Suns Clinch Crucial Game 3 Win vs Nuggets
PHOENIX -- With their backs against the wall, the Phoenix Suns managed a huge Game 3 win over the Denver Nuggets in 121-114 fashion, drawing the second-round series 2-1 heading into Game 4.
Prior to the night, Suns coach Monty Williams spoke on the balance of interchanging starters and role players amid his second-unit struggles:
“It is a balance there, but at the same time you’re in the situation and it’s a game-by-game adjustment thing that you want to make sure that you make the right choices in game and game-to-game and that’s something I’ve thought about, we’ve talked about as a staff," Williams said.
"Maybe there are moments where you can make an adjustment in the rotation, even though you have one set and we do that a ton to make those proper choices. Bottom line, you want to win the game so you got to do whatever you have to do to get that done.”
Throughout the practice week, Williams mentioned that the likes of Terrence Ross and TJ Warren could see significant time.
In the win, three players played 20+ minutes off the bench (Landry Shamet, Jock Landale and Warren) while Ross played 14. The Suns' bench contributed a total of 22 points, a significant upgrade from their four points in Game 2.
The Suns began the night off strong thanks to the efforts of Devin Booker, who had 18 points by the end of the first quarter. Booker finished with 47 points, leading all players.
Kevin Durant just trailed behind with 39.
Phoenix held a lead as high as 16 points in the first half before the Nuggets stormed back to grab the lead late in the third quarter. They shot 50.5% from the field.
Denver never led by more than five.
Nikola Jokic notched a 28-17-17 triple double while Jamal Murray scored 32 points.
Game 4 is on Sunday at 5:00 PM PST.
