Devin Booker, Kevin Durant Lead Phoenix Suns Past Denver Nuggets in Game 3

• The Phoenix Suns defeated the Denver Nuggets in Game 3
• Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined for 86 points in the win
• They accounted for 71% of the Suns’ points in Game 3

The Phoenix Suns bounced back from a poor start to the series with a 121-114 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals on Friday night.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant starred for the Suns, who shot 50.5% from the field in Game 3.

The Nuggets lead the series 2-1. Game 4 is Sunday in Phoenix.

Booker, Durant torch the Nuggets

Booker was back to his best in Game 3, finishing with 47 points, nine assists, and six rebounds, per Yahoo! Sports. He also contributed on the defensive end, recording three steals and one block in 42 minutes of action.

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Booker was highly efficient with his offense, shooting 20 of 25 from the field in Game 3, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc.

Durant was also exceptional for the Suns, scoring 39 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and dishing out eight assists in the Game 3 win.  

They stepped up in the absence of Chris Paul, who was out with a groin injury.

Booker sets tone for Phoenix

The Suns knew this game was a must-win for them, as no NBA team has ever come back from a 0-3 series deficit in the playoffs.

It was the Nuggets, however, who started strongly in this contest. They raced to a 31-29 lead after the first quarter, with Denver shooting 52.2% from the field.

Booker kept the Suns afloat in the opening quarter, scoring 18 points on 8 of 10 shooting.

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The Suns battled back in the second quarter, outscoring the Nuggets 38-21. Booker and Durant powered the Suns’ uprising, combining for 48 points in the first half as Phoenix built a 67-52 lead at the break.

Booker and Durant continued their excellent play in the second half, scoring 38 of Phoenix’s 54 points in the final two quarters.

Booker matched his playoff career-high with his 47-point performance in Game 3. 

Warriors crush Lakers by 27

Sports Brief recently reported on the Warriors’ win over the Lakers in Game 2 of their series.

Klay Thompson scored 30 points to lead Golden State to a 127-100 win over Los Angeles.

Steph Curry registered a double-double in the Game 2 win, scoring 20 points and dishing out 12 assists.