How Suns’ Offense Got the Job Done Without Chris Paul
Game 3 in Phoenix resulted in a do-or-die win for the Phoenix Suns in 121-114 fashion, and it was no surprise who put the ball in the net.
Devin Booker did most of the heavy lifting scoring, 47 points and shot an unimaginable 80% from the field going 20-25. Kevin Durant mixed in 39 of his own and attempted 31 shots to outpace the Denver Nuggets.
The Suns’ offense looked much different in Game 3 with the absence of Chris Paul, who is dealing with a groin injury suffered in Game 2.
Perhaps winning takes care of everything, but the Suns’ offense relied heavily on Booker and Durant to produce. The two attempted 56 shots while all other Suns starters attempted 17 shots combined. 17 out of 24 total team assists came from either Booker or Durant.
With Paul out, it gave way for Cam Payne to make only his third career start in the postseason.
With Payne on the floor, the offense played with more urgency. The quicker tempo at times had the Suns out and running in transition and seemed to play with more flow as Booker and Durant meticulously chose their spots in the midrange.
Payne impressively fed off the energy in the building Friday night when he pushed the ball up the court from misses. It was as if Payne felt the urgency to win that many in the building did, as the Suns took two unimpressive losses back home.
G Cam Payne had effective minutes for the Suns, filling the void of an injured Chris Paul
Also, a consequence of Paul’s absence was the lack of involvement of Deandre Ayton. Ayton had only four points and eight rebounds and did not roll to the basket as much with a higher paced night. Ayton’s involvement however was more on the screening side as Ayton was used as a body near the paint to clutter up defenders and lead the way for Durant to get to the hole on multiple occasions.
Ayton was substituted in the fourth quarter at the 4:57 mark and did not return in the game as Jock Landale played the crunch time minutes. Interestingly, Ayton was visibly frustrated all night it seemed as his contributions were minimal throughout the game.
C Deandre Ayton had poor showing in Game 3 but was shadowed in a victory and Booker masterclass.
The Suns’ offense looked quicker compared to a more footslog style when Paul is controlling the ball and using multiple down screens to set up rolling actions to the hoop. Head coach Monty Williams’ adjustments seemed to overwhelm the Nuggets at times as Phoenix went on large runs.
Game 4 will be a true test of the abilities of Denver’s scouting as a game has been played with adjustments made to the Suns offense. It’s been Booker that has scored at an insane rate, but perhaps a more spread-out approach would benefit the Suns who have capable scorers.
Game 4 will be at 5:00 p.m. Sunday in another sold-out Footprint Center.
