Introduction: Suns and Devin Booker in NBA Finals
The Highlight: Devin Booker's Impact on the Court
I don't see the Suns relying too heavily on Devin Booker in the past few finals games against the Bucks. Booker is an assassin on the court, consistently putting the ball in the net with efficiency. In Game 4 of the 2021 NBA Finals, he shot 17-33 from the field and 2-4 from beyond the arc, scoring 51.5% of the team's points. His performances have been clutch on the biggest stage, demonstrating his reliability and skill.
Balanced Team Effort: The Role of CP3 and Ayton
It's important to note that the Suns have not completely relied on Booker alone. For instance, in Saturday's game, 40 out of the 119 points scored by the Suns were courtesy of Booker and his teammates. Even the starters were in double figures, with three Suns players contributing 20 points each. Additionally, DeAndre Ayton had another 20-10 game, while Chris Paul contributed 21 points and 11 assists, proving that the Suns have a balanced offensive approach.
Game 5 Analysis: Milwaukee's Star Players' Dominance
The biggest problem during Game 5 was when all three Milwaukee's star players essentially put up a 30-point performance. Their offensive dominance and control of the game shifted the dynamic, creating a significant challenge for the Suns.
Immediate Needs: Increased Offensive Support and Defensive Improvement
While Booker's performance is commendable, there is a need for increased offensive support from his teammates. Chris Paul and Ayton need to step up and contribute more to the offensive and defensive ends. Alongside Booker, the three wings should be more aggressive, taking on more opportunities to score.
Statistical Insights: Ball Movement and Rhythm Building
According to the statistics, the ball has been relatively stagnant, staying in the hands of Paul or Booker for extended periods, often playing isolation or waiting until the end of the shot-clock to act. This has led to inefficiencies and difficulty in maintaining a consistent rhythm. In their three consecutive losses, the wings combined for 17 shots, compared to 27 shots in their two wins, suggesting a lack of consistency and predictability in their offense.
Conclusion: Steps for the Suns Going Forward
For the Suns to succeed, they need to devise a strategy where each player, including the wings, gets more consistent touches. Getting Bridges, Crowder, and Johnson going each game should be a priority. Moving the ball more quickly and setting up their offense efficiently will help develop a more balanced and predictable offensive approach. Defensive improvements, especially from Chris Paul and Booker, will also be crucial in closing out the series.