Devin Booker and Kevin Durant go wild for 86 COMBINED points as Phoenix Suns win 121-114 vs. the Nuggets despite another triple-double from MVP runner-up Nikola Jokic
- Game 4 is again in Arizona, Sunday at 8:00 PM ET at the Footprint Center
- Kevin Durant and Devin Booker made history for Phoenix in the crucial win
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Devin Booker was on another level, scoring 47 points, as the Phoenix Suns cut the deficit in half in the Western Conference Finals with a 121-114 victory Friday night.
Booker already trailed 2-0 in the series, but Booker – who dropped 35 in Game 2 – scored 45 points as Phoenix backtracked a game.
Kevin Durant joined the Phoenix side with 39 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Such was the duo’s dominance, the Suns didn’t have or need another player in double-digit points. TJ Warren and Cameron Payne scored the second highest with seven each.
Nikola Jokic played in his first game since the 76ers’ Joel Embiid was announced as the Association’s MVP, simultaneously ending his hopes for a historic back-to-back-to-back MVP nod.
While on his feet, The Joker’s supporting cast wilted late in the game – most notably Jamal Murray who – despite 32 points – went 1-8 in the fourth quarter.
Durant and Booker were an unstoppable force for the Phoenix Suns in front of the home crowd
Booker was on another level, scoring 47 points as the Phoenix Suns cut the deficit in half at 2-1
Jokic tied the iconic Wilt Chamberlain with most playoff triple-doubles by a center in NBA history (9).
The Serbian sensation continued to show why he is a two-time MVP — with 28 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists. Michael Porter Jr. scored for the Nuggets with a double-double – 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Booker dropped 35 points in Game 2 as Phoenix was overrun and took his game to an absurd level in the Valley with the Suns staring at a possible 0-3 deficit.
You’d be forgiven for thinking the Lakers had a home game on Friday night, given the many celebrities on court for the Game 3 Western Conference Semifinals game.
Portland Trailblazers stud Damian Lillard, Ravens wideout Odell Beckham Jr., Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney and 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm were all in attendance at Phoenix’s Footprint Center.
Kevin Durant and Devin Booker were impressive for Phoenix throughout the series, but made history on Friday night. It was the third time this postseason that both had scored 30 points – the most in franchise history.
Without Chris Paul, Phoenix was and is facing an uphill battle, but no one seemed to tell the dynamic duo of Durant and Booker.
In reality, Phoenix deserved Game 3 and if Denver hadn’t been persistent, he could have ended this game much sooner.
The Suns led 15 at halftime before Jokic and Co. narrowed the gap to just two. However, Phoenix showed his guts – he started the last quarter hot and stood strong amidst the fightbacks thrown at them by the road team.
Game 4 will be in Arizona again on Sunday night, and after the Booker-Durant coming out party the question is, can they stay there?
Nikola Jokic had another triple-double with 28 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists in the loss
Jamal Murray was hot for the No. 1 seed early in the game, but wilted late when he got tired
Portland Trailblazers superstar Damian Lillard was on the side of the game for the Western Conference
2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm received a jersey during Game 3 on Friday night
