Devin Booker says Jock Landale’s rebounding paced Suns’ fast breaks in Game 3 win over Nuggets

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Jock Landale was the defensive glue guy who helped keep the Phoenix Suns from unraveling on Friday night and possibly going down 0-3 in the Western Conference semifinals to the Denver Nuggets.

What Phoenix fans will mostly remember about Game 3 is Devin Booker’s magical 20-of-25 shooting clinic for 47 points with just two free throws, and Kevin Durant’s 39 points.

But Landale’s six points, nine rebounds (including seven on defense) and a steal during his 22 minutes off the bench was vital in enabling Phoenix to double Denver’s scoring in transition (23 to 11 in fast break points). His 3-of-3 shooting was all at the rim.

Landale had two layups assisted by Booker in the first half, and a dunk in transition assisted by Durant after the latter grabbed a defensive rebound, giving the Suns a 83-82 lead late in the third quarter.

“It’s an important part of the game, getting stops and running, and I think against this team we need to do that as much as we can,” Landale said.

“That was another point of emphasis tonight, the physicality and just getting down the court as fast as possible. We have guys who like to get out and play in transition and that plays to our strengths a lot.”

After the game, Booker credited Landale for having a difficult task of guarding Denver’s two-time MVP Nikola Jokic (28 points, 17 points, 17 assists, one block, game-high six turnovers), and getting defensive stops by crashing the glass to help pace the Suns’ runs.

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“He’s a playmaker, too. That’s a tough assignment he has down there fighting with Jokic, and the times they don’t score to get the ball and outlet it as soon as possible is a skill for a big,” Booker said about Landale, the Suns’ backup center.

“I think we’ve seen Kevin Love has been having success with it, with Miami now. Those plays are very underrated to be able to get a rebound and get it out for your teammate that quick and then spring the floor after that. So you’re asking him to do a lot and he’s built for it.”

Story continues

May 5, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/devin-booker-says-jock-landales-202028867.html?src=rss

Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic

Publish date : 2023-05-06 20:20:28

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