Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker is reiterating what head coach Jordan Ott urged ahead of their Game 2 playoff game against the Oklahoma City Thunder: no isolation basketball.
Following Phoenix’s 35-point Game 1 defeat, which was marked by turnovers and inert offense, the focus shifted to “iso ball” in the series. The Thunder’s defense generated 17 turnovers and converted them into 34 points, burying the Suns and displaying their absence of cohesion.
Following the game, Ott spoke forcefully about what he does not want his club to do, particularly against the defending champions. He stressed the importance of ball movement and rapid decision-making as key improvements leading up to Wednesday’s encounter.
Booker agreed with the statement, reiterating his head coach’s remarks during shootaround.
According to Arizona Sports, Booker commented, “We know how they move for each other. ” “We know how they assist each other on defense. ” So iso ball will not get the job done. “
However, those statements contradict what forward Dillon Brooks stated on Tuesday. He stated that he will continue to seek for isolation possibilities, particularly against OKC standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Now, as the Suns seek to tie the series before returning home, that tension will be present within the squad. On the one hand, the head coach and a key player are pushing for a new strategy, while another player has openly opposed the idea and wants to attack the opposing team in his own manner.
Game 2 will be as much about deciding which tactics work as about keeping cohesiveness. It will be about which voice is the most dominant throughout the game, as well as how to keep the series from fading away too fast.
The Suns and Thunder will play Game 2 on Wednesday, April 22, at 6:30 p. m.
