![]() 8 for a colossal package that included forwards Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder - who had not played for the team this season due to reported disputes for losing his starting role and not receiving a contract extension - and other draft capital. Phoenix traded for Durant from the Brooklyn Nets Feb. But he will not be the Suns’ biggest concern in a series that will determine one qualifying team for the Western Conference Finals. The Nuggets are healthy for the first time since 2021, when guard Jamal Murray suffered a torn ACL.ĭenver center Nikola Jokic, who averaged 26.2 points on 48.5 percent shooting, 12.4 rebounds and 9.0 assists in the Nuggets’ first-round series against the eighth-seed Minnesota Timberwolves, is one of the best players in the NBA. Phoenix’s first-round series against the first-seeded Denver Nuggets will test its depth. Warren.ĭurant and Booker have carried a great load, ranking first and second among all postseason players in minutes per game (43.8, 43.2). Phoenix coach Monty Williams has made controversial decisions to some, employing backup guard Landry Shamet - who had just seven points on 3-of-14 in the first round against the Clippers - and not other scorers like Terrence Ross and T.J. The Suns’ bench has the second-fewest points of any squad this postseason (72), has had questionable rotation decisions and is not doing enough to spell its stars. Booker leads the NBA in postseason points per game (37.2) and Durant averaged 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists in the team’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers.īehind Phoenix’s star duo is a bench that has not been competitive enough for the team’s championship hopes. ![]() Phoenix has Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, who have been a terrific in five playoff games together. But they are far from a finished product. The Phoenix Suns are the odds-on favorite to win the Western Conference. ![]()
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