NBA Finals: 3 adjustments Suns must make to stave off elimination

No. 2 The Suns must play better defense on Giannis-Middleton combinations.

The Suns have been one of the better defensive teams the entire season, as that was one of the main reasons they’ve made it this far. However, in the past three games, their defense has taken a step back, particularly when Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton run pick-and-roll combinations.

Some of it can be chalked up to great offense by the Greek Freak and Middleton. Both have made some incredible plays and made some challenging shots over the past three games, which the Suns can’t be too upset about. They are a gritty team, so maybe they have to revive that mindset heading into Game 6.

Being more physical through screens is one way to exert physicality towards the Bucks. They have the right players to do it with Jae Crowder and Paul, who don’t mind getting chippy. Mikal Bridges is a more slender player, but his length can be used to poke the ball lose if he times it right. It’s been a long a grueling season, but the Suns need one gritty game to keep their championship hopes alive.