Nuggets vs. Suns 3-pointers: Michael Malone’s backcourt gambit pays dividends, but not nearly enough

1. MPJ’s late arrival

Be it lingering back issues, playoff nerves, or a combination of both, Michael Porter Jr. never quite looked right against Phoenix. In a recurring theme throughout this series, MPJ came out of the locker room without his “J.”  The Nuggets forward began Sunday’s must-win game 0-for-5 from the field in a first quarter that saw him clank four jumpers off the rim and get swatted from behind by Mikal Bridges as the Suns took a 28-22 lead. Fittingly, it was Porter’s steal and fast-break and-1, followed by Aaron Gordon’s own pick-pocket/one-man fast break, that brought Ball Arena to life in the second quarter. MPJ drained his next three shots after that, and his 3-pointer brought Denver within a point with 7:46 left in the third quarter. It was what the Nuggets needed from their emerging star all series. But in this case, it was too little, too late.

2. Switching things up

With his team facing elimination, Nuggets coach Michael Malone had to do something. Having limited options at his disposal, the Nuggets coach did the only thing he could, trading out the starting backcourt of Facu Campazzo and Austin Rivers for Monte Morris and Will Barton. While the gambit paid dividends — Morris and Barton took turns ably guiding the offense in the first and second halves, respectively, while Campazzo had 14 points and four 3s off the bench — the Nuggets simply had no answer for guards Chris Paul and Devin Booker on the other end. The Suns’ duo combined for 71 points and 12 assists and 25-of-43 shooting, with Paul in command of the pick-and-roll throughout the second half. In reality, the Suns’ backcourt edge was going to be a massive problem no matter what Malone did.

3. Suns in four

Yes, we saw the viral video that served as the perfect metaphor for this series — a Suns fan bludgeoning his Nuggets counterpart into bloody submission at Ball Arena before he slinked off into the dark night. Who would’ve guessed that would be followed by another viral moment in Game 4, this time involving Nikola Jokic? The Joker never stopped being brilliant during these playoffs… right up until his frustration bubbled over following a no-call on a drive to the basket in the third quarter. Sure, Jokic’s wind-up and follow through chasing down Suns guard Cam Payne appeared violent at first blush, but he was clearly swiping at the ball. That his arm hit the bridge of Payne’s nose was merely coincidental. No MVP season should end that way. Just another bitter end to what had been such a promising season.

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