Denver Nuggets Rally Past Phoenix Suns in Game 2 As Chris Paul Injures Groin

• The Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns in Game 2 on Monday night
• Nikola Jokic and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope starred for the Nuggets in the Game 2 win
• Chris Paul injured his groin in the third quarter and did not return 

The Denver Nuggets continued to take advantage of their depth in the Western Conference semifinals against the Phoenix Suns.

The Nuggets had four players in double-figures in Monday's 97-87 victory in Game 2.

They now have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Jokic delivers in Game 2

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 39 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and two steals, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists, per ESPN.

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Aaron Gordon finished with 16 points and Jamal Murray had 10.

The Nuggets pulled away in the fourth quarter to take care of their home-court in the series against the Suns.

Denver outscored Phoenix 27-14 in the final frame, turning a three-point deficit into a comfortable 10-point win at the end.

Caldwell-Pope makes timely threes

Caldwell-Pope ignited that run, knocking down back-to-back 3-pointers at the start of the fourth quarter to help the Nuggets take the lead for good.  

Caldwell-Pope made all four of his 3-point attempts, tying Carmelo Anthony’s Nuggets record for most threes without a miss in a playoff game.

His offense was badly needed as Murray struggled with his shooting in this contest.

He found the going difficult in Game 2 after his 34-point explosion in Game 1. Murray shot just 3 of 15 from the field, including 0 for 9 from beyond the arc.  

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With Murray struggling, the onus was on Jokic to carry the scoring cudgels in Game 2. That he did, scoring 26 of his 39 points in the second half to help Denver pull off the win.

He shot 15 of 24 from the field against the Suns, who lost one of their key players to injury.

Paul suffers groin injury 

Chris Paul exited during the second half of Game 2 due to left groin tightness. The veteran point guard appeared to pick up the injury in the third quarter while he was boxing out for a defensive rebound.

He quickly began limping and immediately left for the locker room. Paul did not return and was sorely missed by the Suns in the fourth quarter.

Phoenix missed all nine of its 3-point attempts during that period and was held to just 14 points.

Nuggets take Game 1 

Sports Brief recently reported on Denver’s win over Phoenix in Game 1.

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Murray and Jokic led the Nuggets to a convincing 125-107 victory in the series opener.

They combined for 58 points against the Suns.