Phoenix Suns: 3 Takeaways From Game 2 Victory vs Denver Nuggets

Phoenix Suns Game 2 Takeaway: Welcome back Dario Saric

Perhaps the only moment during Game 2 where things looked dim for the Suns came early when Deandre Ayton picked up two fouls, leaving Monty Williams with no choice but to send him to the bench. He then call upon Dario Saric, who certainly answered.

Despite rarely finding himself inserted into Phoenix’s rotation so early, Saric gelled incredibly well with those around him. He nailed a 3-pointer toward the first quarter’s closing moments, and then started off the second flushing home a dunk assisted by Paul.

Saric ended up logging 16 minutes, the most for him thus far during the playoffs, finishing with eight points, six rebounds, while going 2-3 on 3-pointers. These all came as playoff highs for him as well. Saric also added an assist to his performance, one that even gave way to some “oohhs” and  “aahhs,” echoing those which typically follow that of Paul’s, as he threw a crafty behind the back pass to set up Cam Johnson for a triple.

This certainly comes as a welcome sight for Suns fans, the coaching staff, and Saric himself. Although having proved himself as an impressive anchor down low time after time during these playoffs, Ayton currently averages 35.0 minutes per game, the most during the postseason amongst all centers. With Phoenix aiming to finish out this series, and then play two more en route to their first ever NBA Championship, a significantly long path still stands between them and their ultimate goal.

Playing this rate, Ayton might grow tired down the stretch, especially with so many potential games still untouched. But if Saric provides a few more relief minutes a game, that could prove fruitful for Ayton and the team down the road. He certainly got off to a good start with it last night.