Suns nuggets fight in stands11/20/2023 ![]() ![]() The two worked together when they were assistant coaches with USA basketball. Williams wasn't upset to finish second, especially since the winner was Thibodeau. ![]() Thibodeau got 43 first-place votes and finished with 351 total points, while Phoenix’s Monty Williams actually got more first-place votes - he got 45 - but finished with 340 points. It was the closest balloting since this version of voting was introduced 19 years ago. Suns coach Monty Williams finished second in the NBA Coach of the Year, just behind the New York Knicks' Tom Thibodeau. Paul averaged just 9.2 points per game against the Lakers in the first round, partly because of the sore shoulder he hurt in the first half of Game 1. ![]() Steve Nash and John Stockton were the others. Paul became just the third player 36 years or older who had at least 20 points and 10 assists in a playoff game, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Jokic had 15 points and six rebounds before the break while Booker and Ayton countered with 11 points each for the Suns. Ayton threw down a thunderous dunk over Porter while Jokic used his strength and positioning to make five of six shots.ĭenver led 58-57 at halftime. The big man matchup between Jokic and Ayton delivered in the first quarter as the two teams fought to a 28-all tie. “We need to know what we are doing as a group.” “When things aren’t going our way, we need to be more decisive,” Jokic said. The MVP candidate shot 10 of 23 from the field. Jokic took some of the blame, saying he should have been more aggressive during the second half. Aaron Gordon added 18 points while Michael Porter Jr. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 22 points but went cold while the Suns made their second half run. Nuggets forward Jamychal Green was disappointed that the Suns were more physical during the decisive minutes. “We all collectively have to better, a lot more physical, a lot more disciplined if we want to win in Game 2.” “We did some good things but obviously we were unable to sustain it for 48 minutes,” Denver coach Michael Malone said. The three regular-season meetings were all extremely close: One was decided by three points in regulation, another was settled in overtime and the other went to double overtime. It was surprising that the game didn't come down to the final minutes. Deandre Ayton finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds while Booker added 21 points. Paul's buckets were the final exclamation points on a 34-9 run that helped Phoenix take control. This is why we fought so hard during the regular season to get home court advantage.” The flurry came much to the delight of the sellout crowd of 16,319, who anxiously watched the point guard's every move. Paul - who played with the hurt shooting shoulder through most of the first round matchup against the Lakers - made back-to-back mid-range jumpers to put the Suns up 94-79 with 10:25 left. They pushed the lead to 88-79 going into the fourth. Devin Booker made a 3-pointer and Bridges added a driving layup for a 79-72 advantage. The Suns trailed for most of the first half and 70-60 early in the third quarter but rallied to take the lead by late in the third. Paul and his rejuvenated right shoulder finished with 21 points and 11 assists while Mikal Bridges added a team-high 23 points on 8 of 12 shooting, including 4 of 8 from behind the arc. “That last series – that was tough – but I’m glad to be back helping the team.” “It was fun to get out there and be involved,” Paul said. The 11-time All-Star looked like his usual self, the rest of the Suns followed suit and Phoenix rallied for a 122-105 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. A short floater found the net and then a 3-pointer splashed home as the crowd roared. One mid-range jumper fell and then another. Then - seemingly almost out of nowhere - the “Point God” was back. His movements were a little tentative, his shots didn't look quite right. PHOENIX - In the opening minutes of Monday night's game, Chris Paul was bumped on his ailing right shoulder and grimaced for a second. Rejuvenated Paul leads Suns over Nuggets 122-105 in Game 1 ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |