Booker and Durant go nuclear as Phoenix Suns defeat Denver Nuggets in Game 3

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Denver Nuggets in a must-win Game 3 at the Footprint Center to win their first game in the series.

With a victory over the Denver Nuggets of 121-114, the Phoenix Suns forced an extension of the series.

Denver currently has a 2-1 advantage in the Western Conference semifinal series, ensuring at least a five-game series.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant combined for 86 points to lead the Phoenix Suns in a two-man performance.

Booker scored 47 points overall and made 20 of 25 field goals. Durant scored 39 points while shooting 12-for-31.

Jamal Murray scored 32 points to lead the Nuggets, and Nikola Jokic added 28, 17 assists, and 17 rebounds.

It's interesting that Booker went 2-for-2 from the line despite waiting until the very last seconds of the game to attempt his free throws.

Phoenix did receive some significant contributions off the bench, an area where they have struggled this series, even though Booker and Durant were the Suns' stars.

Jock Landale outperformed starter center Deandre Ayton, who had nine rebounds and four points in 26 minutes, playing 22 minutes and recording six points and nine rebounds.

Terrence Ross scored five points in 14 minutes, while T.J. Warren scored seven points in 26 minutes.

Chris Paul, who was injured, was replaced at the point guard position by Cameron Payne, who began and played for 30 minutes while contributing seven points and six assists.

The Suns made 16 of their attempted free throws, with Kevin Durant making 14 of them.

The Nuggets outrebounded the opposition 51-41, including a 16-7 advantage on the offensive glass.

Phoenix will host the series' fourth game on Sunday with a chance to tie the series on their home floor.