For the second successive season, the Phoenix Suns had to face major embarrassment in front of their own fans. The Denver Nuggets led by Nikola Jokic dismantled the star-studded Suns. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker couldn’t find their scoring boots on the night Phoenix needed it most. There was never a time the Suns looked like the favorites. It was nothing short of a clinical performance from Mike Malone’s troops. The one-sided battle left many in shock, in particular Skip Bayless, who had some words for the home side.
The Nuggets blew out the Suns 125-100 to become the first team to enter the Conference Finals. They now wait for either the Golden State Warriors or Los Angeles Lakers to be their opponents in the WCF.
Denver Nuggets shock Skip Bayless and Kendrick Perkins as they demolish Devin Booker and the Suns
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It didn’t seem fair as soon as Denver stepped on the floor. They were shooting video game numbers even exceeding 60% at one point in the game. The onslaught never stopped as Nikola Jokic kept the offense going. Every member of the Nuggets rose to the task. It never looked like a road environment, but a mismatched contest.
While The Joker bullied the Suns’ defense, their most reliable and lethal weapons sank under pressure. Kevin Durant, one of the most gifted offensive talents ever, started just 2 for 11 from the floor. Devin Booker, who had been the most prolific scorer in these playoffs, scored only 12 points tonight.
The Nuggets made it look rather easy when it was far from it. Their aggressive intent and relentless defense convinced Kendrick Perkins they were ‘legit’ contenders for the throne this season.
I’ve been in denial about Jokic and the Nuggets… but I MUST say that they are LEGIT. Carry the hell on…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 12, 2023
On the other hand, Skip Bayless was disturbed watching this game. In 2021, the $17 million worth analyst saw shades of Kobe Bryant in Booker. And for the most part of these playoffs, D-Book mimicked the basketball icon almost perfectly. But tonight he witnessed “no heart” from a Devin Booker led Suns, a trait that doesn’t align with the celebrated ‘Mamba Mentality’ the three-time All-Star is believed to possess. It went so far that Bayless claims he couldn’t watch anymore of the battering.
I pride myself on watching every dribble of every playoff game. But I'm sorry, I can't watch any more of this thing.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 12, 2023
I never thought I'd say this about a Devin Booker team: But tonight the Suns played with no heart or pride. Such an embarrassment.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) May 12, 2023
The Denver Nuggets stamped all over the Phoenix Suns. Nikola Jokic did what he does best, score when needed and set up his teammates, disrupting Phoenix’s defense. He tallied a second straight triple-double going for 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists. Jamal Murray added 26 points while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope contributed 21 points.
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Phoenix came in under-manned as center Deandre Ayton suffered a rib injury. But no one could foresee such a meltdown. One of the most dangerous offensive tandems combined for just 35 points on the night. Backup guard Cameron Payne was the only one who generated any momentum scoring a team-high 31 points while shooting 75%.
After the mid-season trade for Kevin Durant, it was meant to be the Suns’ final piece to the puzzle. While injuries did derail them, the Suns were a no-show tonight. The Denver Nuggets outplayed them in every form of the game as they move on to the WCF.
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WATCH THIS STORY:?Nikola Jokic shares a wholesome moment with their daughter.
Do you think Nikola Jokic can lead this side to the NBA finals? Let us know your views in the comments below.