Phoenix Suns: 3 Keys to Completing Sweep of Denver Nuggets in Game 4

Neither a roaring sea of rambunctious Denver fans, nor the area’s high altitude could engulf the Phoenix Suns last night amidst their quest for an NBA Championship, as they smacked the Nuggets over the head once again, this time winning Game 3 by a 116-102 score. It came as the sixth straight playoff victory for Phoenix, a team gelling better than anyone else still alive this postseason.

Once more captained by Chris Paul, who along with eight assists scored 27 points, the Suns controlled this one from start to finish, with their only deficit coming during the game’s first few seconds. This was Paul’s highest scoring output since April, helping to make his previous shoulder injury feel like an even more distant memory.

Devin Booker delivered a truely complete game, adding 28 points, six rebounds, and four assists. No matter who the Nuggets plugged onto Booker, it mattered not, as he hit shot after shot especially during the third quarter, where the Suns keep blanking the Nuggets, even outscoring them by 31 points. Booker added 11 points during the period himself, helping stave off an impressive eight point run from Nikola Jokic.

This game really felt like Denver’s best chance to win one. They stole 20 points off Phoenix turnovers, and witnessed arguably Jokic’s finest postseason game thus far during his career, who finished with 32 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists.

As the game progressed, the Nuggets repeatedly clawed their way back into the contest, shrinking their deficit to single digits, but only for the Suns to then pull the rug back out from under them with their own run. It felt exhausting for the Nuggets even to watch, who once again clearly missed Jamal Murray’s production.

With Denver on the ropes, only one day stands between the Suns and their chance to throw a knockout punch. But to end this one early and successfully burry the Nuggets, the Suns need to check these three boxes during Game 4.