Today the NBA released the date and times for the Denver Nuggets second-round series against the Phoenix Suns. They are as follows:
The start times for games 5,6, and 7 are undecided, but it is nice to see Denver avoiding early start times. Most teams, including the Nuggets, are creatures of habit, so they should be comfortable with this. On the other hand, games 1-6 declare only one day of rest in between games. Last series, both teams received two days of rest between the games where they traveled.
The two teams faced off three times during the regular season. Denver won two of those matchups including a back-to-back in Phoenix. Every game was close. Every game was decided by eight points or fewer including one OT and one 2OT game.
Although the Nuggets won the season series, their roster looked completely different back in January. Gary Harris was starting as well as Jamal Murray, and Murray had a heroic effort hitting an incredible three to send a game into overtime.
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Denver will once again encounter another hot three-point shooting team. Phoenix shot 38% from three during the regular season which was good for 7th in the league. During the playoffs, their percentage dipped a bit, but they put on some fantastic performances from three against the best defense in the Lakers.
Devin Booker revealed his superstar status last series dropping 47 in Game 6 to send the Lakers home. Chris Paul is 1st ballot Hall-of-Famer and possibly a top 2 or 3 floor general of all time. Their surrounding talent of Ayton, Bridges, Johnson could and most likely will pose a problem for Denver if their defense is not up to the task. Let’s not forget our old friend Torrey Craig either. He plays exceptional defense and knows Denver’s scheme very well.
Denver hopes to regain Barton and Dozier in this series, but for now, we are unaware of their status. This series looks to be another instant classic as we await more MVP performances from the Joker. Game 1 begins Monday at 8:00 PM MT.
