Devin Booker and Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Suns face elimination in Game 6; here’s what needs to happen for them to force a Game 7.
The Phoenix Suns‘ magical run in the NBA playoffs could be coming to an end. They are down 3-2, heading to Milwaukee for a win-or-go-home Game 6. They’ve unraveled after being up 2-0 in the series, Chris Paul has vanished, their defense has collapsed, and they are making bad decisions late in games. If things don’t change, Paul and company will be sent back to Phoenix as runner-ups and not for a Game 7.
After losing three straight games, what adjustments does Phoenix have to make to stave off elimination? It will take an all-out effort both physically and mentally at both ends of the floor.
No. 3: The Suns must fix their late-game collapses
The main pain point for Phoenix in the last three games has been their ineptitude late in games. The Bucks’ stellar defense has played a part in the Suns’ failures, but they have self-destructed at times also. For example, Devin Booker made a costly turnover in Game 5, which led to the game-sealing dunk by Giannis Antetokounmpo. Likewise, in Game 4, Chris Paul made some costly turnovers down the stretch, which isn’t like him in big moments.
In fact, Paul has been nonexistent for the majority of the last three games. He’s had 11 turnovers during that span, and he’s struggled to hit the ball from three-point land, according to ESPN. He’s been Mr. Clutch for most of his career, but he’s failed to show up in the big moments in recent games.
The Suns’ fourth-quarter troubles came back to bite them in Game 5. They allowed the Bucks to come back from double-digits to win, the first time they lost after obtaining such a lead in the postseason. Going into a hostile Milwaukee for Game 6, the team must be sharp mentally, especially down the stretch. One mistake could end up costing the franchise their very first NBA title.