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NBAPreview
Can the Suns NEUTRALIZE Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Enough in the Playoffs?
TL;DR
The Phoenix Suns aim to neutralize Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's scoring ability in the playoffs, having allowed him an average of 30 points per game during the regular season. Their defensive strategy will be crucial in matching up against the MVP and reigning champions.
Key points
- Phoenix Suns aim to neutralize Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in playoffs
- Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30 points against the Suns in regular season
- Suns' defensive strategy includes help defense and forcing late shots
- Jordan Goodwin and Oso Ighodaro are key defenders for the Suns
- Suns' margin for error is slim in playoff matchup
Phoenix SunsOklahoma City Thunder
How did SGA fair vs the Phoenix Suns in the regular season?
From knowing Shai’s spots, to being savvy with help, and wanting to force the Thunder into late clock shots on their terms or to take a ton of three’s — the Suns have clear-cut desires from their defensive process. Gilgeous-Alexander did average 30 points on 50.9% from the field vs the Suns, and 16.3 drives with 19 points created on average via those. Oklahoma City also showed a desire to test the Suns perimeter size with taking hits and bumps from their MVP, as he works methodically to create space. Devin Booker and the Suns have to keep pace with scoring on their own merits, however, within the nuances they’ve shown, can they their defensive footing and sustain against the reigning MVP and reigning champions? What would it need to look like if they were able to do so? It’ll take moments like those compiled by Goodwin and Ighodaro as a tandem to get to the Playoffs, to reach their ceiling in impact as a team on that end of the floor.
The defensive tandem of Jordan Goodwin & Oso Ighodaro continues to be disruptive.
16th highest switch rate of 126 tandems defending 150+ ball screens, allowing just 0.933 points per chance.
Was at the helm of \a lot\ of the activity-inducing defense from PHX vs GS.
Q&A
How did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander perform against the Suns in the regular season?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 30 points on 50.9% shooting against the Suns, along with 16.3 drives that created 19 points on average.
What defensive strategies will the Suns use against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the playoffs?
The Suns plan to focus on knowing Shai's spots, utilizing help defense, and forcing the Thunder into late clock shots or three-point attempts.
Who are the key defenders for the Suns against the Thunder in the playoffs?
The defensive tandem of Jordan Goodwin and Oso Ighodaro will be crucial, as they have shown a strong ability to disrupt opposing offenses.