Phoenix Suns: Three Keys to Victory vs Nuggets

The Phoenix Suns enter a crucial stretch of games this weekend back on their home turf after losing both Game 1 and Game 2 to the Denver Nuggets, digging a 2-0 hole in their series against the West's top seed.

With players such as Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, anything feels possible for the Suns despite the immense talent Phoenix possesses.

That's where we'll start.

Phoenix Suns: Three Keys to Victory vs Nuggets

1. Kevin Durant, Devin Booker Combine for 70 Points

Look, it seems like a lot to ask anybody to go for 35 on a night, but without Chris Paul, even more focus will be on Durant and Booker in terms of scoring. In a star-driven league, the Suns need their guys to show up now more than ever.

Both players have proven very capable of scoring at will - that's exactly how the Suns advanced past the Clippers in the first round.

With little help from their bench (more on that in a second), it's clear this game rides on the shoulders of Booker/Durant. They know it. The Nuggets know it. Everybody in attendance tonight will know it, too.

2. Somebody - Anybody - Provide Some Relief

The Suns' bench has yet to produce anything significant this postseason. They've been outscored 223-100 and produced just four points in Game 2's loss.

More will be asked of the rotation with Chris Paul's groin injury keeping him out, which isn't promising when evaluating the play of Damion Lee, Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne in the backcourt.

Suns coach Monty Williams also said the likes of Terrence Ross or TJ Warren could see "significantly" more time in Game 3.

Look - it doesn't matter who steps up, as long as someone actually does. Phoenix can't afford another dry spell from their bench.

3. Continue Limiting Jamal Murray

Nikola Jokic will continue to do his thing regardless of Phoenix's game plan, which transformed from Game 1 to Game 2 when the Suns treated Jamal Murray as the focal point of their defensive efforts.

As a result, Murray gained just ten points on 3-15 shooting.

It's clear that Deandre Ayton simply isn't going to be outperforming Jokic down low, but the Suns have to like their chances with Murray getting most of the attention. For what it's worth, they were up by eight points in the late stages of the third quarter before Paul was hurt.

Will Murray only score 10 points again? Probably not, but the Suns should carry over their effective game plan from Game 2 and adjust accordingly.