Game 1 of their Conference Semifinals against the Denver Nuggets went just about as bad as it could for the Phoenix Suns.
They were blown out 125-107 by the Nuggets, and a lot needs to change if they are to level up the series on Monday. Kevin Durant spoke on what is correctable for the Suns from that terrible defeat.
“Just playing harder, just playing more disciplined on both ends of the floor,” Durant said. “I think we understand that fundamentals are the most important part of the team and as an individual player so if you can stick to your fundamentals as much as possible you give yourself a good chance to win. I know that sounds simple and basic but that’s really what basketball is. So we gotta stick to that.”
Playing harder.
More disciplined on both ends of the floor.
Fundamentals.
Kevin Durant on what's correctable from Game 1 loss to Denver to Game 2. #Suns #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/FmfKsZf0Pq
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 30, 2023
The Suns certainly need to be more disciplined on offense, as they had 16 turnovers in Game 1, with Durant accounting for 7 of them. KD, who did have 29 points and 14 rebounds, took responsibility for the loss as he pointed to his turnovers, and he’ll look to be a lot more careful with the ball in Game 2.
Phoenix would also want their players, Deandre Ayton, in particular, to play a lot harder than they did on Friday. Ayton only had 7 rebounds in the game and the Suns as a team got outrebounded 49-38. If they don’t show more effort and aren’t disciplined, they will head back home down 2-0.
Kevin Durant Wasn’t Surprised By How Good The Nuggets Were In Game 1
The Nuggets perhaps surprised a lot of people by how they completely dismantled the Suns in Game 1, but Durant wasn’t surprised that they played so well. He stated they are the No. 1 seed for a reason and are capable of going off in a game and dominating the opposition.
KD added that the Suns are looking forward to the next game, and it will be interesting to see what adjustments they’ll make. One significant difference might be in how they guard Jamal Murray, as he shredded their defense to score a game-high 34 points. Murray is back to his very best, and the Suns have to find a way to slow him down if they are to eventually win this series.
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