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Nuggets Rout Suns To Advance In NBA Playoffs

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Despite historic numbers from Devon Booker, the Suns had always been the underdogs in their playoff series with the Denver Nuggets. Even then, they had been able to keep the series close and had a chance to force a Game 7. That was a feat in itself, given that the Suns had begun the series in an 0-2 hole. However, they would have to do it without Deandre Ayton. Ayton was ruled out after suffering a rib contusion in Game 5.

As for the Nuggets, they just needed one more win. They had won by 16 in Game 5, once again taking a series lead after allowing the Suns to even things at 2-2. Nikola Jokić had been an absolute beast through the series, but the Nuggets were finally starting to see his supporting cast shine. Furthermore, they had finally found a way to shut down Booker and Durant. With the pair contained, the Suns struggled. All Denver had to do was do it again.

Nuggets Win by 25

The Nuggets’ starters were key in Game 6. Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope combined for 79 points, with each putting up at least 20. Jokić notched yet another triple-double with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. Additionally, the Nuggets out-rebounded the Suns by 12 and shot 93.5% (29-for-31) from the free-throw line. Neither team crowded the paint offensively but the Suns were held to just two offensive rebounds the entire game. It’s the 19th time in NBA playoff history that a team has been held to two or fewer offensive rebounds.

There was very little the Suns could do to stop Denver. Booker managed just 12 points as he was incessantly swarmed by the Nuggets’ backcourt. Durant also struggled, putting 23. With no Deandre Ayton, the Suns suffered as their stars slumped. However, veteran Cameron Payne was a lone bright spot in the 125-100 defeat. Payne put 31 points to lead the team in scoring. But it simply wasn’t enough. The Suns were outplayed and will now head into the offseason. The Nuggets progress to the Conference Finals for the fifth time in franchise history. They will face either the Lakers or the Warriors. The Nuggets have faced the Lakers in three of their previous four trips to the Conference Finals.

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Nuggets Edge Suns To Set Up Elimination Game

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After starting the series 0-2, the Phoenix Suns rallied behind a historic Devon Booker to tie their Conference Semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets. It’s a powerful statement on the tenacity and talent on the Phoenix roster.

Furthermore, Game 4 was one to remember. Despite Nikola Jokic scoring 53 for the Nuggets, the Suns were able to come out on top. Booker and Durant both scored 36 as the Suns won out 129-124. However, the game will likely be best remembered for Jokic’s technical foul after elbowing Suns’ owner Mat Ishiba in the face. Regardless of why the game is remembered, the result set up an all-to-play for Game 5 in Denver.

Nuggets Ease Past Suns

Finally, it appears as though the Nuggets have figured out to guard Booker and Durant. While the pair combined for 54 points, neither was able to break 30 points individually. It’s the first time that neither one of them scored at least 30 since Game 1 of the first round. The Nuggets were also able to lock up the rest of the Suns’ shooting threats. The other only other Phoenix player to hit double-digit points was Deandre Ayton, who scored 14. Starters Josh Okogie and Cameron Payne combined for just eight points. However, with Okogie playing just eight minutes and bench players T.J. Warren and Torrey Craig playing a combined 19, the Suns spent most of the game without a small forward on the court.

The Nuggets had a much better day offensively. Jokic led all scorers with 29 points, while Bruce Brown put up 25 from the bench. Overall, four of the Nuggets starters reached double digits, with three dropping at least 19 points each. While neither team was elite from three-point range, the Nuggets held the advantage there. Both teams attempted 27 threes, with the Suns hitting nine and the Nuggets sinking 13. While the total rebound advantage for the Nuggets was +8, that also included a +6 advantage on defensive rebounds. While the Suns have bounced back in the series multiple times already, their cushion is gone. If they can’t force a Game 7, the Nuggets move on.

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Do you think the Suns can force Game 7? Let us know in the comments.

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Nikola Jokic Gets Tech For Shoving Suns Owner Mat Ishbia

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Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic was assessed a technical foul on Sunday night for making content with Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia. The bizarre incident occurred as Josh Okogie crashed into the courtside seats where Ishbia was sitting. Ishbia ended up with the basketball in his hands. When Jokic tried to rush over and grab it, the ball went flying into the stands and he shoved Ishbia while trying to get it. Ishbia told The Associated Press that he was “fine” at halftime.

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said it was “crazy” that refs gave Jokic a technical foul in that situation. “Going to get the ball, and some fan is holding onto the ball who wants be a part of the game. Just give the ball up, man,” Malone said. As for whether he cares that the fan was Ishbia, Malone remarked, “I don’t give a shit.” It’s unclear whether the league will suspend Jokic for the incident.

Nikola Jokic Shoves Mat Ishbia

PHOENIX, AZ – MAY 7: Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets rushes to retrieve the game ball as Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia inserts himself into the action by clutching the ball as he helps Josh Okogie (2) to his feet after Okogie flew into the stands during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

Jokic also commented on the incident after the game. “He told me I was elbowing the fan, but the fan put his hands on me first. I thought the league is supposed to protect us. But maybe I’m wrong,” he told reporters.

Ishbia purchased a controlling 57% stake in the Suns from Robert Sarver for $2.28 billion a few months ago. Many fans on Twitter argued that Ishbia flopped when Jokic touched him courtside. “Ishbia knew exactly what he was doing by holding up the fastbreak by holding the ball and mixing it up,” one tweeted. “The NBA shouldn’t encourage that garbage. Back in the day they told Cuban to knock it off.”

Jokic finished the game with a game-high 53 points but it wasn’t enough to get his team the win. The Suns took Game 4 by a score of 129-124. The series is now tied 2-2 and the teams will face off in Game 5 on Tuesday in Denver.

Nikola Jokic’s Incident With Mat Ishbia

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Devin Booker’s Playoff Heroics Hit Historic Levels

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The Phoenix Suns live and die on the performances of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. The star duo has been the driving force of the Western Conference contenders ever since Durant was acquired in a mid-season trade. In the first round of the playoffs, Booker and Durant became the first duo since Jerry West and Elgin Baylor in 1968 to score at least 25 points per game in every game of a best-of-seven series.

However, Booker especially has been absolutely fire during these playoffs. Through eight playoff games, Booker is shooting 60.2% from the field (115-191). He has amassed 295 points, 40 rebounds, 55 assists, and 17 steals. Furthermore, is shooting 48.9% from three (23-47). He also averaging 42.8 minutes per night, as the Suns get everything from their star. But now his historic playoffs are starting to put him in very elite company.

Here Are Some Of The Milestones Devin Booker Is Hitting

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 05: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns walks down the tunnel following Game Three of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Footprint Center on May 05, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Nuggets 121-114. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

We’ve already talked about what he’s been able to achieve alongside Kevin Durant but Booker has also been hitting historic individual milestones as well.

  • His 36.9 points per game makes him the first player since 1992 Michael Jordan average 35 points per game over the first eight games of the playoffs
  • After scoring 47 points in Game 3 versus the Nuggets, Booker recorded his 4th 45-point playoff game. The Suns franchise excluding Booker has four 45-point playoff games combined
  • Booker has scored 295 points during the postseason. That’s the most points by an individual in the first eight games of the playoffs since 1990 Michael Jordan

The Suns currently trail the Nuggets 2-1 in the second round of the playoffs. Just 33 teams have ever won a playoff series after starting with a 0-2 deficit. However, it has already happened once this postseason. The Warriors came back from 0-2 down against the Kings to win 4-3 in the first round. Furthermore, the Suns have achieved it once before. The 1993 Suns rallied from 0-2 down to beat the Lakers in the first round. If Phoenix wants to advance and challenge for a place in the NBA Finals, Booker may need to go even further into the history books with his play. The Suns will host the Nuggets for Game 4 of their series on Sunday night.

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