The Denver Nuggets, fueled by 34 factors from Jamal Murray, dominated Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns 125-107 Saturday in recreation one in every of their NBA Western Conference semi-final sequence.
Denver’s two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic scored 24 factors and grabbed 19 rebounds as six Nuggets gamers scored in double-digits to give the highest seeds a convincing victory towards the doubtless explosive Suns.
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Jokic had gone as far as to say the Suns could possibly be thought-about favorites in the sequence, and Phoenix seemed harmful as they related on 66.7 % of their photographs from the sector in a nip-and-tuck first quarter that featured 14 lead modifications.
But they led by only one heading into the second interval, and the Nuggets inexorably took management to lead 68-51 at halftime.
The Nuggets responded to each run the Suns produced and Phoenix — led by 29 factors from two-time NBA champion Durant and with 27 from Devin Booker — didn’t get the deficit under 10 factors in the second half.
With 5 minutes remaining, Phoenix waved the white flag and pulled their stars.
Deandre Ayton scored 14 factors and Chris Paul had 11 for the Suns, however Denver had 16 three-pointers to Phoenix’s seven and scored 18 factors off 16 Suns turnovers.
Denver out-rebounded Phoenix 49-38.
Murray drained back-to-back three-pointers to launch a 14-0 fourth quarter run that carried the Nuggets to a 120-95 lead.
“Just some large, large photographs once they have been attempting to go on runs — Jamal appeared to cease it nearly each time,” Nuggets coach Mike Malone said.
It was more than a glimpse of the impressive form Murray flashed in the 2020 playoffs, when the Nuggets reached the Western Conference finals in the Covid-protective bubble.
But he missed the last two post-seasons after tearing a left knee ligament in April of 2021, an injury that saw him miss all of last season.
“The last two years have been tough not having him,” Malone stated. “When Jamal Malone is wholesome and locked and loaded we all know what he’s able to.”
Murray himself was delighted to be back in action in the playoffs.
“It’s good to play at the most valuable time of the year and make an impact,” he advised broadcaster TNT.
And for anybody stunned by the Nuggets’ dominant efficiency he had a message.
“We know what we’re able to,” Murray said. “We’re confident in what we do. We’re going to keep doing what we’re doing, keep proving everybody wrong and just take it one game at a time.”
Denver, who improved to 38-7 at house in the common season and playoffs, will host recreation two of the best-of-seven sequence on Monday.
Durant stated he’d merely have to be higher in recreation two.
The former MVP related on 12 of his 19 photographs from the ground however made simply one in every of three makes an attempt from three-point vary.
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He grabbed 14 rebounds however handed out only one help with seven turnovers.
“I slipped a few instances, I threw a few dangerous passes, I solely had one help, seven turnovers — you’re not going to win basketball video games like that,” Durant said.
“I’ve got to be way more careful with the ball. I’ve got to either look to shoot the ball or make the correct pass. I put that on me — just keeping the ball in my hands and not trying to make the home run play.”
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