#4 SUNS at #1 NUGGETS | FULL GAME 1 HIGHLIGHTS | April 29, 2023

Regular season series was tied at two between these two but the first two games came before the KD trade and the last two which did not play as Mark Davis quickly blows the whistle. Both of these teams have been off since Tuesday when they both ended their first round series as Jamal Murray, I believe the little floater, gets into the paint including a 40-point explosion in game two here in Denver. This is Aiden, that's been his shot that little mid-range right at the free throw line for Phoenix. You have to stay connected with Murray at all times obviously Akogi getting that starting lineup but Murray when he sees the ball basket go through he is confident and speaking of confidence Kevin Durant. Booker's shadowed by Caldwell Polk this is one of the reasons why Denver brought KCP here for this kind of a spot to defend Booker. CP3 filling it up from deep and that's been his wall. Ball with the shot clock now down to three into the corner that's a long two tough shot rebound by Jokic. Porter trying to push as Lamont extends hard. They were 30th during the regular season but they have shot up in that category you have to be cognizant of that in this series as Murray misses Jokic able to clean it up underneath. Monty Williams had the Suns fly here a day early they got here Thursday were able to practice Thursday and Friday just trying to get themselves physically right. KD boy he is starting to sizzle he's got nine already. Early feeling out process between Phoenix and Denver continues By the way congratulations to Chuck welcoming the birth of his second granddaughter so happy for the family as Kevin Durant off the timeout. It was a little bit stagnant offensively for Phoenix but nice set out of the timeout for Monty Williams. Bismack Viabo checks into the game Jokic goes right at him Durant on the health defense Joker gets it back puts it down and a chance at three to Hardaway. So Durant we know he can pull up from three he loves the mid-range and of course his length so good finishing and getting to the rim. Devin Booker playing through contact to push Booker circling into the paint offensive foul will be the first on Booker. In these non-Jokic minutes right now for Denver they won those in the Minnesota series but can they also be effective with Jokic on the bench in this series. Porter putting it on his back to Aiden couldn't get deep position right there Brown getting in his legs good defense Porter launches he's got that deadly stroke. So Booker now four of seven he's got ten and the double digits joining Durant. Caldwell walks a tight rope. Chris Paul once again among the league leaders and assists now defending Brown into the teeth of the defense and he lays it up and in. Six point Denver lead as we hit the seven minute mark before halftime Gordon in isolation wants to take Craig fades and hits. We asked him who had to make the biggest adjustment with KB's arrival and he said without hesitation Chris but there's no one better equipped to make that adjustment especially at this stage of his career. Can tape on a three-point jack. See the low second chance points only their second offensive rebound in this opening half. Jokic the fake into the corner this is Gordon it's good it is a shooting clinic for Denver. Durant nearly a travel gets it to Okoge somehow Durant snatches the rebound fades and rattles it in for Phoenix. An important possession there for for Phoenix but Michael Malone talked about getting stopped. So Jokic struggling a little bit with his shot but he's trying everything else. Murray fills it up from the mid-range. Murray looking to push this is what they want to do. Michael Porter Jr. almost had 10 points just a collective effort on offense and then defensively as you said eight steals turnovers second chance points just a fantastic second quarter for the Nuggets. They had 15 more field goal attempts meaning the Denver Nuggets nine turnovers and they had 12 offensive rebounds if they get more organized they feel very confident. Okoge on his stick back. Third quarter the Timberwolves came out and really took it to them so Denver has to stay engaged and certainly stay sharp mentally. They have to get a shot attempt every time too many turnovers in that first half and they're going to have to have a little bit more resistance and force to slow down this offense of Denver. A good defense though by Aiden being big being long and not fouling Jokic causing him to miss. See that mid-range prowess and CP3 starting to cook on both ends. Barron Gordon gives him this kind of offensive production. Phoenix going to be in trouble. Paul puts it in the deck drives kicks to Durant left open and he's got the three-point answer. But Denver looks up they're still in a 17-point hole after that good early push to begin this quarter. Durant looking for daylight. Context scoops it down and he's fouled. As we move on to the five-minute mark third quarter game one Denver and Phoenix. Jokic. Shaman into the game defends Murray. 66 seconds Murray fades and sticks it. Booker with Bruce Brown on his back. Fights to the middle of the paint and he sticks it. Murray off the bounce. Scoop misses. Five seconds. KD a foot raise to the rack and lays it in. Cash money is Durant. So much respect between those two. Murray against Craig. Works on the waning the spin the fade and he buries it. As I said loves to spin and get over that right shoulder with a little fadeaway action. Here comes Booker to the rack and Booker clears. But Booker was fouled right there by Bruce Brown. Into the corner. That is Lee. Damian Lee the one-time Golden State Warrior. Another shooter for him. That is Gordon pressing the issue. Right there Gordon just big boyed him. Look at Gordon stat line tonight. 21 points. Landale getting some run. Steps middle over the top of Bruce Brown. Too easy. Landale the undrafted player out of St. Mary's. Giving them some good minutes off the bench with eight to still four whistles. Gordon keeps going. Can't tell from that angle. Damian Lee too much that time. Low read on Murray. Foot raise between the legs. Green on a dive. Sonny's got your bullet. Here comes Booker. Full head of steam. Left hand and he's fouled. So much electricity between these two teams and you have some good defensive players out here on the floor but guys like that. Luggage back firmly in command. 17 point lead with possession. Murray. Jokic. Booker on the pole. This is badly in the rebound by Jokic. Suns right now look gassed. Go back to our cut ground. Coming with some heat. They do look a little gassed but right now Denver is energized. Bruce Brown collectively defensively giving problems to Phoenix all night. Carter Jr. Didn't need much from him tonight and again it just speaks to the depth that Grant just mentioned until the under two mark of this game. Brown goes right into the chest of Landale. Michael Malone couldn't be prouder of how this team came out in game one. Sense of urgency. Collective effort. Great defense and a great win for Denver.