Claudia Collins
The Phoenix Suns proved once again that they’re a force to be reckoned with after defeating the Denver Nuggets in Game 3, 116-102. The Chris Paul – Devin Booker duo led the charge for the Suns giving them the best possible advantage heading into Game 4. Devin Booker scored 28 points, had six rebounds, and four assists in front of over 18,000 fans. CP3 took over the game in the fourth quarter, ultimately closing out the game with 27 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
No matter the sport, any team traveling to Denver has to focus on making an unusual adjustment – to the altitude. However, the altitude in Denver was no match for the team from the desert.
Phoenix fans traveled in numbers to Denver to cheer on the surging Suns.
Okay Suns fans in Denver!
We see you 👀 https://t.co/OKZQh5ITAY
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 12, 2021
Before Suns fans basked in an early lead they watched Nuggets Center, Nikola Jokic receive the 2021 MVP trophy. Jokic averaged 26 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists per game in the regular season.
Nikola Jokic receives his MVP trophy 🃏💪
“This trophy is not mine. It’s all of these guys over here, so I wanted [you to cheer] for them.” pic.twitter.com/u4HpnkqSFH
— ESPN (@espn) June 12, 2021
Oh, so this is what “Cam Payne things” look like?
.@campayne doing very Cam Payne things
🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/PRGVz5gK0K
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 12, 2021
While the Suns were in control most of the first half, Monte Morris kept the Nuggets above water. Morris was 4-4 from the field and sunk two three-pointers off the bench before halftime.
Nuggets fans: "stop shooting threes!!!"
Monte Morris hits a three: pic.twitter.com/jfvY8cGjeU
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) June 12, 2021
As usual, Booker was the focal point of the Suns’ offense. Booker matched Jokic’s 15 points in the first half and produced five rebounds and four assists. Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul combined for 21 points and 12 rebounds helping the Suns go into halftime up 59-55.
Oh no he's not, oh no…
… OH YES, HE IS pic.twitter.com/emszPGuaq8
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 12, 2021
If “Rally The Valley” was a photo . . . it would be this one.
Phoenix Suns updates on the scoreboard here at Chase Field #RallyTheValley pic.twitter.com/cfoQnLApgO
— Steve Sher (@stevesher_7) June 12, 2021
You could say smooth but this was silky smooth.
CP3 is too smooth with it. 🔥
(🎥: @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/SGPfLFavnv
— theScore (@theScore) June 12, 2021
If the Suns had cheerleaders, Deandre Ayton would be the one with the megaphone. Ayton was crucial for the Suns on the glass with 15 total rebounds and also posted 10 points for a double-double.
🗣️ Becoming a vocal leader for the @Suns in Year 3.. Deandre Ayton wired on ESPN! #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ahSvEJ7ns0
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2021
Phoenix still looked nearly unstoppable after three quarters leading the Nuggets by 14 points.
#Suns 90, Nuggets 76. Phoenix withstood Denver's push by essentially matching basket for basket, then got big buckets from both Cams and Booker out of the timeout. Booker up to 26 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
— Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) June 12, 2021
I guess Nuggets fans just couldn’t handle the heat CP3 brought to the hardwood.
Back-to-back CP3 midrange J's.. money.
Suns up 19.
5 minutes left in Game 3 on ESPN pic.twitter.com/dcCgRkJz1C
— NBA (@NBA) June 12, 2021
Chris Paul dominated in the fourth quarter once again, this time with 3 assists, 2 steals, and scoring eight points.
Chris Paul sends ‘em home early pic.twitter.com/My3A1XzdIs
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) June 12, 2021
Apparently CP3 is an outdated nickname, now he has a new one – Point God.
Point God continues to shine vs. the Nuggets 💫 pic.twitter.com/G7exDmkufy
— ESPN (@espn) June 12, 2021
The Suns are now just one win away from the Western Conference Finals.
Book and CP3 are one win away from the conference finals ☀️ pic.twitter.com/AuAoGBQBPn
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 12, 2021
