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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