The Phoenix Suns have a tried and tested defensive process, however, they also have a top-tier scorer in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that they’ll be matching up with.
From knowing Shai’s spots, to being savvy with help, and wanting to force the Thunder into late clock shots on their terms or to take a ton of three’s — the Suns have clear-cut desires from their defensive process.
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Gilgeous-Alexander did average 30 points on 50.9% from the field vs the Suns, and 16.3 drives with 19 points created on average via those.
Oklahoma City also showed a desire to test the Suns perimeter size with taking hits and bumps from their MVP, as he works methodically to create space.
Devin Booker and the Suns have to keep pace with scoring on their own merits, however, within the nuances they’ve shown, can they their defensive footing and sustain against the reigning MVP and reigning champions? What would it need to look like if they were able to do so?
It’ll take moments like those compiled by Goodwin and Ighodaro as a tandem to get to the Playoffs, to reach their ceiling in impact as a team on that end of the floor.
