The Phoenix Suns may be without Chris Paul, but they have a streak after Friday.
Behind Devin Booker’s 47 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 3 steals, the Suns beat the Nuggets 121-114 in Game 3. The win meant they were closing in on an 0-3 mark heading into the Western Conference semifinals. Ball was lost for Game 2 with a groin injury after being declared out for at least a week.
Game 4 is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET Sunday (TNT) in Phoenix, as the Nuggets lead 2-1.
Phoenix responded by starting backup Cameron Payne to their future Hall of Fame point guard, but the real action was doubling down on Booker and Kevin Durant. Booker had a 20-for-25 night from the field, while Durant posted 39 points on 12-of-31 shooting with 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
This night was the pinnacle of a playoff career for Booker.
Playing at a faster pace than usual and in front of a raucous Phoenix crowd, the Suns led by 15 points at halftime. The Nuggets responded with a dominant third quarter, erasing the lead within seven minutes and trailing by just 2 at the end of the frame.
The Suns regained their footing in the fourth, going on a 9-0 run in the first three minutes and never looking back.
The Suns pulled out the win despite another strong night from Nikola Jokic, who had a triple-double of 28 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists. It was the first triple-double in NBA playoff history with at least 25 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists.
One of those favors is truly ridiculous:
Jamaal Murray had 32 points, but on 13-for-29 shooting.
