'm non worried of the offensive power of CP3 and Booker...

Cp3-Booker (LAL serie) 13.5/29.7(FG% 45.5) 2.8/7.5(3P% 37.3) 38.9 ppg/9.7reb/12.7 ast ts% 57.0

... as the Nuggets managed to overcome the overwhelming power of the Portland Gs

Dame-CJ (Nuggets serie) 18.6/41.3(FG% 45.0) 8.1/20.0(3P% 40.5) 55.0 ppg/10.3reb/14.5 ast ts% 59.9


Rather Ayton will be able to contain the hurricane that is coming? x2.5 times the volume of LAL's Cs

Jokic 35.2mpg (POR serie) 12.5/23.7(FG% 52.7) 2.5/5.8(3P% 43.0) 33.0 ppg/10.5reb/4.5 ast ts% 62.6
Drummond+Gasol 38.4mpg (PHO serie) 5.4/9.0(FG% 52.7) 1.4/2.2(3P% 43.0) 14.2 ppg/14.8reb/3.0 ast ts% 69.4

You have to remember CP3 was banged up and didn't average well in that series but his leadership, IQ etc is what separates those 2 from Dame/CJ. CP3 is a playmaker that sets everyone else up and has the offense running well. Suns has better defenders and defense overall then Portland. I don't see Morris dropping 25 points in multiple games this series.

Ayton has his work cut out for him and I said Jokic will have his way no matter what. But Ayton is more mobile than Nurkic and also has better help defenders than portland thru at Jokic. It's more than just numbers and stats.

[mcmurphy]

I got Suns in 6. Jokic will have his way but Ayton length and size can distract a little. Suns have several wing 3 and D players to matchup with MPJ and Gordon. But Nuggets don't really have the guys to guard both CP3/Booker. Murray getting hurt will show in this series. Compazzo is just too small to guard CP3 and I don't see Barton stopping Booker.

I'm non worried of the offensive power of CP3 and Booker...

Cp3-Booker (LAL serie) 13.5/29.7(FG% 45.5) 2.8/7.5(3P% 37.3) 38.9 ppg/9.7reb/12.7 ast ts% 57.0

... as the Nuggets managed to overcome the overwhelming power of the Portland Gs

Dame-CJ (Nuggets serie) 18.6/41.3(FG% 45.0) 8.1/20.0(3P% 40.5) 55.0 ppg/10.3reb/14.5 ast ts% 59.9


Rather Ayton will be able to contain the hurricane that is coming? x2.5 times the volume of LAL's Cs

Jokic 35.2mpg (POR serie) 12.5/23.7(FG% 52.7) 2.5/5.8(3P% 43.0) 33.0 ppg/10.5reb/4.5 ast ts% 62.6
Drummond+Gasol 38.4mpg (PHO serie) 5.4/9.0(FG% 52.7) 1.4/2.2(3P% 43.0) 14.2 ppg/14.8reb/3.0 ast ts% 69.4

You have to remember CP3 was banged up and didn't average well in that series but his leadership, IQ etc is what separates those 2 from Dame/CJ. CP3 is a playmaker that sets everyone else up and has the offense running well. Suns has better defenders and defense overall then Portland. I don't see Morris dropping 25 points in multiple games this series.

Ayton has his work cut out for him and I said Jokic will have his way no matter what. But Ayton is more mobile than Nurkic and also has better help defenders than portland thru at Jokic. It's more than just numbers and stats.

I agree with you that CP3 is a real playmaker and run the offense in different way but Dame/CJ had a very efficient serie with great volume (underestimate imho)... imho Morris will start in lineup in the PHO serie

The key will be the offense of Ayton to put Jokic in fouls trouble and the Gordon help to jokic in defense.

I expect a great series ... to enjoy as a basketball fan before as a Nuggets fan (and if then Denver wins it's better )

[Mick Dundee]

Tough Pick, this one ... Tough Pick.

The Nuggets won the last two Games in OT and DOT.

And both Games took place in Phoenix.

So it's not new territory for them to beat Opponents consecutively away from home.

Although they had a fully functioning Murray back then, I do see an advantage for the Nuggets here.

Not just because Jokic was the domiant Force in both games, but because the Nuggets are able to produce resiliance and grit when it matters the most.

And then there's the additional challenge of playing at a high altitude in Denver, which poses a problem for any Team.

I just can't see the Suns taking this Series, unless Booker goes Bullseye by scoring 40+ or 50+ every single game.

And even then it might not be enough, if they don't come up with solid Coverages in order to contain the Joker.

[BelgradeNugget]

I am a Nuggets fan and obviously biased but I think the Nuggets will win this and here is why

1. Phoenix beat LA in the first round and Lakers were the favorites and champions, but they were at almost the lowest point in their season. They barely beat GS in play-inn game and GS lost to Grizzlies. LeBron was not the same player (injuries and age) and AD was AD of old, half injured, other half also injured. They had some chemistry issues with Dramond, Trez, Gasol, Schroeder... Nothing to take away from Phoenix but LA wasn't on champion level. Denver beat probably the hottest team coming in the playoffs. Portland was 10-12 in last games at full strength after all injuries they had, much better team than their record showed.
2. Experience - Denver's core went through 39 playoff games, winning 3 series while being down, winning game on the road after losing 4 OT game in Portland, two times 1-3 down, WCF... Phoenix has CP3 and Crowder as only players who have been there
3. Defense - Phoenix was 6 in DEFRTG, and beat the best defensive team in LA, not at 100%. Nuggets were 11 in DEFRTG and beat 29 defensive team in Portland. But Nuggets are much better defensive team after AG trade and Portland was in the meddle of the league after they got all their pieces back. Phoenix has advantage here but not as some people think
4. Offense - IMO CP3 at 80% and Book are not better than Dame and CJ. Then Portland had Powell, 3pt sooters, Nurk... Book was great with 47 but Dame was even greater. He didn't score 55 because of bad defense he was on another level. Denver won both games in which Dame exploded. Denver has Jokic, MPJ, Morris, AG and with their style everyone can score. Denver will be even better with Barton back.
5. Jokic - MVP, the best player in the league, the best player in the playoffs - ask Portland fans.

[Froob]

Phoenix in six

[nbafan38]

If CP3 is able to stay on the court throughout the series the Suns win, otherwise it will be tough.

[timO]

I am a Nuggets fan and obviously biased but I think the Nuggets will win this and here is why

1. Phoenix beat LA in the first round and Lakers were the favorites and champions, but they were at almost the lowest point in their season. They barely beat GS in play-inn game and GS lost to Grizzlies. LeBron was not the same player (injuries and age) and AD was AD of old, half injured, other half also injured. They had some chemistry issues with Dramond, Trez, Gasol, Schroeder... Nothing to take away from Phoenix but LA wasn't on champion level. Denver beat probably the hottest team coming in the playoffs. Portland was 10-12 in last games at full strength after all injuries they had, much better team than their record showed.
2. Experience - Denver's core went through 39 playoff games, winning 3 series while being down, winning game on the road after losing 4 OT game in Portland, two times 1-3 down, WCF... Phoenix has CP3 and Crowder as only players who have been there
3. Defense - Phoenix was 6 in DEFRTG, and beat the best defensive team in LA, not at 100%. Nuggets were 11 in DEFRTG and beat 29 defensive team in Portland. But Nuggets are much better defensive team after AG trade and Portland was in the meddle of the league after they got all their pieces back. Phoenix has advantage here but not as some people think
4. Offense - IMO CP3 at 80% and Book are not better than Dame and CJ. Then Portland had Powell, 3pt sooters, Nurk... Book was great with 47 but Dame was even greater. He didn't score 55 because of bad defense he was on another level. Denver won both games in which Dame exploded. Denver has Jokic, MPJ, Morris, AG and with their style everyone can score. Denver will be even better with Barton back.
5. Jokic - MVP, the best player in the league, the best player in the playoffs - ask Portland fans.

denvers are dreaming

u cant win more rounds without Murray

[kwsqd]

If Paul is healthy, Suns in 5 or 6.

[Sgt Major]

I am a Nuggets fan and obviously biased but I think the Nuggets will win this and here is why

1. Phoenix beat LA in the first round and Lakers were the favorites and champions, but they were at almost the lowest point in their season. They barely beat GS in play-inn game and GS lost to Grizzlies. LeBron was not the same player (injuries and age) and AD was AD of old, half injured, other half also injured. They had some chemistry issues with Dramond, Trez, Gasol, Schroeder... Nothing to take away from Phoenix but LA wasn't on champion level. Denver beat probably the hottest team coming in the playoffs. Portland was 10-12 in last games at full strength after all injuries they had, much better team than their record showed.
2. Experience - Denver's core went through 39 playoff games, winning 3 series while being down, winning game on the road after losing 4 OT game in Portland, two times 1-3 down, WCF... Phoenix has CP3 and Crowder as only players who have been there
3. Defense - Phoenix was 6 in DEFRTG, and beat the best defensive team in LA, not at 100%. Nuggets were 11 in DEFRTG and beat 29 defensive team in Portland. But Nuggets are much better defensive team after AG trade and Portland was in the meddle of the league after they got all their pieces back. Phoenix has advantage here but not as some people think
4. Offense - IMO CP3 at 80% and Book are not better than Dame and CJ. Then Portland had Powell, 3pt sooters, Nurk... Book was great with 47 but Dame was even greater. He didn't score 55 because of bad defense he was on another level. Denver won both games in which Dame exploded. Denver has Jokic, MPJ, Morris, AG and with their style everyone can score. Denver will be even better with Barton back.
5. Jokic - MVP, the best player in the league, the best player in the playoffs - ask Portland fans.

denvers are dreaming

u cant win more rounds without Murray

People thought the same about the 1st round

[pj0tr]

A lot of people seem to be putting a lot of stock into how bad Phoenix's offense looked at times against the Lakers.

But CP3 was limited in some of those games, and they were going up against the Lakers defense, #1 in the NBA. Plus, this was Ayton, Booker, Bridges, and Johnson's first playoff series.

With 3 days off for CP3, I expect him to look good for Game 1. He played his best game of the playoffs with 2 days off before Game 4 against the Lakers.

And the other thing is a lot of people are ignoring the fact that the Nuggets are nowhere near as good as the Lakers defensively.

If CP3 is healthy, I see the Suns winning this in 6 or 7.

[bwgood77]

Tough Pick, this one ... Tough Pick.

The Nuggets won the last two Games in OT and DOT.

And both Games took place in Phoenix.

So it's not new territory for them to beat Opponents consecutively away from home.

Although they had a fully functioning Murray back then, I do see an advantage for the Nuggets here.

Not just because Jokic was the domiant Force in both games, but because the Nuggets are able to produce resiliance and grit when it matters the most.

And then there's the additional challenge of playing at a high altitude in Denver, which poses a problem for any Team.

I just can't see the Suns taking this Series, unless Booker goes Bullseye by scoring 40+ or 50+ every single game.

And even then it might not be enough, if they don't come up with solid Coverages in order to contain the Joker.

Those OT and double OT games were in Denver, and Booker got injured near the end of the first one and Booker was out the entire second game and then Ayton fouled out in the first OT.

[bwgood77]

I think this series goes 7 barring more injuries or Ayton getting in foul trouble in more than a couple games.

[Dimosthenis]

Phoeinsix

[Mick Dundee]

Those OT and double OT games were in Denver, and Booker got injured near the end of the first one and Booker was out the entire second game and then Ayton fouled out in the first OT.

Nope.

They both took place in Phoenix.

You are right about Booker though.