Phoenix Suns Defensive Key #3: Keep Milwaukee’s PJ Tucker off the offensive glass
PJ Tucker has improved greatly since he played for the Phoenix Suns several years back. Tucker developed into a crucial role player for the Houston Rockets, now carrying out that role as well with the Bucks. Once he developed a reliable 3-point shot, he found his niche as a forward playing far bigger than what his 6’5 height might suggest.
The Suns cannot not let Tucker crash the offensive glass though. He snagged four crucial offensive rebounds in Game 6’s win over the Hawks, outmuscling John Collins on the boards several times in the game’s closing moments.
He also hit a clutch three-pointer down the stretch to ice the game.
P.J. TUCKER!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/1zBdyPEm5k
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 4, 2021
Tucker will crash from the weak-side corner and then muscle his way to an open space in the paint. Suns forwards Jae Crowder and Mikal Bridges must initiate contact before Tucker gets anywhere near the paint.
Getting defensive rebounds in this series will be a team effort.