“That is crazy. That is the MVP,” Ayton explained following the Phoenix Suns defeated the Joker’s historical triple-double to thump Denver 116-102 Friday night, placing the Nuggets on the edge of elimination.
Jokic, however, was apologetic then, telling his teammates that this reduction was on him due to his 13-for-29 shooting functionality.
Nonsense, said Denver shield Monte Morris, who predicted Jokic’s functionality phenomenal.
“He is carrying us,” Morris explained. “We have got to help him.”
Morris scored 21 off the seat but Denver’s four other starters scored only 30 points, half by Michael Porter Jr., who was 5 of 13 from the ground.
Devin Booker scored 28 points and teamed with Chris Paul to direct a continuous offensive onslaught that countered Jokic’s night.
“We knew this was going to be an emotional game for those with Joker being presented with the trophy ahead of the game,” Paul explained. “We only talked about withstanding their conducts.”
Jokic appeared to consider his huge game more dreadful than historical.
“I am frustrated with myself since I missed shots,” explained Jokic, who missed four of nine free throws. “I did not play in addition to my game, particularly shooting wise. It would be easier for us when I started making shots. Obviously, they are making it hard for me to create shots.”
Together with their sixth straight triumph, the second-seeded Suns took a 3-0 lead from the best-of-seven series. Game 4 is Sunday in Ball Arena.
They’re a one win away from their first visit into the Western Conference Finals since 2009-10 — that was the previous time Phoenix made the playoffs.
The third-seeded Nuggets, who reached the conference finals this past year, are on the edge of being trapped at a playoff series for the first time because the Lakers bounced them from their very first round in 2007-08.
Jokic committed his MVP award for his teammates during a loudly pregame ceremony which Nuggets trainer Michael Malone had expected could energize his group which has dropped by 17, 25 and 14 points within this second-round series.
