Nuggets Edge Suns To Set Up Elimination Game

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Phoenix Suns v Denver Nuggets - Game Five
DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 09: Landry Shamet #14 of the Phoenix Suns goes to the basket against Michael Porter Jr. #1 and Aaron Gordon #50 of the Denver Nuggets in the first quarter during Game Five of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena on May 09, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Nikola Jokic once again led the Nuggets past the Suns

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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About The Author
Ben Mock
Benjamin Mock (they/them) is a sports and culture writer working out of Philadelphia. Previously writing for the likes of Fixture, Dexerto, Fragster, and Jaxon, Ben has dedicated themselves to engaging and accessible articles about sports, esports, and internet culture. With a love for the weirder stories, you never quite know what to expect from their work.
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