Powered by Devin Booker and Kevin Durant’s scoring explosion, the Phoenix Suns managed to get back on track in their second-round series against the Denver Nuggets, 121-114, in a historic Game 3 of the 2023 Western Conference Semifinals.
Booker made history with his 46 points in 20-of-25 shooting to go with five boards and five assists. He became the first player since Dirk Nowitzki in 2011 to have a 45-point playoff game with over 80 percent shooting, and also first to tally 45+ points, 5+ boards, 5+ dimes and 80%+ shooting in a playoff game (h/t StatMuse).
His 46-point masterclass also allowed him to have the most points (293) in the first eight games of a postseason since Michael Jordan, who had 325 markers back in 1990.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant churned up a solid 39 points, nine boards and eight assists to mesh up with Booker’s near perfect shooting display.
With Chris Paul sitting down because of his groin injury, the two of the most lethal scorers in the league ignited in Game 3 and carried the Suns after a challenging 0-2 series deficit posted by the Nuggets in the first two games in Denver.
Nikola Jokic had 28 points, 17 assists and 18 boards, tying Wilt Chamberlain for most playoff triple-doubles at nine. Jamal Murray carved 32 in 13-of-29 shooting, while Michael Porter Jr. ended up with 21 points and 12 boards.
The Nuggets and Suns will battle it out once again on Sunday for the pivotal Game 4.
