By Miguel Mike Medina
The Phoenix Suns have put themselves in a position to get back into the series. The Dynamic Duo of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant lifted the Suns by combining 72 points in a 129-124 win over the Denver Nuggets. The series is tied 2-2.
Phoenix Suns played great offense. They did a great job sharing and moving the ball. Booker finished with 36 points and 12 assists while shooting 14 of 18 from the field. Durant also had 36 points, 11 boards while shooting 11 of 19 from the field. We know what to expect from the top stars, but the X-factor for the Suns was their bench. Shooting guard Landry Shamet led the Sun’s bench with 19 points in 30 minutes and made five of his eight three-pointers. The Suns’ bench outscored the Nuggets’ bench 42 to 11. There were 12 ties and 16 lead changes in Game 4.
Coach Mike Malone said during the postgame interview that the Nuggets giving up 129 points is not good. Also, the team needs to do a better job defensively, especially on the Suns bench. The Nuggets need to pick up their defense, and their bench needs to put in some points. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are monsters. They did what they were supposed to do. Jokic led the Nuggets with 53 points and 11 rebounds. Jamal Murray added 28 points. The Nuggets need more from Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr, and their bench. More urgency and intensity are expected from them in Game 5.
We hope Nikola Jokic doesn’t get suspended for Game 5. The Nuggets need him to play at home. Jokic shoved down the Phoenix Suns owner after the owner didn’t want to give up the ball to Jokic. Knowing how the NBA is nowadays, it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets suspended for one game. But I’m hoping that doesn’t happen. Game 5 is crucial, and all the pressure is on the Nuggets to win that game.
Game 5 will be on Tuesday night in Denver.