Suns head to Denver early to adjust to altitude, prepare for No. 1 seeded Nuggets

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DENVER — The Suns didn’t feel a need to stay another day in sunny Phoenix before traveling to colder Denver for the start of the Western Conference semifinals.

“We’re not doing anything better at home besides just waiting on this,” Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker said.

So, the Suns flew out to Denver two days before Saturday’s Game 1 and practiced Thursday at Ball Arena after having off day following their Game 5 closeout victory Tuesday over the Clippers in the first round.

“We as a staff were talking about options and right when the game was over, our guys were like wanting to get up here,” Suns coach Monty Williams said as the fourth-seeded Suns practiced inside the practice court at Ball Arena.

“I thought it was great to be able to get up here. It’s almost like a mini training camp, if you will. It’s just us talking, going over things that are necessary. Allowing them to get some good work in and go to the hotel and just have a great camaraderie and unity and all that stuff.”

The Suns have also given themselves extra time to get acclimated to the high altitude in Denver.

“There’s always that thing that people don’t talk about, but it’s a deal with the altitude,” Williams continued. “The more time you can spend here, the better. Not quite sure two days allows for you to acclimate, but you never know how it will benefit guys.”

Surely can’t hurt having two days in Denver before a game than one in preparing to face the No. 1 seeded Nuggets.

“I think it’s good to get up here, get used to the elevation a little bit and just settle in,” Booker said.

The Suns split four games against the Nuggets this season with Phoenix losing the first two in Denver and winning the latter at home, but there were different circumstances for each game.

Game 1 — Devin Booker suffered a strained left groin early in the first quarter on Christmas Day.

Game 2 — Chris Paul (hip), Deandre Ayton (ankle), Cameron Johnson (knee), Landry Shamet (hip) and Cameron Payne (foot) were out with injuries as well as Booker.

Story continues

Game 3 — The Nuggets sat Nikola Jokic (calf), Jamal Murray (knee…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/suns-head-denver-early-adjust-043323579.html?src=rss

Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

Publish date : 2023-04-28 04:33:23

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