Throughout the playoffs, Devin Booker has carried a significant offensive load for the Phoenix Suns, scoring more than 35 points per game despite having many defenders draped over him.


Confronted with an almost should dominate match on Friday night, he some way or another did considerably more.



The Phoenix Suns defeated the Denver Nuggets 121-114 to cut Denver's lead in their Western Conference semifinal series to 2-1. Booker scored 47 points, and Kevin Durant added 39.

"It's all I know, this is all I longed for as a youngster," Booker said. " I've spent a lot of my life trying to be in these moments, and when I was young, I moved away from my family.


Booker scored 20 points on 25 attempts, including 5 of 8 from three-point range, in another extremely efficient performance. Durant made 14 of 16 free throws despite shooting just 12 of 31 from the field.


Monty Williams, the Suns' head coach, stated, "They knew what we had to do to win this game."



In Game 4 on Sunday in Phoenix, the Suns will attempt to level the series.


After the Nuggets overcame a 15-point halftime deficit, the Suns retook the lead in the fourth quarter, 90-88. Phoenix increased their lead to 99-88 with the first nine points of the fourth, including the final two on Durant's fast break dunk.

The Phoenix Suns have relied heavily on Devin Booker's offensive prowess throughout the postseason, scoring more than 35 points per game despite having defenders draped over him the majority of the time.



He somehow did even more on Friday night, when the game was almost a must-win.



The Phoenix Suns defeated the Denver Nuggets 121-114 to cut Denver's lead in their Western Conference semifinal series to 2-1. Booker scored 47 points, and Kevin Durant added 39.



"It's all I know, this is all I longed for as a youngster," Booker said. " I've spent a lot of my life trying to be in these moments, and when I was young, I moved away from my family.


Booker scored 20 points on 25 attempts, including 5 of 8 from three-point range, in another extremely efficient performance. Durant made 14 of 16 free throws despite shooting just 12 of 31 from the field.


Monty Williams, the Suns' head coach, stated, "They knew what we had to do to win this game."



The Suns will attempt to even the series in Game 4 on Sunday in Phoenix.


The Suns took a 90-88 lead into the final quarter, retaking the lead after the Pieces deleted a 15-point halftime shortfall. Phoenix increased their lead to 99-88 with the first nine points of the fourth, including the final two on Durant's fast break dunk.


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In the fourth quarter, they would not fall behind. Durant was 1 for 9 from the field when he started, but he made 11 of his final 22 throws.


Durant stated, "It's frustrating not making shots, because that's what I'm paid to do." However, there are times when all you can do is figure it out and persevere.


Nikola Jokic of Denver finished with 30 points, 17 assists, and 17 rebounds, placing him second in the MVP voting on Tuesday behind Philadelphia's Joel Embiid.


Jamal Murray drove the Pieces with 32 places, while Michael Doorman Jr. added 21 focuses and 12 bounce back. Murray admitted that he was disappointed that he did not contribute more toward the end.


"I had a few extraordinary ganders toward the finish of the game and that would have kept us not too far off," Murray said. " That seems to have driven them away, in my opinion. I need to be more focused and relaxed in the final stages.


Michael Malone, the head coach of Denver, stated that while his team performed admirably at times, the defense against Booker was "unacceptable." Booker contributed to the 20-of-25 shooting night by repeatedly getting close to the rim for short jumpers or layups.


Malone stated, "That is a really high percentage even though I wasn’t a math major." We must improve significantly."


The Suns put Cameron Payne in the beginning setup to replace 12-time Top pick Chris Paul, who experienced a stressed left crotch in the Game 2 misfortune and didn't play on Friday. Seven points were scored by Payne, who was a playoff hero for a few games last year when Paul was out, including a big 3-pointer early in the fourth.


Additionally, Williams altered the bench rotation, giving TJ Warren, Jock Landale, and Terrence Ross more playing time. Landale had six points and nine rebounds in the game, and Warren scored a few crucial free throws in the closing minutes to help the Suns maintain their lead.


Booker led the Suns to a 67-52 lead at halftime with 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting. Durant added 21 points, 11 of which came from free throws.


AYTON Sidelined


It was an extreme night for Suns beginning focus Deandre Ayton, who wrapped up with only four places and nine bounce back quickly.


Williams benched Ayton because he was so ineffective. Landale, who was providing significantly more energy and rebounding, received the first overall pick. Booker stated that Ayton should rely on him to support him through the trying times.


Booker stated, "That's life." We have been in business for long enough to know that not every night will be your night. It's doing different things to compensate for it. ... Energy and effort must always be high, particularly at this time. You can't panic or get stuck in your own head. I could see that a little with him today, so I must siphon him up."

Nuggets: Jokic had 10 aids the primary half. ... had a 51-41 advantage in rebounds.


Suns: Durant shot 16 of the group's sans 18 tosses. He had every one of them until Booker shot two free tosses in the last seconds.