Chris Paul’s back, Suns clinch top seed with win in Denver

Chris Paul was wanting to rejoin his teammates who had been having all of the enjoyable even when that meant enjoying his first sport in 5 weeks at altitude.

Paul returned from a damaged proper wrist that sidelined him because the All-Star break to assist the Phoenix Suns win their seventh straight sport and wrap up the highest seed within the NBA playoffs with a 140-130 victory over Denver on Thursday evening.

“I’ve been enjoying pickup, 3-on-3, 2-on-2, however 5-on-5 is completely totally different, particularly when your first sport again is in Denver. I imply, whew!” mentioned Paul, who had 17 factors and 13 rebounds in serving as the best wingman for Devin Booker, who scored a season-high 49 factors and 10 assists.

The quantity on Booker’s thoughts, nevertheless, wasn’t 49.

“Sixty wins is one thing I by no means even considered, to be fully sincere,” he mentioned.

“Now we have a particular staff, it is that straightforward,” Paul mentioned. “However simply being again for the warmup stuff, the pregame stuff, you realize what I imply? There’s nothing like being a part of this staff. I’m simply glad that I may get again.”

The Suns trailed a lot of the sport, however used a 36-24 fourth quarter to enhance to their NBA-best street report to 30-6.

“To beat that staff, you need to play nearly good basketball,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone mentioned. “We did it for stretches tonight, however down the stretch they confirmed why they’re one of the best staff within the NBA.”

The Suns, who received 11 of the 15 video games whereas their 12-time All-Star level guard was out, lead the NBA with a 60-14 report and are attempting to make the NBA Finals for a second straight season after shedding to Milwaukee final 12 months.

“I don’t suppose one individual in our locker room wasn’t eager about 60 wins and what it meant,” Suns coach Monty Williams mentioned after rising from his boisterous locker room.

“I believe getting Chris again tonight gave us a ton of confidence,” Williams mentioned. “And E-book having the most effective performances I’ve seen him have since I’ve been right here … the truth that he’s not within the MVP dialog is simply considerably foolish.”

The big contingent of Suns followers positive serenaded Booker with chants of “MVP! MVP!” each time he stepped as much as the road — and he responded by sinking 15 of 17 free throws.

Williams mentioned earlier than tip-off he was going to restrict Paul’s minutes however that did not occur.

“I’m a liar. I mentioned I wasn’t going to play him within the 30s. However I used to be speaking to him and he stored letting me know he was advantageous,” Williams mentioned. “And as soon as he will get going you don’t want to mess with that rhythm.”

The Nuggets received 28 factors from Nikola Jokic, 23 from rookie Bones Hyland and 21 from Aaron Gordon. They shot 59.3% from the ground, however Phoenix was even hotter, hitting at a 60.5% clip.

Mikai Bridges added 22 factors for the Suns, and it was his basket that gave Phoenix the lead for good at 115-114.

Booker was 16 of 25 from the sector, whereas Bridges was 8 of 9. Booker, Bridges and Deandre Ayton performed nicely in Paul’s absence and Ayton had a career-high 35 factors Wednesday evening in a comeback victory at Minnesota. He had 16 on Thursday evening.

The Suns had been frightened that Paul would possibly miss the rest of the common season due to the thumb harm, however the veteran has been energetic in current practices in a push to return.

And although the Suns did advantageous with out Paul, Booker mentioned he was thrilled “to see him again there and see him getting his legs again.”

With a nine-game lead over second-place Memphis with eight video games left for each groups, the Suns wrapped up one of the best report within the NBA and home-court all through the playoffs.

“It’s particular, man,” Paul mentioned. “It’s been 17 years for me and solely the second time I’ve been on a staff that received 60 video games.”

TIP-INS

Suns: Phoenix received off to a gradual begin, falling behind 9-2 however Paul’s first basket tied it at 15 on the 6:33 mark. … Booker fouled Hyland exhausting on a shot that wasn’t whistled after which received fouled on the different finish on a 3-point attempt. He made all three foul pictures whereas boos rang down from the group.

Nuggets: Hyland sank 5 of seven 3-pointers within the first half when he scored 19 factors. Alongside the way in which he he surpassed Jamal Murray’s rookie report of 115 3-pointers in a season. … Jokic had an uncharacteristic eight turnovers, identical as the complete Suns staff.

TOAST MALONE

In his first feedback since his multi-year contract extension was introduced this week, Nuggets coach Michael Malone mentioned, “It is so empowering when you have got possession proceed to consider in you. Clearly, seven years in a single place in a lifetime on this enterprise. And to know that we now have work to do and we’ll be right here for some time longer. is simply actually, actually thrilling for me and my household.”

UP NEXT

Suns: Host Philadelphia on Sunday.

Nuggets: Host Oklahoma Metropolis on Saturday evening.