Either Monte Morris shows up or Denver gets swept in this series

Through two games so far in this series, Monte Morris has played a total of 45 minutes off-the-bench, but has only scored 5 total points and is shooting 2-17 (11.8%) from the floor. In the Nuggets’ previous series against Portland, Morris averaged 15.3 points, 5.8 assists and shot 32-72 (44.4%) from the floor, including 41.7% from three-point range. 

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Phoenix has completely taken Morris out of his comfort zone in this Western Conference Semifinals series, but he also has not helped himself by taking low-percentage shots. Only 5 of Morris’ 17 shots so far in this series against the Suns have come inside the paint and he has yet to convert on any layup attempts! 

If the Nuggets are going to have any chance to get back in this series against the Suns and keep their season alive, Morris needs to be better because he is the only guard on their roster with the athleticism and length to be able to do anything against Phoenix. 

Facundo Campazzo has been great since Jamal Murray got injured, but when his three-point shots are not falling, he does not contribute much and Austin Rivers has struggled to find his shot in this series. Monte Morris needs to be aggressive the rest of the way because he is the “spark” for the Nuggets off-the-bench.

He was their third best scorer in the Portland series, which is why he is the key for Denver in these playoffs. It is not fair to only single out Monte Morris, as plenty of other guys on the Nuggets’ roster needs to step up and play better, but if Denver does not get anything from Morris in Game 3, then this series is over.