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The Phoenix Suns took Game 1, beating the Denver Nuggets 122-105. It was a rather easy win for Phoenix.
The home team dominated the second half of the game. The Nuggets were up at halftime by a point but the Suns quickly took over.
Game 2 is bound to be a closer matchup as the Nuggets have been good at making adjustments. In the first round the Nuggets dropped game 1 to the Portland Trail Blazers and went on to win the series in 6 games. The Suns aren't a team you let get too far ahead as they have great closers in Chris Paul and Devin Booker.
Here are 5 bold Suns-Nuggets predictions for game 2 after the Suns cruised to a game 1 victory.
Nuggets – Suns predictions:
5. Austin Rivers drops over 15 points
Veteran guard Austin Rivers will be an important player for the Nuggets during this playoff run. Rivers had a great Game 3 against the Trail Blazers in round one where he had 21 points and was key down the stretch. The Nuggets will need another game like this from Rivers to keep up with the Suns dynamic offense.
4. Deandre Ayton has another 20-point, 10-rebound game
Deandre Ayton had a great Game 1 against the Nuggets. He had 20 points and 10 rebounds. This is the type of play you expect from the up and coming center, but he has been inconsistent at times. Ayton has a ton of talent and he should be able to have another game like this in Game 2.
If Ayton can consistently put numbers like this up in the series it will be hard to stop the Suns.
3. Michael Porter Jr. gets over 25 points
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Michael Porter Jr. has become the number two option for the Nuggets with star guard Jamal Murray out for the season. He is a 3 level scorer and can get to his spots and rise above defenders to knock down shots. Porter Jr. put up 15 points in game 1 and that will not cut it for the Nuggets. They will need Porter Jr. to get 25 or more points in game two in order to match the Suns offense.
2. Devin Booker goes off for 40 points
Devin Booker was always recognized as a great scorer but many criticized him for not making the playoffs. Booker has finally made it and shown that he can to do it on the highest stage. In the first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers he finished with 47 points in the closeout game.
The Nuggets are bound to comeback with a punch in game two but Booker can keep the Suns steady. Look for Booker to be aggressive early and often to try to take a 2-0 series lead.
1. Nikola Jokic drops 30-point near-triple double
Nikola Jokic had a dominant regular season which earned him the 2021 NBA MVP award. He averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game but will need to pick it up even more in this series. Jokic gained plenty of playoff experience last season as the Nuggets went all the way to the Western Conference Finals. Although they came up short and lost to the Lakers, Jokic proved he could play well at the highest level.
Jokic will need to take this experience and elevate his game the rest of the series. He is a very well rounded player and will need to use his entire skill set for the Nuggets to get the victory. Look for Jokic to get 30 points in a near triple double to attempt to tie the series 1-1.
This series is going to be a good one and Game 2 is a big opportunity for both teams to take charge.
