2023-05-06 07:10:00
PHOENIX (AP) — Devin Booker has shouldered a huge offensive load for the Phoenix Suns during the playoffs, averaging more than 35 points per game despite being hounded by opposing defensemen in most of those games.
In an almost vital game on Friday, he went even a step further.
Booker scored 47 points, Kevin Durant had 39 and the Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 121-114 to cut their deficit to 2-1 in the Western Conference semifinals.
“This is all I know, this is everything I dreamed of as a child,” Booker said. “I have dedicated a lot of my life, separated from my family when I was young, to trying to be in these moments.”
Booker delivered another outstanding performance on offense. He made 20 of his 25 shots, including five of eight 3-pointers. Durant was just 12 of 31 from the field but was 14 of 16 from the free range.
“They knew what we had to do to win this game,” Suns coach Monty Williams said.
The Suns will try to tie the series this Sunday in Game 4 in Phoenix.
The fourth quarter began with the Suns leading 90-88. Phoenix had regained the lead following the Nuggets erased a 15-point deficit.
The Suns scored the first nine points of the fourth quarter. The last two of the streak came on a quick break and a Duncan dunk to make it 99-88.
Phoenix was not trailing at any point in the fourth quarter. Durant started 1-for-9 from the field but made 11 of his last 22.
“It’s frustrating not to shoot because that’s what I get paid to do,” Durant said. “But there also comes a time when you have to accept it and get over it.”
Nikola Jokic, who finished second in NBA MVP voting this week, had 30 points, 17 assists and 17 rebounds for Denver.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 32 points, while Michael Porter Jr. added 21 and grabbed 12 rebounds.
“I had some good chances late in the game that kept us there,” Murray said. “I think they went away because of that. I have to be more focused, more relaxed down the stretch.”
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