Suns Thrash Denver in Game 2

Suns defeat the Nuggets 123 - 98.

Phoenix wanted to make sure that they kept homecourt advantage as they head to Denver for game 3 and they did just that.

For the 2nd game in a row, all Suns starters scored in double-digits, demonstrating the balance this team has. Booker led the team in scoring with 18 (& 10 rebounds), Paul followed with 17, Bridges 16, Ayton 15 and Crowder 11.

Both teams came out the gates quite cold from the field. To demonstrate that, Deandre Ayton was 1 for 5 in the quarter and most looks were ones that he' easily been scoring over the last couple of weeks of games. Phoenix did end the quarter up by 4 though.

The 2nd quarter continued similarly, with Phoenix ending the quarter shooting 38%. Instead of shooting, the Suns leaned on their Playoff leading defence to force Denver in to 6 turnovers. They also hit all their free throws in the quarter going 9 for 9. Denver didn't get to the free throw line once.

Dario Saric was good in this game, doing all his damage in the 1st half. He even dunked the basketball for the 2nd game in a row. He did a fine job bodying Jokic in the post, as well as hitting 2 3-pointers following some pick and roll play with Chris Paul. He finished the game with 8 points and 4 rebounds.

Suns entered half-time leading 52 - 42.

To start the 2nd half the Suns had one of their now signature 3rd quarters. They played smothering defence to hold the Nuggets to 36% shooting. DA was a beast in the quarter as well, scoring 10 points on 4 for 4 shooting and grabbing 4 of his 10 total rebounds. Chris Paul also started to take over, accounting for 6 of the team's 9 assists in the quarter, as well as being left completely open for a signature mid-range jumper. Mikal Bridges also added a highlight dunk, that made the crowd explode.

As the 4th quarter started the Suns were up by 19 points. Chris Paul then decided he didn't want to play till the end of the game, so went on a 3 minute run where he didn't miss a shot scoring 8 points, including 2 3-pointers. He also dished the last 2 of his 15 assists.

Paul finished the game with 17 points, 5 rebounds, 15 assists and 0 turnovers. The last person to have 15+ assists and 0 turnovers? It was Chris Paul himself, back in 2014. He is in fact the only player to ever have 3 Playoff games with 15+ assists and 0 turnovers.

After a timeout and Phoenix up by 30, both teams emptied the bottom of their benches, as this one was well and truly over.

Our next game is Friday night in Denver at 3am.

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