By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
An incredible night for the Serbian big man Nikola Jokić as he set a new franchise playoff high by scoring 53 points. But it was still not enough for the Nuggets to get a win.
The Phoenix Suns countered with big games from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant in a frantic 129-124 win over the Denver Nuggets. The game was an offensive showcase from both teams that featured All-NBA players at their best. In the end, Phoenix had more firepower and tied the Western Conference semifinal series at 2-2 after dropping the first two games in Denver.
Booker and Durant each scored 36 points. Durant added 11 rebounds, six assists, and two steals to his tally while shooting 11 of 19 from the floor and 2 of 4 from 3-point distance. Booker, who entered the game leading the playoffs with 36.9 points per game, added 12 assists and six rebounds to his total. He shot a scorching 14 of 18 from the field while connecting on 3-of-4 3-point attempts.
Down 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers needed a win on Sunday. When a comeback victory for the Celtics looked inevitable, James Harden answered the call.
His 42-point explosion included a jumper with 16 seconds remaining in regulation to push the game to overtime, along with the game-winning 3 with 19 seconds left in OT.
The 76ers were up 16 points in the second quarter, the team’s biggest lead of the series. But the defending Eastern Conference champions outscored Philadelphia 24-15 in the fourth to tie the contest, 96-96.
Still, clutch, Harden sealed the 116-115 win from the corner. The shot was assisted by Joel Embiid, who dished the ball while being double-teamed.