Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns: Match-up to watch for

The Denver Nuggets face off against the Phoenix Suns in their first home game of the season.

Both teams are 1-0, and looking to build on impressive first games. The Denver Nuggets took out the Los Angeles Clippers and a red-hot Boban Marjanovic while the Phoenix Suns defeated the young Dallas Mavericks, a game that saw Devin Booker drop 35. DeAndre Ayton was an impact player in the game as well with it being his rookie debut in the starting lineup.

The Nuggets won their game in a nail-biter, as it took some late game heroics from Gary Harris, Nikola Jokic and Paul Millsap to escape the Clips. Jamal Murray seemed to struggle, but there’s still plenty of time for him to find his footing early in the season.

Who should we key in as a major match-up to look for in this game? What two players will have a huge impact on the winner of the game?

More from Nugg Love

• Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
• Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
• Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
• What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
• Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know

Look no further than what we will see from the back-court, more specifically the tandem of Jamal Murray and Gary Harris against Devin Booker. Both players will most likely see time guarding the young star, and will also see times of him guarding them.

Booker and Murray actually had an experience last year where they both traded major blows in a game. Booker made a long three in Murray’s eyes and then did Murray’s signature bow and arrow celebration, but a little while later, Jamal drove in and threw down a monster dunk in Booker’s eyes. Both of them are from the University of Kentucky, and after the game they reached out to each other on Twitter saying it was a little fun between two former Wildcats.

Harris is a good on-ball and perimeter defender which will help the Nuggets try to neutralize Booker’s effect. However, when it gets time for it, the Suns will use plenty of screens to try to get him an open shot, so both guards need to be ready to step up on defense.

Plus, aside from Jokic, we know that Harris is the go-to guy in the clutch now for the Nuggets. We can’t really blame them either, as he’s made several plays in the late game to acquire that title. How about the game-winner against Oklahoma City as the buzzer sounded? Maybe you’re more of a defense guy, and point out the steal he had late to seal a game against Portland last year. Starting off this year even, the Michigan State guy hit a clutch fade-away to put the Nuggets up four with under two minutes to go, and they never looked back.

Jamal and Gary have their work cut out on defense, but so do Devin Booker and his counterpart, Isaiah Canaan.