Phoenix Suns: 3 Takeaways From Game 1 Victory vs Denver Nuggets

Phoenix Suns Game 1 Takeaway: The Suns can win without Booker going off

The Suns pooled together a true team effort to snatch a Game 1 victory last night. Although they did this often during he regular season, thus far during the postseason, it took other-worldly efforts from Booker to do so.

Against the Lakers, Booker averaged 32.0 points and 7.0 assists per game during Phoenix’s wins, but during losses he averaged 25.0 points and 4.5 assists per game. Last night during what became a blowout victory for the Suns, Booker tallied 21 points and eight assists.

Booker’s solid, but not exactly awe-inspiring performance last night which still gave way to a no-doubt Phoenix victory tells us that the Suns no longer need monster performances from him every night if they hope to continue winning.

Picking up the slack last night, Mikal Bridges enjoyed his finest playoff game thus far during his young career. The third-year forward scored 23 points, going 4-8 from beyond the arc and 8-12 collectively from the field. It too feels warranted to credit Bridges with Phoenix’s second half resurgence, as it was his defensive play especially on Michael Porter Jr. combined with his timely 3-pointers that ignited the team’s 16-0 third quarter run.

Swingman Jae Crowder got into the action too, dropping 14 points for himself. Torrey Craig finally got some run as well, making good on it with nine points, shooting 2-5 from three. Perhaps the most encouraging offensive input came from Paul though, who finished with 21 points while shooting 57.1 percent, both coming as playoff highs for him during this year’s campaign.

Booker’s unforgettable playoff performances will always go appreciated, but knowing that his teammates behind him possesses the ability to score as well must feel comforting, especially if Booker ever where to experience an off-night.