Suns Fall Flat in Game 5, Trail 3-2 to Nuggets

The first quarter and a half were hideous, yet the Phoenix Suns only trailed by 12. By halftime, the deficit was three. There was hope from Suns fans walking around Ball Arena at halftime. Kevin Durant stayed on the court to put up shots at halftime. It seemed like a switch would flip.

None of that mattered.

The Suns came out flat to open the second half, with the Nuggets extending the lead back to double digits within three minutes. The game was never close again with Denver winning 118-102.

“We were somewhat stagnant,” Monty Williams said. “We’ve got to meet the challenge with the physicality.”

Devin Booker mostly played well (28 points). He did fall on his ankle near the end of the first quarter and didn’t look the same afterwards despite playing 41 minutes

Kevin Durant shot 10-24 for 26 points. He had a frustration technical foul near the end of the third quarter.

Deandre Ayton scored 14 points.

The bench scored 17 points. Most of it coming in garbage time.

Game 6 is Thursday at the Footprint Center. It’s win or go home for the Phoenix Suns.