Two Suns Players Who Could Feature More vs Nuggets
The Phoenix Suns are through to the second round of the postseason after defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 4-1 to begin their playoff run.
It was an overall tough series, as the Suns were forced to battle and earn each of their four consecutive wins after losing Game 1. Even without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Clippers gave Phoenix fits.
Now, the West's No. 1 seeded Denver Nuggets await with homecourt advantage on their side.
If we've learned anything from Monty Williams, the Suns will continue to change their look and try to create matchups within their rotations that are favorable for both starters and secondary units.
Phoenix slid Torrey Craig into Josh Okogie's starting spot in the first round, and the absence of Cameron Payne forced Landry Shamet into more action.
What changes can we expect heading into their series vs Denver?
Two Suns Players Who Could Feature More vs Nuggets
Terrence Ross
The Suns have desperately needed scoring help off the bench, and perhaps Terrence Ross could be of some assistance.
Ross featured in just one game in the series vs Los Angeles and totaled just four minutes of action. Falling behind guys such as Shamet and Damion Lee in Phoenix's rotation, the Suns may look to Ross' scoring, length and athleticism to provide a spark for the second unit.
When getting regular minutes, Ross has shown the ability to produce. He concluded the regular season with consecutive double-digit outings in terms of scoring and averaged nearly four rebounds in the final five games of the regular season.
Damion Lee
Damion Lee was one of the best three-point shooters over the first 82 games, though his services weren't needed as much when Kevin Durant came to town.
For whatever reason, Shamet has earned the trust of Suns coach Monty Williams. When Shamet entered the game in the final minutes of Phoenix's Game 5 win vs. Los Angeles, Williams said he was hoping Shamet could provide some spacing on the floor.
Who else to provide better space than Lee, a legitimate three-point threat on the perimeter?
With Payne back in the mix, we're bound to see less of Shamet - who really only fits the shooting guard mold anyways. So does Lee, and after watching Shamet's performance in the first round, Lee deserves to have more opportunities moving forward.
