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The Suns on a 3-game losing run

Interestingly, these two teams have not played this season yet but they will meet three times in the next 30 days

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Even though they are theoretically still in the race for playoffs, the Suns are probably thinking of investing their energy into the development of young players after the All-Star weekend. It is rather possible for them to get rid of some veterans for a diamond in the rough which could help them more in the future. 

Earl Watson team seems better on both ends of the floor lately, at least compared to the start of the season. But they are far from impressing anyone. The Suns suffered the last two defeats to the Nuggets, who beat them in the very same manner both times - by taking advantage of poor perimeter defense to get in the paint and force a lot of free throws. 

- They attacked the paint and reached the free-throws line. The same happened in the game in Denver. They had 70 free throws in the last 2 games - coach Watson said on Saturday after the 112-123 home defeat.

Just like two days earlier, the offense was no problem for the Suns. But they had no solution for the Nuggets' back court who could get to the rim anyway they wanted, especially in the third quarter, where they took 19 free throws. 

- We can hit as many points as we want, but nothing will change until we start playing better defense - Booker said. He hit 23 points (8-for-16). 

Not even the brilliant Eric Bledsoe managed to save the Suns from defeat. He had team-high 41 points (12-for-27), 6 rebounds and 8 assists. Veteran Chandler did well with 15 points (6-for-8) and 13 rebounds. 

The team from the desert is now 8-14 home and will now host the Grizzlies, who got a bit lost what with all the experiments, which caused somewhat worse results over the past few weeks. After losing 4 out of the last 6 games, Joerger's team won in Salt Lake City 102-95 which saw them make up for starting the 6-game road trip with a defeat the night before. 

Randolph recorded 28 points (12-for-) and 9 rebounds, while Conely (9-for-14) and Gasol (7-for-12) added 23 and 18, respectfully. 

- We had a good flow and found the player in the best position. Z-Bo had a lot of attempts early on. We turned to Marc later on and when they closed him off, then I got more aggressive - Conely said.

In spite of a somewhat weaker performance against Utah, Gasol's average is 29,1 points in the last 7 games. It is obvious to whom the Suns will have to pay special attention. Interestingly, these two teams have not yet played this season but they will meet 3 times in the next 30 days.