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The Suns formed a big three in the offseason, but their record hasn't met expectations, currently ranking only sixth in the Western Conference. However, Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, known as "KCP," still considers the Suns the biggest threat to the Nuggets in the Western Conference.
The Nuggets eliminated the Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs last year with a 4-1 victory, and then sent the Suns home in the second round with a 4-2 win. The Suns were the only team to win at least two games against the Nuggets in a playoff series. When asked about the strongest opponents in the Western Conference in a recent interview, Pope said, "I would say a healthy Phoenix (Suns), a healthy Minnesota (Timberwolves), and also the young Thunder are rising."
The Nuggets have lost only one game in their last ten matchups, with that loss coming against a Suns team missing Devin Booker. Currently, the Nuggets and the Thunder have identical records of 45 wins and 20 losses, tied for first place in the Western Conference, while the Timberwolves trail by one game in third place. The Suns are seven games behind, ranking sixth, and could potentially fall into the play-in tournament if they're not careful.
In last year's playoffs against the Nuggets, Booker averaged 30.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 7.8 assists per game, while Kevin Durant posted impressive stats with 29.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. However, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic's numbers were even more remarkable, averaging 34.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 10.3 assists per game, leading his team to eliminate the Lakers and the Heat and secure the franchise's first championship. |
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Post time 30-3-2024 06:42:34