PHOENIX– Jordan Ott knows what the Phoenix Suns need. Defense, defense, and more defense. The team is dead last in defensive rating through three games.
Although the sample size is small, the Denver Nuggets can exploit that. Granted, their offense isn't as high-octane as usual, but with Nikola Jokic running the show, they can quickly look like the best offense in the NBA again.
And with Oso Ighodaro being available, there's more pressure on everyone to defend at a high level. No one can truly stop Jokic and the Nuggets, but they can do their best to limit them.
“You got to do your best to stay disciplined and not get out of position cause a lot of times when you do get out of position, one bump, then you're not in the legal guarding position,” Ott said pregame. “It's a combination of all.
“Get your defense set, stay in front as many times as you can, and then be smart. They have veterans that are gonna put us in some tough spots. That's why the test for our young group, especially Man Man early. These minutes are going to be super helpful.”
Jordan Ott knows what the Suns need to do against the Nuggets
Playing with physicality and force has to be the answer. However, balancing the physicality with not going overboard is something Phoenix understands too well.
Also, Denver loves to not just play a five-out offense, but put pressure on the rim. With Jokic's playmaking prowess, the paint is wide open for cutters and drivers.
Article Continues BelowA guy like Aaron Gordon can thrive off that environment. Not to mention, the Nuggets' size in the frontcourt is a tad concerning.
But this can be solved by setting the tone from the get-go. The Suns have had poor opening quarters through their first three games.
Rewriting that script starts on the defensive end, and it can give a jolt where it's desperately needed.