Game 1 of the Nuggets vs Suns series was definitely interesting. Denver was up at halftime but fell apart in the second half to lose and give Phoenix the early edge in the series. In evaluating the game, I did not see anything schematic that leads us to believe one team has truly found an edge over the other.
Phoenix is blessed with having a Hall of Fame point guard on the roster in Chris Paul. He took over late in the game and wouldn’t let the team lose. It was fun to watch.
Denver Nuggets (0-1) vs Phoenix Suns (1-0), TNT, 9:30 PM
Nuggets vs Suns Series Schedule and Results
- Monday, June 7 | Game 1 (at Phoenix): Suns 122-105 Nuggets
- Wednesday, June 9 | Game 2 (at Phoenix): Nuggets vs Suns, TNT, 9:30 pm ET
- Friday, June 11 | Game 3 (at Denver): Suns vs Nuggets, ESPN, 10:00 pm ET
- Sunday, June 13 | Game 4 (at Denver): Suns vs Nuggets, TNT, 8:00 pm ET
- Tuesday, June 15 | Game 5 (at Phoenix): Nuggets vs Suns, TNT, TBD (if necessary)
- Thursday, June 17 | Game 6 (at Denver): Suns vs Nuggets, ESPN, TBD (if necessary)
- Sunday, June 20 | Game 7 (at Phoenix): Nuggets vs Suns, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
Nuggets vs Suns Series Betting Odds
Odds to Win the Series
- Denver Nuggets +315
- Phoenix Suns -400
Series Correct Score Odds
- 4-1 Nuggets +2400
- Nuggets 4-2 +750
- 4-3 Nuggets +700
- Suns 4-0 +500
- 4-1 Suns +190
- Suns 4-2 +430
- 4-3 Suns +400
Nuggets vs Suns Game 2 Betting Odds
- Spread: Nuggets +6 (-110), Suns -6 (-110)
- Total: OVER 222.5 (-110), UNDER 222.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Nuggets +205, Suns -250
Nuggets vs Suns Game 2 Betting Consensus
- Spread: 56% Nuggets, 44% Suns (at +/-6)
- Total: 78% OVER, 22% UNDER (at O/U 222.5)
- Moneyline: 0% Nuggets, 100% Suns
Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Game 2 Matchup: Picks, Odds, Stats and More
Nuggets Need A Complete Game to Get Back in the Series
When the Nuggets were up by a point at the end of the first half, it felt like they should have been up by more. The duo of Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. was getting what it wanted, and they were making their shots.
In the second half, the offense went really cold. That is when it became magnified that Monte Morris made only one shot from the field for the game and that the Nuggets were not getting to the foul line. In fact, they took just six foul shots in total. In the second half, the offense was a grind, and ultimately they started to force the action because they were in catchup mode. Given what we have seen from this team all season, it is reasonable to expect better offense going forward.
I am not sure what will come of it, but Aaron Gordon was a very effective player for Denver. He scored and did a pretty good job as a defender against Suns' top scorer Devin Booker.
Denver was the only team to beat Phoenix twice at home this season. They need a win tonight to try and flip the series before they go back to Denver.
Balanced Attack Gives Phoenix an Edge
The Suns struck first in the series taking Game 1 and avoiding a letdown that I thought might come after beating the Lakers. They have to be feeling very good with the way the game played out too.
For starters, the Suns had very balanced scoring with four of five starters scoring at least 20 points. Those were Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges. Booker was very good but winning without needing him to “go off” was a great result for the Suns.
Ayton posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds. The fact that he matched Nikola Jokic was the key. I am not sure he played great defense, but he was effective on offense and the numbers speak for themselves. His +13 matched Paul for best on the team. He also played defense without fouling, recording just one for the game. He was able to stay on the floor against the MVP, and that was key. The question is can he do that for a series?
Bridges’ production was the wild card that made for the easy win. He led the Suns with 23 points and made half of his three-pointers. He is playing with a ton of confidence right now, and that helps the Suns immensely at both ends of the floor.
Phoenix has been a spread darling at home all season long. The win in Game 1 ups their ATS record at home to 26-14.
Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Game 2 Matchup: Picks, Odds, Stats and More
