With their backs against the wall and Chris Paul sitting on the bench, things were looking dire for Phoenix heading into Game 3. Thankfully for them, a brilliant performance by Devin Booker led the way to a 121-114 win, overcoming 30+ point nights from both Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

Paul is still listed as out for Game 4, but considering Friday’s events, the NBA odds still have the host Suns as -2.5 favourites. The total is set at 227.5.

Nuggets vs. Suns NBA Playoffs Betting Odds

The third contest’s result did shift the series odds somewhat. Mike Malone’s Nuggets now sit at -303 to eliminate the Suns (previously -455), and the latter at +213 (+302).

Covering the spread has been a bit tricky for Denver recently. Since claiming a 3-0 lead over Minnesota in Round 1, only two of their past five opportunities have been successful. The over has connected in three of their last found playoff games.

Spreads haven’t been friendly at all to Phoenix in this playoff run. Through eight contests, Monty Williams’ side is only 3-5. Much like with Denver, the over has been kind with regards to games Phoenix is involved with, having cashed in on five of their eight postseason bouts. This is new territory for this generation of Suns players, who waltzed to the NBA Finals in 2021 and were the ones holding a 2-1 lead over Dallas in last year’s playoffs before it all went down the drain.

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets knew that the Suns would give it their best at home in Game 3. In the NBA, the kind of set-up on Friday night typically leads to the team at home down 2-0 in the series winning to make it interesting. What Denver didn’t see coming was how Devin Booker absolutely torched them.

Booker was on such a spell that rather decent games from their own two stars, the Joker and Murray, looked rote in comparison. The Canadian had himself a 32-point night, boosted by good free throw shooting. Jokic wasn’t far behind with 30 of his own, and Michael Porter Jr. was the main threat from downtown, going 6-for-10 in that regard for a 21-point performance. But a two-point lead at the end of the opening 12 minutes devolved into a 15-point deficit at the midway point largely because Booker took it on his own to claw the Suns back into the series. While not many people spoke about KD’s night, the Nuggets were guilty of sending him to the line far too often (he went 14-for-16). It was all about the little details like that on Friday. Denver is a great team, however. They have it in them to course correct.

Phoenix Suns

Something had to give in Game 3, otherwise this second-round matchup was as good as over. It says a lot about Booker’s night that Kevin Durant finished with 39 points and nobody is talking about it.

The Suns forward was sensational. Inspiring. Magical. Steadfast. Give him his flowers. When the Suns needed a ray of light, he was the beacon. Whether the sun sets on Phoenix’s season at this stage of the playoffs is very much up in the air, but if both Booker and KD play as they did in Game 3, they have a good chance at turning the tide. Booker went 20-for-25 from the field, 5-for-8 from three, and 2-for-2 from the line. Awe-inspiring numbers, to be sure.  As for KD, he may have found a preferred method of attack: aggressively driving in the paint. Through three bouts he hasn’t impressed much from the field, but getting to the line for 16 shots, for a player with his efficiency, is another way to win the battle.

Game 4 Prediction: Who Will Win Nuggets vs. Suns?

NUGGETS

Away

116

SUNS

Home

112

Score
Predictions

Matchup