In the first four games of the Phoenix Suns’ second-round series against the Denver Nuggets, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have scored more than half of the team’s points. However, in Game 4, Landry Shamet stepped up and provided much-needed support to the top scorers, scoring 19 points in the 129-124 victory that evened the series at 2-2.
Shamet’s performance was particularly impressive because he became the first Suns player, aside from Booker and Durant, to produce more than 14 points in a game in the series.
After the game, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone acknowledged Shamet’s impact on the game, noting that he took advantage of how Denver covered the Suns’ stars to find space to shoot. Malone credited Shamet for knocking down five threes and said that he and Terrence Ross made seven threes, which was significant. Shamet’s fourth-quarter performance was particularly noteworthy, as he scored 14 points, including three three-pointers that helped the Suns extend their lead.
Shamet’s first three-pointer of the quarter came with 8:33 remaining, giving the Suns a 105-100 lead. He then hit another shot from deep just 58 seconds later, taking advantage of the Nuggets’ rotations. Less than a minute later, he fired off another three-pointer, and the Suns led 111-102. This time, Booker took on a double team and passed the ball to Shamet, who was open in the corner.
Although Shamet did not make another field goal in the game, he assisted in one of the defensive moments of the series thus far. With just under 30 seconds remaining and the Nuggets down by three, Shamet poked the ball away from Denver center Nikola Jokic, leading to a jump ball that Phoenix won. The Suns were then able to ice the game with free throws.
After the game, Suns head coach Monty Williams praised Shamet’s performance on both ends of the court and his ability to overcome the mental challenges that come with playing in the NBA. Williams noted that Shamet’s defense allowed the team to avoid having to put Booker on the main player every possession, while his execution against double teams and his ability to make shots spoke to his mentality and the work he puts in.
For Shamet, the victory was particularly meaningful, as he set a new playoff career high with his 19 points. He had yet to score double digits in a playoff game for the Suns since coming over ahead of the 2021-22 season. Despite his success, Shamet remained focused on the team’s ultimate goal, saying, “I just want to win, I don’t really care about the other stuff, the noise, the nonsense, the whatever that goes on.”
Phoenix Suns Fans Apologize to Landry Shamet for Negative Social Media Comments
After his impressive performance in Game 4, Suns fans took to social media to apologize to Landry Shamet for their past criticism of him.
LOLOL CHEER FOR LANDRY SHAMET YOU HYPOCRITES, CHEER
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) May 8, 2023
Landry Shamet in the fourth quarter pic.twitter.com/j6SvvqgMSr
— PHNX Sports (@PHNX_Sports) May 8, 2023
I would like to deeply apologize to shamet you have proven us wrong I would love for you too stay on out team for ever
— PR.My1stic (@My1stic) May 8, 2023
Some fans had previously expressed disappointment in the player, who was traded to Phoenix ahead of the 2021-22 season. However, after Shamet scored 19 points in the game, including 14 in the fourth quarter, fans praised him for stepping up and helping the team even the series against the Denver Nuggets.
How does Landry Shamet’s breakout performance in Game 4 highlight the crucial role of supporting players in the Phoenix Suns’ playoff success, and what impact does this have on the team’s overall chances of advancing in the postseason? Let us know in the comments section.
