Phoenix Suns: Three Keys to Victory in Game 2

The Phoenix Suns were stunned by the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1 of their first-round series, losing 115-110 on their home court.

What will it take for the Suns to get back in this series and win Game 2?

Start off hot

It was clear that Phoenix was not ready to play out the gate on Sunday. By the end of the first quarter, they were down 30-18.

It was not just the point differential - the Suns came out flat without any energy making the home crowd restless early on. Phoenix needs to set the tempo early and show that they are the superior team if they want to even the series.

A major reason the Clippers were able to keep up with the Suns was because of their first quarter lead, which ultimately seemed to give them the confidence they needed to come out with the victory.

This is not regular season basketball. The last time we saw the Suns in the playoffs, they were blown out at the Footprint Center by the Dallas Mavericks in a pivotal Game 7 that ended their season while fans flooded the arena with boo chants. If Phoenix wants to avoid another early playoff exit, they must be aggressive from the start and play a more complete game.

Give the rock to KD

Despite still scoring 27 points, Game 1 was not Kevin Durant’s most spectacular night. Durant only took 15 shots the entire game which is just not acceptable for someone who is considered not only the first option on the Suns but a consensus top-five player in the world.

What is even more alarming is that Durant only took one shot in the last six minutes of the game, which played a big part in Phoenix’s loss down the stretch.

Durant needs to be the offensive beacon on this team, no questions asked. The Suns’ championship hopes rest in the hands of Durant and he must take initiative to be more aggressive on the offensive end, especially in the clutch.

Monty Williams is already aware of this and is looking to get Durant more involved come Game 2.

“You don’t want to get in the way of greatness,” Williams said via PHNX Sports writer Gerald Bourguet. “We can create some more environments for him to live freely in live-ball situations.”

Bench Scoring

The biggest disappointment for the Suns in Game 1 had to be their bench scoring. Not a single player off the bench scored over double figures as the highest scorer only put up a grand total of four points.

Having depth is the key to winning games in the playoffs. The Suns need contributions from players in the rotation, especially a guy like Landry Shamet who logged in 24 minutes but only scored four points.

The Clippers' second unit completely outplayed Phoenix's as Eric Gordan, Terrence Mann and Norman Powell all scored in double figures.

The Suns’ starters will need to set the tone, but it's on the second unit to help give the starters the rest and keep the team a float in the game.