Denver Nuggets: Phoenix Suns series preview

Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns series preview: Backcourt battle

Once again, the Denver Nuggets are outmatched at the guard position in a playoff series without Jamal Murray. While both Facundo Campazzo and Austin Rivers had a decent series against the Portland Trail Blazers, they were unsurprisingly outscored by the offensive duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. This series with the Suns will be no different, as Devin Booker will find ways to get his points and Chris Paul will always find ways to be effective.

Both teams also have good reserves for the backcourt, as both Monte Morris and Cameron Payne can light a fire under the bench to help their teams keep momentum. Morris showcased this a number of times in the series with the Blazers, with the guard scoring a combined 50 points in Game 5 and 6.

Campazzo and Rivers will need to be offensively productive and attempt to limit both Paul and Booker’s effectiveness to help the Nuggets chance at winning. While they will not be able to stop Booker from scoring, limiting his shots and putting pressure on him will go a long way to taking him out of the game.

Campazzo’s playmaking abilities and the way he is able to disrupt the opposing team’s offensive play is going to be a crucial aspect going forward. Meanwhile, Austin Rivers must not be afraid to take a shot and light up the other team, as we all know he is capable of doing.

Payne and Morris’ battle on the bench will also help out their teams, as both will look to get their teams rolling. Morris’ main objective will be outscoring Payne and keeping the momentum going for the Nuggets. If Morris can do this, the Nuggets will have a good chance at getting over the Suns, despite the likelihood that Booker will light them up at stages throughout the series.