The Phoenix Suns overcame a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter to beat the Denver Nuggets 122-105 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The visitors were in control for the majority of the matchup, but Chris Paul and co. flicked a switch down the stretch and defended their home court.
It was a complete team effort from the Phoenix Suns, with four of their five starters scoring 20 or more points. Paul finished with 21 points and 11 assists, while Deandre Ayton had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Nikola Jokic led the scoring for the Denver Nuggets, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocks.
Phoenix Suns’ turn the tide with a spectacular run in the third quarter
The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns got off on equal footing and matched blow for blow in the first half. It was only in the third quarter that the Nuggets managed to create some separation with the scoreboard reading 70-60 in their favor.
That’s when an inspired effort from Mikal Bridges lifted the Phoenix Suns as they went on a 28-9 run to finish the third quarter. Bridges scored 11 for the Suns during this flurry of baskets and finished with 23 points. Devin Booker wasn’t as explosive tonight, but he still managed 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting along with eight dimes.
Mikal Bridges finishes a layup
Chris Paul was busy creating looks for his Phoenix Suns teammates all this while, but at the start of the fourth quarter, he went into a trance of his own. Point God went 6-of-6 from the field to give his side a comfortable cushion as they took care of business against the Denver Nuggets. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the same.
Youre in trouble if @CP3 is playing like this … lets go @Suns !!!!
D.J. Foster (@ASTATE_8) June 8, 2021
Remember when the Clipper fans used to blame @CP3 for their shortcomings.
Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) June 8, 2021
Chris Paul and Devin Booker is the best closing backcourt in Suns history. And it aint close.
Max (@maxmcc11) June 8, 2021
The Suns Valley jerseys are way too clean for them not to make the Finals
(@Three_Cone) June 8, 2021
remember when the Suns were only good cuz it was the bubble LMFAO
Andrew (@AndrewLeezus) June 8, 2021
Ayton was magnificent.Bridges spectacular.Paul a 4th-quarter assassin.
But Dario Saric dunked the ball, and we all shouldve seen the @Suns W coming.
Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) June 8, 2021
Where would the Suns be without Bridges tonight? So many big plays
Kent Somers (@kentsomers) June 8, 2021
Ayton put up 20 & 10 on 13 shots and held Jokic to 22 & 9 on 23 shots. Genuinely cant praise him enough for his playoff leap
sreekar (@sreekyshooter) June 8, 2021
Suns fans young and old are smiling with misty eyes right now over this Suns team. They’ve got something for everyone, and their leader Devin Booker can’t stop reminding us how big a Suns town this is. He brings it up every single time he’s asked about fan support.
Dave King (@DaveKingNBA) June 8, 2021
Nikola Jokic cools off after hot start as Denver Nuggets falter
Nikola Jokic scored 10 of his 22 points today in the first quarter itself but was kept largely quiet by Deandre Ayton and Jae Crowder the rest of the way. Without Jokic in his element, the Denver Nuggets also fell apart despite being in control of proceedings for the majority of the game.
Nikola Jokic and JaMycal Green
Both Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon performed only in flashes and disappeared in the fourth quarter, as the Phoenix Suns ran away with the win. Here’s how Twitter reacted to the Denver Nuggets’ performance.
Shaq about to tell us he needs 84 & 55 from Jokic every night
. (@CountOnVic) June 8, 2021
Look, if Michael Malone is going to close with JaMychal Green over Michael Porter Jr. with a deficit, the team defense ha to be better than this.
Ryan Blackburn (@NBABlackburn) June 8, 2021
The Nuggets when they win:
Man, you know, maybe theyre good enough to make due without any guards
The Nuggets when they lose:
Oh, THATS right, they dont have any guards.” https://t.co/YModE9TEYA
Hardwood Paroxysm (@HPbasketball) June 8, 2021
I mean, you’re welcome to have an Aaron Gordon centric offense this half, Nuggets. Ask the Magic how that worked for them the last few years.
Suns up 17 with 3:34 to go
Dave King (@DaveKingNBA) June 8, 2021
22 points on 23 shots for Nikola Jokic tonight, just the third time in 79 games this season where he’s had more shots than points.
Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) June 8, 2021
Yall start lying bout Jokic and he turned into Andrea Bargnani
TeflonRique (@tmw1018) June 8, 2021
The Phoenix Suns will be high on confidence after pulling off such a massive turnaround. They’ll look to carry this momentum into Game 2 on Wednesday, while the Denver Nuggets will be hoping to bounce back.
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