The Phoenix Suns have officially set their starting five for their NBA Cup group stage opener against the Denver Nuggets. This comes after a tough 120-127 loss to those same Nuggets just days ago on October 30, a defeat that extended the Suns' recent run to 1W-3L in their last four outings. Every game in this new tournament format carries weight, with players eyeing a significant financial prize and teams battling for early group positioning.
Phoenix's primary concern heading into this matchup is their defensive performance. They have allowed at least 122 points in every game this young season. That trend includes the recent 127 points surrendered to Denver and a 125-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 26. While they managed a 131-122 win over the Golden State Warriors on October 24, the defensive consistency hasn't been there. Opponents are finding too many easy looks, and against a Nuggets offense that led the league last year, that's a major problem.
Their recent form shows a team searching for rhythm. After that win over Golden State, they suffered a heavy 124-83 defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21. The NBA Cup demands sharp, efficient basketball from the opening tip, and the Suns need to find a higher defensive level immediately.
The Nuggets have also shown some offensive inconsistency early this season. This presents a narrow window for the Suns. If Phoenix can tighten up their rotations and communicate better on the perimeter, they might force Denver into tougher shots.
Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic remain the central figures for Denver's attack. Murray, in particular, is capable of taking over a game and scoring 35 or more points. The Suns' game plan must account for his scoring bursts and Jokic's playmaking from the high post. Slowing that duo down is the first step to making this a competitive, winnable game in the Cup setting.
Regardless of the NBA Cup result, the schedule moves quickly. The Suns' next fixture is a road game against the Golden State Warriors on November 2. That game offers a quick chance for redemption after their earlier meeting.
The group stage is a short sprint, so a loss to Denver would put significant pressure on Phoenix to win their remaining Cup games. With financial incentives and tournament advancement on the line, this isn't just another early-season game. It's a test of the Suns' ability to respond under a new kind of pressure and correct their defensive issues against elite competition. Their starters will need to set a physical tone from the opening possession.
