Phoenix Suns: Three X-Factors vs Clippers in Game 2
The Phoenix Suns are in dire need of a win after their 115-110 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, putting them down 1-0 in the series.
Tonight presents a crucial opportunity to leave Phoenix with the series tied as Games 3/4 will be held back in Los Angeles.
Who are the Suns’ x-factors leading into tonight?
Deandre Ayton
The box score does not tell the true story for Deandre Ayton in Game 1. While he scored 18 points to go along with eight rebounds, his lack of aggression was glaring.
Ivica Zubac completely outplayed Ayton as he grabbed 15 rebounds and just seemed to play with more passion. Ayton also had zero offensive rebounds through the whole game.
In Game 2, Ayton needs to show he is hungry to take over the game and prove to the world why he is a dominant center in the NBA. This means Ayton must be effective as a rebounder and also help flow the offense by setting hard hitting screens and dominating against Zubac in the paint.
Kevin Durant
In Game 1, Durant only took 15 shots scoring 27 points. While 27 points is not bad, Durant needs to take more shots if the Suns are going to bounce back in the series.
During crunch time, Durant was nowhere to be found, only taking one shot in the final six minutes of play. Durant is the clear number one option for Phoenix and the player with the most playoff experience - he needs to be featured as such.
This means he has to take more shots and maybe be a little more selfish on the offensive end. Durant is one of the most prolific scorers the NBA has ever seen. Should he reinforce that, the Suns should have no problem not only winning tonight but also carry that into the entire series.
Josh Okogie
By the end of the regular season, Josh Okogie was a starter and was striving in his new role. He proved to be a great two-way player that Phoenix could rely on.
It was puzzling when Monty Williams decided to demote Okogie back to the bench in Game 1 while only playing seven minutes. Okogie did not score a single point in those seven minutes.
Expect Williams to play Okogie more especially with the lack of production from the rest of the bench. If Okogie can provide that offensive spark and lead the second unit, there will be much less pressure on the starters.
