It presents a good challenge to us. Thus, we’ll take up the challenge. After the Spurs’ 131-106 loss over the weekend, guard Blake Wesley noted, “We like playing them, I like playing them, it makes me better.”
The match-up doesn’t appear to be much of a match on paper, even before accounting for the outcome on Saturday. The Suns are 42-29, and the Spurs are 15-56.
Given that the two teams will play one other twice in three days, it seemed reasonable to inquire two nights later about any improvements the Spurs players could make.
“Hold them in for a brief while. Wesley remarked, “I feel like forcing more twos.” They made a bunch of threes, which made us scurry and allowed them to score baskets. I think we have a chance if we keep them to more twos, play well, defend, and make timely transitions.
The solution for Spurs forward Keldon Johnson is far easier.
“Make more shots. Simply keep focusing and improving your team defence, stated the third-leading scorer on the squad. They have an incredible supporting group in addition to some incredible players, particularly some incredible one-on-one players. Thus, simply playing more defensively, turning around early, and supporting one another.
“As a squad, we simply need to handle the ball better. This year, we demonstrated that we are capable of achieving that. All we have to do is establish consistency,” Johnson said.
15 times against the Suns, the Spurs mishandled the ball. That is roughly where they have been during a season where it has not been easy for them to hang onto the ball.
The Suns anticipate seeing an alternative unit at the Frost Bank Centre.
“We’re just going to fine-tune everything and discuss any changes they might make, after which we’ll look at how they can alter the game.” Anticipate [them] to possess a distinct energy. On Monday night, anticipate a lot more fun from them. and a more difficult fight,” Phoenix head coach Frank Vogel remarked.
