The Denver nuggets just one win away from reaching the Western Conference final for the second time in four seasons.
The phoenix sun aim to celebrate their win with the Denver lasso as well as prevent disqualification when they host the Nuggets on Thursday night in Game 6 of the best-of-seven semi-final.
The home team has won every match in this series. Denver’s three such wins averaged 14.7 points, including a 118-102 win in Game 5 on Tuesday, while the Suns scored seven and five at home.
Denver will try to break that pattern to avoid Game 7.
“The energy is a little bit different when we’re at home,” said Nuggets guard Jamal Murray. “The pace is a little bit faster for us. We have to bring it to Phoenix.”
Denver star Nikola Jokić has been unstoppable in this streak averaging 35 points, 13.8 rebounds and 10 assists. He has two triple-doubles in the series and set a career-high of 53 points in a loss to Phoenix in Game 4.
In game 5, Jokic had 29 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists to get the Nuggets back on track after two consecutive defeats. It was the 10th double of his post-season career, surpassing the all-time legend Wilt Chamberlain among centre-forwards.
The two-time MVP said he has no preference when it comes to binge-scoring or playing an all-around game that ends in a triple-double.
“Honestly, I just wanted to win the match,” Jokic said. “So whatever it takes. I open the game (Tuesday), I think so bad, maybe I forced it.
“And then I just slow it down, relax and let the game come to me. It will come to me and it will happen.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone said basketball fans are seeing a legend during the peak of his career.
Malone said: “I think sometimes we can take Nikola for granted because what he is doing is phenomenal. “He makes everyone around him better. Never vibrated. ‘Cool Hand Luke.’ And we’re so grateful that he’s a Denver Nugget.”
Jokic received support from an unexpected source in Game 5, when Bruce Brown contributed 25 points.
Descendants of the Sun continues to revolve around the play of Booker Devin And Kevin Durant.
Booker is averaging 34.6 points and 7.8 assists, with his best performance coming in Game 3 when he achieved a career high of 47 playoffs. 20 to 25 shot. He scored 28 points in the loss in Game 5 at Denver.
Durant is scoring 30.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5 assists per game. He had 26 points and 11 goals in Game 5.
Durant said the numbers can be ignored.
“It’s just about going out there and playing every possession like it’s your last,” Durant said. “We have watched this team for five games already. They have seen us. It’s all about who wants it more.
Booker injured his left leg during Tuesday’s game and was said to have a limp, but Suns coach Monty Williams downplayed the severity afterwards.
“I think he’s fine,” Williams said. “He has a sore leg. But we won’t take him back there if we don’t think he’s okay.”
Booker’s leg accident comes as point guard Chris Paul (groin) will miss the fourth straight game. Suns center Deandre Ayton is also at risk of missing Thursday’s game due to a rib injury. He is listed as a suspect.
Booker was more concerned with thriving in the vital environment of Game 6.
“I love it,” Booker said. “Every game has its own character. Each match is its own movie, the preparation is different and everything that goes with it. We’re watching the movie again, seeing how we can do better for Game 6.”
