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The Largest Selection of Wholesale Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Products in Phoenix

When it comes to trying new, exciting cuisine, few foods hit the spot like a deliciously fresh Mediterranean meal. However, we know that it can be very difficult to find authentic Mediterranean grocery wholesalers in Phoenix, AZ. Having lived in metro Atlanta for years, we realized that our customers needed an easy way to find quality wholesale Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in bulk. That is why we created Nazareth Grocery Mediterranean Market - to give everyone a chance to enjoy tasty, healthy food, desserts, and authentic Mediterranean gifts at wholesale prices.

Founded in 2009, Nazareth Grocery has become one of Phoenix's leading international wholesale grocery stores. We are very proud to serve our customers and do everything in our power to give them the largest selection of high-quality wholesale goods available.

If you're looking for the freshest, most delicious Middle Eastern wholesale products and ingredients, you will find them here at the best prices in the state. We encourage you to swing by our store in Marietta to see our selection for yourself. We think that you will be impressed!

The Nazareth Difference

At Nazareth Grocery Mediterranean Market, our mission is simple: bring you and your family the largest selection of wholesale Mediterranean products in Phoenix. When coupled with our helpful, friendly staff and authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere, it's easy to see why we are the top Middle Eastern grocery wholesaler in Phoenix, AZ. We're proud to carry just about every kind of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern product that you can think of, from prepared meals and hookahs to fine seasonings and sweets. We're here for our customers and want each one of them to have a unique, one-of-a-kind experience when they shop with us.

Our loyal customers love our selection of the following wholesale foods and gifts:

  • Fresh Breads
  • OlivesOlives
  • HummusHummus
  • CheesesCheeses
  • SaucesSauces
  • Savory-FoodsSavory Foods
  • DessertsDesserts
  • DrinksDrinks
  • HookahsHookahs
  • TobaccoTobacco
  • SaucesGifts
  • Much More!Much More!

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Most Popular Wholesale Mediterranean Foods

There is so much more to Mediterranean food than pizza and pasta. The perfect climate combined with delicious foods and amazing wine makes the Mediterranean incredibly irresistible. That's why our customers absolutely love to buy this kind of cuisine in bulk. Every country in this region has its own set of specialties and delicacies, each with its own flavors and styles of preparation.

Mediterranean countries include:

  • France
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Turkey
  • Syria
  • Egypt
  • Israel
  • Libya
  • Morocco
  • Tunisia
  • Spain
Mediterranean Grocery Phoenix, AZ

So, when it comes to the most popular wholesale Mediterranean products in Phoenix,
what are we talking about?

Mediterranean Supermarkets Phoenix, AZ

Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is a classic Mediterranean dairy product that is often enjoyed on its own, in Greek salads, on bread, or mixed with zucchini. Depending on where the feta is sourced and produced, the cheese can be made from cow, sheep, or goat milk, or even a combination of the three. Regardless of the animal it comes from, this delicious cheese is a crowd favorite.

Mediterranean Grocery Store Phoenix, AZ

Baba Ganoush

This Levantine dish is one of the most well-known Mediterranean dishes to eat in the United States. It typically comes in the form of a dip, served with pita or another kind of dipping bread. Commonly served before dinner as an appetizer of sorts, it usually features tahini, eggplant, garlic, spices, and sometimes yogurt. This tasty cuisine works great as a spread on a sandwich, or you can even eat it with a spoon, all on its own.

Middle Eastern Grocery Phoenix, AZ

Baklava

If you have never tried authentic baklava before, get ready to have your mind blown. This dessert is a traditional Mediterranean food that will have your taste buds craving more and more. Once you open a box of baklava from our Mediterranean grocery wholesaler in Phoenix, AZ, you won't want to stop eating! Baklava is made with layers of thin filo dough, which is layered together, filled with chopped nuts (think pistachios), and sealed with honey or syrup. Baklava is so good that its origins are debated, leaving many wondering which country invented the dessert. Everyone from the Turks to the Greeks and even Middle Easterners hold unique takes on baklava. Try each one to discover your favorite!

Most Popular Wholesale Middle Eastern Foods

Fresh, healthy, aromatic, rich: it's no wonder that the popularity of Middle Eastern cuisine and products has skyrocketed in the United States. This genre of cuisine features a large variety of foods, from Halvah to Labneh. If there were one common theme throughout all Middle Eastern food, it would be the bright, vibrant herbs and spices that are used. These flavorings help create rich, complex flavors that foodies fawn over. Typically, Middle Eastern food is piled high for all to eat, with enough food for an entire republic to put down.

Mediterranean Food Stores Phoenix, AZ

Tabbouleh

This refreshing, healthy dish is chock-full of greens, herbs, tomatoes, and bulgur (or cracked wheat), creating a memorable, bold flavor. This dish may be eaten on its own or paired with a shawarma sandwich or helping of falafel. It's best to buy your ingredients in bulk to make this dish because it tastes best freshly made with family around to enjoy. Just be sure to bring a toothpick to the tabbouleh party - you're almost certain to have some leafy greens stuck in your teeth after eating.

Middle Eastern Market Phoenix, AZ

Shawarma

We mentioned shawarma above, and for good reason - this dish is enjoyed by men and women around the world, and of course, right here in the U.S. Except for falafel, this might be the most popular Middle Eastern food item in history. Shawarma is kind of like a Greek gyro, with slow-roasted meat stuffed in laffa with veggies and sauce. The blend of spices and the smoky meat mix together to create a tangy, meaty flavor that you will want to keep eating for hours. For western-style shawarma, try using beef or chicken. For a more traditional meal, try using lamb from our Middle Eastern grocery distributor in Phoenix, AZ.

Greek Grocery Store Phoenix, AZ

Hummus

Traditionally used as a dip meant for fresh pita, hummus is a combo of chickpeas, garlic, and tahini, blended together until silky, smooth, and creamy. You can find hummus in just about any appetizer section of a Middle Eastern restaurant menu. That's because it's considered a staple of Middle Eastern food that can be enjoyed by itself, as a spread, or with fresh-baked pita bread. Hummus is also very healthy, making it a no-brainer purchase from our grocery store.

Benefits of Eating a Mediterranean Diet

If there's one diet that is most well-known for its health benefits, it has got to be the Mediterranean diet. In 2019, U.S. News & World Report listed the Mediterranean diet as No. 1 on its best over diet list. This incredible diet has been cited to help with weight loss, brain health, heart health, diabetes prevention, and cancer prevention.

Whether you already love Mediterranean food or you're looking to make some positive changes in your life, this "diet" is for you. Eating cuisine like Greek food, Persian food, Turkish food, and Italian food is healthy and tastes great. Even better than that? At Nazareth Wholesale Grocery, we have many staples of the Mediterranean diet for sale in bulk so that you can stock up on your favorites at the best prices around.

So, what exactly is the Mediterranean diet?

It is a way of eating that incorporates traditional Greek, Italian, and other Mediterranean cultures' foods. These foods are often plant-based and make up the foundation of the diet, along with olive oil. Fish, seafood, dairy, and poultry are also included in moderation. Red meat and sweets are only eaten in moderation, not in abundance. Mediterranean food includes many forms of nuts, fruits, vegetables, fish, seeds, and more. Of course, you can find at them all at our wholesale Mediterranean grocery store!

Here are just a few of the many benefits of eating a healthy Mediterranean diet:

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Reduced Risk
of Heart Disease

Many studies have been conducted on this diet, many of which report that Mediterranean food is excellent for your heart. Some of the most promising evidence comes from a randomized clinical trial published in 2013. For about five years, researchers followed 7,000 men and women around the country of Spain. These people had type 2 diabetes or were at a high risk for cardiovascular disease. Participants in the study who ate an unrestricted Mediterranean diet with nuts and extra-virgin olive oil were shown to have a 30% lower risk of heart events.

Reduced Risk of Stroke for Women

Reduced Risk
of Stroke for Women

In addition to the heart-healthy benefits of a Mediterranean diet, studies have shown that eating healthy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern foods can reduce the chances of stroke in women. The study was conducted in the U.K., which included women between the ages of 40 and 77. Women who stuck to the Mediterranean diet showed a lower risk of having a stroke - especially women who were at high risk of having one.

Benefits of Eating a Mediterranean Diet

First and foremost, purchase your Mediterranean and Middle Eastern wholesale foods from Nazareth Grocery - we're always updating our inventory! Getting started on this healthy, delicious diet is easy.

Try these tips:

Try these tips

1.

Instead of unhealthy sweets like candy and ice cream, try eating fresh fruit instead. It's refreshing, tasty, and often packed with great vitamins and nutrients.

2.

Try eating fish twice a week, in lieu of red meat. Fish is much healthier and doesn't have the unfortunate side effects of red meat, like inflammation.

3.

Try planning out your meals using beans, whole grains, and veggies. Don't start with meats and sweets.

4.

They're tasty, but try to avoid processed foods completely.

5.

Instead of using butter to flavor your food, use extra virgin olive oil instead. Olive oil contains healthy fats and tastes great too.

6.

Try to get more exercise and get out of the house. The Mediterranean lifestyle is an active one, best enjoyed in the beautiful sunshine when possible.

Why Buy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Products Wholesale?

Buying wholesale and retail are quite different. When you buy products from a wholesaler, you're essentially buying from the middleman between a retail establishment and the manufacturer. Wholesale purchases are almost always made in bulk. Because of that, buyers pay a discounted price. That's great for normal buyers and great for business owners, who can sell those products to profit. This higher price is called the retail price, and it is what traditional customers pay when they enter a retail store.

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Middle Eastern Store Phoenix, AZ

Latest News in Phoenix, AZ

Yelp ranks 100 top eateries in the Southwest - here's what Arizona restaurants made the list

PHOENIX - Yelp has released its first ranking of the top 100 places to eat in the Southwest, and 33 Arizona restaurants were featured on the list.The Grand Canyon State had the most eateries included on the list, and one of them even took the #1 spot.Here are the first ten restaurants that were featured and their ranking:1. ...

PHOENIX - Yelp has released its first ranking of the top 100 places to eat in the Southwest, and 33 Arizona restaurants were featured on the list.

The Grand Canyon State had the most eateries included on the list, and one of them even took the #1 spot.

Here are the first ten restaurants that were featured and their ranking:

1. Tumerico

3. Casa De Falafel

5. Kabob Grill N' Go

7. The Clinkscale

10. Momo's Kitchen

13. Frank's New York Style Deli

14. Binkley's Restaurant

16. Sushi Friend

18. Urban Fresh

19. Tiki Grill

Restaurants in the Valley

Check out these restaurants in the Valley that also made the list:

23. Koi Poke

37. El Super Taco

42. Valley Wings

43. Simon's Hot Dogs

45. Kiss Pollos Estilo Sinaloa

51. Vietshack

57. William's Coffee Co

63. The Uprooted Kitchen

64. De Babel

65. Soup & Sausage Bistro

66. Mingle + Graze

69. Worth Takeaway

71. Big Nate's Family BBQ

73. Not Your Typical Deli

76. 5th Street Burger and Fries

93. Pachamama

100. Cocina Madrigal

For the full list, click here.

Fun events, things to do in Phoenix this weekend: May 5-7

Need plans this weekend? Check out Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the English Rose Tea Room's Coronation Party, the Arizona Goth Festival and more happening in the Valley this weekend.Want your weekend event featured? Click the link here to send over your ideas.CarefreeEnglish Rose Tea Room's Coronation Party "A moment in British and Commonwealth h...

Need plans this weekend? Check out Cinco de Mayo celebrations, the English Rose Tea Room's Coronation Party, the Arizona Goth Festival and more happening in the Valley this weekend.

Want your weekend event featured? Click the link here to send over your ideas.

Carefree

English Rose Tea Room's Coronation Party

"A moment in British and Commonwealth history can be celebrated with us at the English Rose Tea Room in Carefree, Arizona, as we mark the momentous occasion of King Charles III’s Coronation.

The day will include; a special Royal Afternoon Tea, live music and entertainment, our very own Town Crier, a royal souvenir gift bag and a chance to sign a guest book which will be sent on to the King."

Chandler

Cinco de Chandler

"On May 5 and May 6, dive into a pocket of Mexican culture and pride with music from live bands and DJs, a giant dance floor, authentic street tacos, cerveza and tequila promos, giveaways and more! On May 6, children can celebrate in the kids’ zone from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be activities like pinata making, bouncy houses, and face painting as well as a kids food court."

Mesa

Run to Fight Children’s Cancer

"On the morning of Saturday, May 6, a sea of purple and gold will swarm over Mesa’s Riverview Park as runners and walkers participate in Children’s Cancer Network’s 13th Annual Run to Fight Children’s Cancer. The popular fundraising event, which celebrates survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle, is open to participants of all ages and all levels, including elite runners, joggers, and walkers."

Peoria

Dose Moving & Storage Indoor/Outdoor Car Show

"Come celebrate with us as we open the doors to Dose Moving & Storage for all car enthusiasts to enjoy! This 30,000 sq ft space will be open to display your coolest rides, with extra space outdoors for all of you stragglers! Live DJ, excellent food trucks, raffles, prizes, and more. By the way... this is a free event! Load in starts at 9a, so make sure to shine it up and line it up!"

Food Truck Movie Night: Encanto

"Food will be available for purchase from a variety of food trucks. Guests may bring personal snack food items. Enjoy kid-friendly fun at the Peoria Cove's playground and splash pad before the movie, and throughout the stadium and field."

Phoenix

Arizona Goth Festival

"Presenting the second annual Arizona Goth Festival 2023! The biggest celebration of Goth Culture in Arizona! Including performances from both DJ's and local artists! With a goth artist alley known as the Arizona Dark Market including over 30 goth vendors! Special Guest MC Oliver Graves from America's Got Talent!"

Cinco de Mayo Block Party

"Great Food, Music, Art, Performances and so much more!"

Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival

"Celebrating 30 years in Downtown Phoenix, the Cinco de Mayo Phoenix Festival is a historic staple of the City of Phoenix and has entertained over 3 million attendees. Enjoy music, Lucha libre, baile folklorico, great food and drink and activities for the entire family."

Samurai Night

"Experience Japanese cultural traditions up close as you learn the basic movements, sword handling, and manner of speaking that define the samurai way from experienced Samurai. You'll even get to engage in a sword fight performance, just like in your favorite samurai movies! But don't worry - paper "swords" will be provided for safety."

The Woodford Reserve Derby Dayclub

"The Woodford Reserve Derby DayClub has become a highly anticipated event in the Valley. With its unique venue and thrilling entertainment, there is no other Kentucky Derby party in the Phoenix area that compares."

Queen Creek

Vintage & Vino

"Vintage & Vino has morphed into one of the best shopping events with music, food, drinks, wine tasting and of course our famous bucket mimosas.

This market is all about Mom, with over 100 local businesses from handmade, antique, vintage, bath and body, jewelry, home decor and everything in between. There is something for anyone and any interest. This is a great place to get your gifts for Mother's Day or gift your Mom for Mother's Day!"

Scottsdale

Maricopa County Home Show

"The Maricopa County Home & Garden Show, the largest home show in the Southwest, returns to WestWorld of Scottsdale on Friday, May 5 through Sunday, May 7, featuring David Bromstad from HGTV’s My Lottery Dream Home.

Shop endless indoor and outdoor inspiration and the latest trends to spruce up your home for the new season. The show features a variety of local small businesses, artisans, and the best assortment of home improvement companies throughout the Valley all in one location for three days only. "

Tempe

Fiesta de Taco

"We are bringing the goods with us: food, drinks, iconic hip-hop artists, unique entertainment and so much more.

This daylong event filled with tacos, tequila tasting, beer, margaritas, Lucha Libre wrestling, and fun is topped off with performances by some of your favorite hip-hop artists."

Features Flo Rida, T.I., 2 Chainz and more.

Soccer community rallying together after 12-year-old Phoenix girl suffers cardiac arrest

The soccer community is rallying around one Valley family after their 12-year-old daughter had a sudden cardiac arrest at practice.PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - The soccer community is rallying around one Valley family after their 12-year-old daughter had a sudden cardiac arrest on the field just minutes into her practice.This happened Thursday night, and since then, soccer coaches and teams from all over the country have shown their support while she recovers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Her dad, Matt Midkiff, says Pyp...

The soccer community is rallying around one Valley family after their 12-year-old daughter had a sudden cardiac arrest at practice.

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - The soccer community is rallying around one Valley family after their 12-year-old daughter had a sudden cardiac arrest on the field just minutes into her practice.

This happened Thursday night, and since then, soccer coaches and teams from all over the country have shown their support while she recovers at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Her dad, Matt Midkiff, says Pyper Midkiff and her twin sister Emori are star athletes on their youth soccer team. She’s played for six years and has never had any health issues.

Midkiff was coaching soccer for a different team nearby when this happened and sprinted over as soon as he got the call. When he arrived, his first thought was how this could have happened? A mother of a player on the team performed lifesaving CPR until the ambulance got there but, in the ambulance, she lost her pulse again. She was then flown to PCH, where she is in stable condition and seems to be improving.

Just before Arizona’s Family spoke with her dad, Pyper opened her eyes for the first time since her heart attack. “Everyone thinks their kid is special. But Pyper has something special about her and the world needs more people like her. The world needs more Pypers and seeing what I just saw gives me hope. Sports and soccer is more than competition and the support over the past few days shows that everybody gets it over the past few days. Family is important and the kids and the players,” her father said.

He says multiple youth soccer club teams in Arizona, Utah, and California have shown their support for Pyper this weekend. They have even heard wishes of support from the Phoenix Rising Pro team, who took to their Instagram to show a Jersey in her honor.

Pyper’s road to recovery will likely be long as they are still unclear how long she was without a pulse. In the coming days, they will learn more about her brain activity and work to create a diagnosis. In the meantime, however, Pyper’s dad told Arizona’s Family that they learned through testing that she has a genetic condition that--until now--went undiagnosed.

Her family has created a GoFundMe link for her medical costs. If you would like to donate, click here.

Copyright 2023 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.

Arizona’s Family announces transformative broadcast partnership with Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - Today, Arizona’s Family, in partnership with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, announced a transformative media rights deal to bring every locally broadcast game to viewers for free in a statewide distribution model utilizing Arizona’s Family television stations KTVK (3TV) and the newly launched KPHE (...

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) - Today, Arizona’s Family, in partnership with the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury, announced a transformative media rights deal to bring every locally broadcast game to viewers for free in a statewide distribution model utilizing Arizona’s Family television stations KTVK (3TV) and the newly launched KPHE (Arizona’s Family Sports & Entertainment Network).

Upon the expansion of KPHE into the Tucson and Yuma markets in the next several weeks, the new media rights deal will make the Suns and Mercury games available to nearly 2.8 million households across all three of Arizona’s three media markets, tripling the teams’ reach to fans who have been unable to access the games through its previous distribution arrangement with a non-broadcast regional sports network.

“Live sports can bring a community together. Combining that with the power of broadcast television and Arizona’s Family, it becomes a multiplier effect benefitting the team, the fans, and the clients,” said Debbie Bush, Vice President and General Manager, Arizona’s Family. “Our goal since day one has been creating a model that provides all fans the ability to connect with and cheer on their favorite teams via the distribution method of their choice. We are confident this model will increase fan loyalty and engagement.”

All Suns and Mercury non-national exclusive games will be broadcast between the two stations. KTVK will air a total of 13 Mercury regular season games and all available post-season games, with the remaining regular season games airing on KPHE. The Suns will have a minimum of 70 games broadcast each season, with at least 40 regular-season games on KTVK and the remaining on KPHE.

“We’re thrilled this partnership will connect our loyal family of viewers with the Phoenix Suns and Mercury,” said Pat LaPlatney, President & Co-CEO of Arizona’s Family parent, Gray Television. “In a very short window, Mat Ishbia has begun to build a world-class organization both on and off the court. And with today’s announcement, Mat has made good on his promise to focus on the community and put their fans first. We are very pleased to play a part in that effort with our stations in Phoenix, Tucson, and ultimately Yuma.”

Fans will also be able to watch games through a DTC (Direct-To-Consumer) streaming option alongside the over-the-air broadcast product powered by Kiswe. Subscribers will be able to access the DTC streaming through a Suns or Mercury branded app on their smartphones or Smart TVs. The 2023 Phoenix Mercury season will stream DTC for free.

“We are excited to be partnering with the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, and Gray Television on this groundbreaking new direct-to-fan distribution model,” said Glenn Booth, CEO of Kiswe. “Kiswe’s goal is to bring live sports to all fans through immersive digital experiences, and we can’t wait to start streaming games to any Arizona basketball fans who want to watch these iconic teams.”

The first Phoenix Mercury game will air live on KTVK and simulcast on KPHE Thursday, May 25th at 7p.m. when the Mercury take on the Minnesota Lynx.

The agreement is subject to the approval of the NBA and WNBA and any required resolution with the incumbent regional sports partner. The agreement is subject to various industry-standard terms and conditions that the parties did not disclose. Lee H. Berke, President & CEO of LHB Sports, Entertainment & Media, Inc., advised Arizona’s Family and Kiswe on the development of the Suns/Mercury agreement announced today.

About Arizona’s Family | Arizona’s Family is the premier news and information destination for the Phoenix metro area, serving nearly seven million people who call the valley home. The hyper-local independent spirit of 3TV, backed by the investigative power of CBS 5, Arizona’s Family delivers more original content, live-breaking stories, and in-depth coverage on issues that matter most to the people of Arizona. All on the platform of your choice: on-air, online, social media, and streaming TV devices.

Copyright 2023 KTVK/KPHO. All rights reserved.

What must Phoenix Suns do to win Game 3 vs. Denver Nuggets? Here's what The Republic's writers say

The Phoenix Suns return to Footprint Center down 2-0 in their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets. It doesn't overstate things to say Friday is a must-win game. ...

The Phoenix Suns return to Footprint Center down 2-0 in their best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets. It doesn't overstate things to say Friday is a must-win game. So what will it take for the Suns to win Game 3? Here's what The Arizona Republic's writers who have been covering the playoffs say:

It comes down to Durant and Booker

With Kevin Durant and Chris Paul, offense is not supposed to be a problem for the Phoenix Suns in their Western Conference semifinal playoff series against the Denver Nuggets. Except Durant has played far below his all-time great standards, and Paul is hurt, again.

The Suns are down 0-2 to the Nuggets as they return to Phoenix for Game 3 on Friday. It’s not an elimination game, but it’s certainly do-or-die for Devin Booker and the Fellas. Durant turned the ball over seven times in Game 1. He followed that up by shooting 10 for 27, including 3 for 12 from 3-point range.

Paul, meanwhile, scored just 11 points in Game 1. And then, just when it looked like he was going to heat up to help the Suns put away Game 2, he got hurt. Again. Paul’s career has been marred by postseason injuries, and it looks like this is going to be yet another “if Chris Paul were healthy who knows what would have happened” type of year.

If Durant plays the way he’s played for most of the last 15 years and Booker matches his efficiency, the Suns should have enough heat to win Friday. Anything less than a stellar performance from those two brightest Suns is likely to lead to an 0-3 deficit.

— Greg Moore

Updates: Suns vs. Nuggets NBA playoffs news, notes

Cameron Payne needs to step up for Chris Paul

Chris Paul's 38th birthday is Saturday. Cameron Payne needs to be the gift on both ends of the floor in Game 3 on Friday now that Paul possibly can't give after he was sidelined with left groin tightness late in Game 2's third quarter.

Paul finished Game 2 with eight points, six assists, and five rebounds. That's something Cam can do to help run the offense with more minutes, and Williams said after Game 2 that Payne and Phoenix backup big Jock Landale "put a lot of pressure on the rim."

Payne averaged 9.3 points per game, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds in 19 minutes in the 2021 playoffs. But in Phoenix's seven postseason games, he's been limited to just four minutes and produced 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds.

Stepping up the pace and scoring would be a potential reprisal of Payne stepping up for Paul after he suffered a stinger in his shoulder during the first round in the 2021 playoffs when Phoenix made its finals run.

— Dana Scott

Suns update: Chris Paul ruled out for Game 3 with left groin strain

Defend, close a close one

Phoenix’s bench was considered a weak link even before the playoffs began, but four points in Game 2 on 2-of-16 shooting (0-for-9 from 3) just won’t cut it against a good team, let alone a really good one like Denver.

The Suns got away with it to a large degree against the short-handed Clippers, who were without injured Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, but the Nuggets are not only healthy, they have a tight eight-man rotation.

Within that rotation, Aaron Gordon can play the five. Nuggets coach Michael Malone has executed the game plan of playing Durant physical with multiple bodies and having his team contest shots.

Booker and Durant are missing some easy ones, but the Nuggets are forcing those two to go into their offensive bag and basically saying to the rest of the Suns that they can’t beat them.

Phoenix must counter that with a game plan that involves finding combinations that best match up with Denver.

Suns coach Monty Williams has been searching for guys instead of having a game plan that helps a certain group play better for longer stretches. He believes they've found an offensive formula of "run an action and kick it," but when Denver adjusts, how the Suns counter will be huge.

Williams talks about defense, but he has an offensive team.

He has three days to convince the Suns they’re not going to outscore Denver. Phoenix has the two best scorers, but Denver has more guys who can score and truly understand their roles.

They say defense wins championships. Phoenix must dig in, play it and believe that in a close game late, Durant and Booker will deliver with help from Ayton and Paul, if he’s able to go.

— Duane Rankin

Takeaways: Suns must turn series around or face 'Nuggets in 4' after Game 2 loss

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What must Phoenix Suns do to win Game 3 vs. Denver Nuggets?

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