There’s a chance to level the playing field for the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. The Suns are hosting the Denver Nuggets for Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals, currently trailing 2-1 in the series.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Phoenix was able to establish some momentum in Game 3, which should hopefully carry over into Game 4. On the other hand, Denver appears to recognize the importance of stealing Game 4 and taking a 3-1 lead back home.
Much of the first half was a back-and-forth affair, mixed in with a mini altercation between Nikola Jokić and Suns owner Matt Ishbia.
In the end, the Suns’ defense stepped in, giving Phoenix a 63-61 lead at halftime.
The Booker Vs. Murray Battle Wages On
Regardless of what side fans choose, it’s a plain fact that both Devin Booker and Jamal Murray have been spectacular this series.
For Booker more importantly, that notion has been around since the start of the postseason. The two star guards have often exchanged lead-changing buckets this series, with Sunday being no different.
Booker was able to end the half with 19 points, shooting 8-of-11 from the field. On top of that, he also had five assists in just the first half. He made the most out of the double-teams as a facilitator, finding a rolling Deandre Ayton for easy finishes at the rim.
As for Murray, his game has been alive and well also. Murray was a mid-range maestro in the first half. He finished the half with 13 points and five assists as well.
Durant Finding His Mojo
Kevin Durant has been waiting this series to find his consistent shooting stroke that’s enveloped his career. The Suns have surely needed it to take pressure off of Booker.
In the first half, it appeared that the future Hall of Famer may have found it. Durant was 50 percent from the field, shooting 6-of-12 from the floor. He also didn’t hesitate to get back to his free-throw seeking as in Game 3.
The 6’10” forward went 8-of-9 from the free throw line. He shot 14-of-16 from the free-throw line in Game 3.
To add on to an impressive start to the game, Durant ended the half with an emphatic block on Aaron Gordon’s driving attempt to put the Nuggets up.
With Durant becoming even more involved in his role, the Suns have a real chance at evening the series.
