Post#4 » by skywalker33 » Sat Apr 29, 2023 12:40 am
This is easily a chance for us to climb the ranks, alleviate a lot of the disrespect and vault us to the WCFs. PHX does have the star power but it does feel like we have more overall talent and defensive ability than the Suns do. It's easy to believe that we must use the Mile High Altitude to run them into the ground, especially with CP3 being 37yo and Durant being 34yo so our games must be faced-paced, especially in DEN.
Offensively I don't see Ayton being able to stop Jokic but I do think he'll need to step up his game to offset the firepower of Durant and Booker. Both Murray and MPJ can NOT have any off nights in this series, it's just too important. Murray never seems to have a problem when matching up with another high-profile scorer like Booker, he does have a 17-3 record against the Suns, I really want that record increase that record to 21-?? this season, is certainly not impossible. MPJ looks to be guarded by Durant because of the size, but Durant is no true defender, so he has to make Durant work, which again would work in our favor. AG50 could be the X-factor in this game, he's younger and much more athletic than Torrey Craig, and he'll need to take advantage when matched up on TC. While I'm not as enamored with KCP as Malone is, feels like he can put a solid effort towards CP3 or Booker as the need arises. KCP needs to shoot the 3-ball over CP3, the size mismatch alone could be a saving grace, although Paul's quickness combined with KCP's loose handles can become a problem.
But our biggest advantage has to come from the bench. I can only bet Booker and/or Ayton will get inter-mixed with their bench rotations, the old guys will need rest as permitted. Brown has to score when given an opportunity. Uncle Jeff will be solid for his points but can also give some fouls to KD if/when AG50. And CB is getting the trial-by-fire treatment again, hope he can find his
3-pt range along with some athletic ability and defense when called upon.
In my mind, this is going to be a war, but I do expect the winner of this series in the Finals. On paper, it looks like the Suns have an upper hand, but intangibles like HCA and chemistry don't show up on paper. I have it the Nuggets in 6
GO NUGGETS !
Texas Chuck wrote:I'd like to see Utah, and Denver lose
Exactly as I've been saying all along !!