The NBA playoffs are heating up and the Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns are set to face off in the Western Conference Finals. Both teams have had impressive journeys to get to this point, but only one can advance to the NBA Finals. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at both teams and what we can expect in this highly anticipated matchup.
The Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets finished the regular season with a 47-25 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and then pulled off an incredible comeback against the heavily favored Utah Jazz in the second round.
One of the key players for the Nuggets has been Nikola Jokic, who has been playing at an MVP level throughout the playoffs. Jokic is averaging 30.7 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game in the playoffs, and his ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him a difficult matchup for any team.
Another important player for the Nuggets has been Michael Porter Jr., who has stepped up in a big way in the absence of Jamal Murray. Porter Jr. is averaging 18.9 points per game in the playoffs and has shown that he can be a reliable scoring option for the team.
The Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns finished the regular season with a 51-21 record, securing the second seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round and then swept the Denver Nuggets in the second round.
One of the key players for the Suns has been Chris Paul, who has been a stabilizing force for the team. Paul is averaging 15.7 points, 8.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game in the playoffs, and his leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game have been crucial for the Suns.
Another important player for the Suns has been Devin Booker, who has been a scoring machine throughout the playoffs. Booker is averaging 27.9 points per game in the playoffs and has shown that he can take over a game when needed.
What to Expect
This series is shaping up to be a battle of two evenly matched teams. The Nuggets have the advantage of having a dominant big man in Jokic, but the Suns have a more well-rounded team that can score from multiple positions.
One key factor to watch will be the health of both teams. The Nuggets are dealing with injuries to key players like Murray and Will Barton, while the Suns are hoping that Paul can continue to play through a shoulder injury.
Another factor to watch will be the battle of the benches. Both teams have relied heavily on their starters throughout the playoffs, but the team with the better bench could have a significant advantage.
Conclusion
The Nuggets vs Suns matchup is sure to be an entertaining series that could go either way. Both teams have played at a high level throughout the playoffs, and it will be interesting to see which team can continue their momentum and advance to the NBA Finals.
