Phoenix Suns: 3 reality checks after loss to Nuggets

2. Defense is still a problem area

Even if the Suns hadn’t given up the first 30-point triple-double on 100 percent shooting since Wilt Chamberlain in the 1960s, their defensive issues from game one were put under a more unforgiving spotlight against one of the NBA’s best offenses.

Taking a few plays off may have flown against the Mavs, but the Nuggets shredded Phoenix’s defense, especially once Ayton got into early foul trouble. Denver finished with 121 points despite letting off the gas with five minutes to play, and dropped 65 in the first half.

With Ayton on the floor, Jokic got off to a hot start, scoring nine of his team’s first 11 points. Once the No. 1 overall draft pick had to exit the game with early foul trouble, the Joker was even more dominant against a 36-year-old Tyson Chandler.

It’s pretty clear Chandler has lost a step defensively at this stage of his career, so the Suns are really going to need Ayton to be sound, avoid cheap fouls, gobble up rebounds and stay on the floor. Jokic is a tough draw for any rookie, especially in that Denver altitude for a player still working on his conditioning, but with or without Ayton, the Suns’ defense has a long way to go.