There was all but one quarter left to make a difference for the Phoenix Suns in Game 5. The Denver Nuggets had imposed their will completely in the first and third quarter.
As such, Phoenix stared down a 91-74 lead from Denver at the end of the third quarter. With a potential 3-2 lead for either team, the game got chipper with technical fouls flying for both teams.
The Nuggets owned the momentum for the night though, winning 118-102 over the Suns.
Transition Defense Flops in First Quarter
From the opening tip in Game 1, there was a clear sense of gap in both the Suns and Nuggets’ abilities while transitioning on the court.