3 things Phoenix Suns must do to bounce back in Game 2 against Minnesota Timberwolves

Despite being the Western Conference's sixth seed, the Phoenix Suns entered their first-round playoff series against the third-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves favored to win. However, after sweeping their season series 3-0, Phoenix got thoroughly outplayed in Game 1, getting blown out 120-95 in Minneapolis.

The Wolves, led by star wing Anthony Edwards' game-high 33 points, exposed the Suns' weaknesses on both ends of the court. As a result, they finished the contest with overwhelming advantages in several statistical categories.

However, given Phoenix's dominance against Minnesota this season, it should bounce back in Game 2 on Tuesday.

On that note, here are three areas the Suns can improve upon to tie their first-round series 1-1 heading to Phoenix.

3 areas of improvement for Phoenix Suns in Game 2 against Minnesota Timberwolves

#3. 3-point shooting

Phoenix Suns superstar shooting guard Devin Booker (left)

Both Phoenix and Minnesota finished in the top five in the NBA in 3-point percentage this season. The Suns ranked fifth (38.2%), while the Wolves ranked third (38.7%).

However, Phoenix struggled mightily from beyond the arc in Game 1, shooting just 9-for-28 (32.1%), while Minnesota fared slightly better, going 12-for-32 (37.5%).

Given their offense-heavy roster construction, the Suns will need more players to knock down perimeter shots on Tuesday.

“It’s a make-or-miss league,” Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant said postgame. “You’ve got to knock down shots if you want to win.”

While Durant went 2-for-2 (100%) from deep, his co-stars Devin Booker and Bradley Beal shot a combined 3-for-9 (33.3%). Meanwhile, sharpshooters Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon missed all seven of their 3-point attempts.

Allen led the NBA in 3-point percentage this season (46.1% on 5.9 attempts per game). However, he is questionable for Game 2 after sustaining an ankle sprain on Saturday.

Nonetheless, Phoenix should be bound for a better shooting night, as it shot 48.8% from 3 during its three-game season series against Minnesota.

#2. Bench scoring

Phoenix Suns reserves Royce O'Neale and Eric Gordon

The Suns ranked dead last in the NBA in bench scoring this season (26.6 points per game). Meanwhile, the Wolves didn't fare much better, ranking 21st (32.3 ppg). However, the Suns' lack of reliable bench production was amplified on Saturday.

Phoenix's bench was outscored 41-18, with 14 of its 18 bench points coming from reserve forward Royce O'Neale. So, the Suns essentially played six deep offensively.

That won't cut it in the playoffs. So, they will need someone else to step up offensively off the bench to lessen their dependence on their Big 3.

#1. Rebounding

Despite being a top-10 rebounding team (44.1 rpg), Phoenix was dominated on the glass in Game 1, getting outrebounded 52-28. That included Wolves star center Rudy Gobert outrebounding Suns starting big man Jusuf Nurkic 16-4.

While Gobert was the league's second-leading rebounder this season (12.9 rpg), Nurkic wasn't far behind, ranking seventh (11.0 rpg). Additionally, Minnesota's rebounding advantage was much smaller during their season series (40.0 rpg to 37.7 rpg).

So, Phoenix will need Nurkic to be more active on the glass for the remainder of the series to counter Minnesota's imposing frontcourt.

Also Read: NBA analyst fires shots at LeBron James' naysayers after Phoenix Suns' blowout loss: "LeBron’s fault when Frank Vogel gets fired this time?"