2023 Playoffs: Suns-Nuggets Round 2 News Thread

[Kryptonic]

I like the idea someone had (think it was split) about bringing CP3 off the bench.... If he can contribute in giving cam payne some rest and running the second unit I think that could work out great; barring he isn't doing any more damage to his groin.

[TOO]

Maaaan I don't want that cranky old fuck coming back, the pace of play is so much better since he's been out.

[JeremyG]

Monty would never bench him.

[Superbone]

Too bad. Have to do what's best for the team and that makes the most sense.

[1tinsoldier]

2 things:

1. it doesn't matter whether Ishbia or anyone else thinks Jokic should be suspended. -- or, whether Ishbia was wrong to hold the ball while fans helped Okogie to his feet, or whether Ishbia "touched" Jokic. All that matters is what the NBA rules are and what precedents the league is willing to establish. Jokic broke the rules by going into the crowd to force-ably get the ball after the play was over. And, after the incident was over, elbowed the "fan." And, Jokic does have a history of aggressive behavior (i forget the details of the incident 2 years ago). The only consistent ruling is to suspend him.

2. It is true that the Suns are better off without Paul in regards to fast break opportunities. But them winning two close games at home is not really the supporting evidence. Booker shot 80% in game 3 with no one other than Durant scoring more than 7. And in game 4, Shamet made 4 3's in the 4th. Those are not repeatable. Also, Ayton was out of the offense both games. The biggest difference in these 2 games is that Durant was aggressive for 40+ minutes.

Also, Cam Payne has not been productive enough. The best option is for Chris Paul to be out there doing what he can still do best. Run our point position in the 4th. It's counter productive to have our best offensive weapon holding the ball at crunch time. Booker is not unstoppable in those situations. In fact, he's probably got a negative return on hero-ball possessions in the last 30 seconds. In those situations, with his length, I'd rather Durant force a shot or get fouled, or let Paul make the call while Booker is moving for a pass (drawing a double). That also introduces Monty's fatal weakness -- lack of play calling.

[Shabazz]

[ShelC]

[Flagrant Fowl]

Good. Time to move on and win the series.

[MightyMoog]

From the comments I can gather that the NBA made the right call because no one is happy.
Denver homers want Ishbia fined and tossed, Suns homers want Jokic suspended.
No one gets what they want, all's well that ends well.

I too don't get what I want, because Pat Bev is still in the league.

[carey]

I too don't get what I want, because Pat Bev is still in the league.

Is he, tho?

[Superbone]

I too don't get what I want, because Pat Bev is still in the league.

Is he, tho?

Greatest play in celebrator of all time.

[JeremyG]

He could still win a ring this year.

[ShelC]

Practice videos from yesterday

Spoiler: show/hide

[Mori Chu]

I'm rooting for Payne, but lowkey he's been really bad since he came back. He shot 2-8 in the last game as our starting PG, and 1-4 from 3. If he isn't an actual threat to make shots, Denver is going to adjust and sag off him, and we'll be back to Book/KD iso ball again.

[wpmiller42]

I'm rooting for Payne, but lowkey he's been really bad since he came back. He shot 2-8 in the last game as our starting PG, and 1-4 from 3. If he isn't an actual threat to make shots, Denver is going to adjust and sag off him, and we'll be back to Book/KD iso ball again.

His shot didn't fall, but he put pressure on the rim and increased our pace of play, so I think that was really beneficial, and I thought his defense was better than average. I guess I wouldn't say he played poorly, just that his shot didn't fall.

[Shabazz]

Does anyone subscribe to trueh00p that can share this article?

https://www.truehoop.com/p/devin-booker ... t-shooting

[Flagrant Fowl]

[Flagrant Fowl]

uh...

[Wally_West]

This.

[AmareIsGod]

This.

On the one hand, he's not playing well. On the other, he's trying out there. He's playing defense, he's getting rebounds, assists. His shot isn't falling and he's had some turnovers.

Meanwhile, you've got Ayton who clearly suffers from vaginitis of the hands. I'm certain his vaginal nerve endings are in his hands and that's why he plays tissue soft near the rim, afraid to dunk it and cause pain to his ovaries.