1. Matching the Wolves' physicality on defense
Phoenix started Game 2 with more tenacity and physicality, especially on the defensive end. This strategy worked out well for the team as they held Edwards to five points in the first half, as he shot 1-5 from the field. Even Naz Reid, the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year, had difficulty scoring the basket with their defense.
Suns have forced Minnesota to make them pay on defense, big plays from Nickeil Alexander-Walker. Gets the handoff, drives and finishes. Suns showing help on Anthony Edwards, drive and kick gets NAW a 3. pic.twitter.com/11Os2A6yry
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) April 20, 2024
The Wolves were caught off guard by how hard the Suns played defense in their previous game. This could be a strategy that head coach Frank Vogel might use more in Game 3. It won't be a problem for Phoenix to execute such a defensive scheme since they have the proper personnel.
The only thing that might play a significant factor in doing this would be consistency. Surely, the Wolves players will match the physicality the Suns might bring for their third game. But it's up to the sixth-seeded team to not back down and hold their ground