Phoenix Suns advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after eliminating the reigning NBA champions, the LA Lakers, in six games. The last match saw the Suns winning 113-100 and Devin Booker scoring 47 points at Staples.
Los Angeles Lakers Defeat Portland Trail Blazers 135-115, Honor Kobe Bryant
It was one of those memorable performances that stay remembered forever. D-Book had 33 buckets in the first half, eight fewer than the whole Lakers team. He slowed down later on, but still managed to impress everyone present at last night’s game. Phoenix’s sharpshooting guard made eight threes in 10 attempts, and was 15-for-22 from the field.
After the game, LeBron congratulated Booker on a fabulous game, wishing him and his team all the luck in the rest of the playoffs.
Controversial Officiating Hands LA Lakers a Win Against Denver Nuggets, 126-114
The purple and gold didn’t stand a chance in this match, especially after Anthony Davis left the game. AD already had problems with his groin and was doubtful for this meeting. During one chase down the floor, the Lakers’ big man aggravated the injury ending the game with just five minutes of play.
LeBron James was left alone on his own, which was pretty much the end of the contest. King dropped 29 points with nine boards and seven assists, Dennis Schroder scored 20, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 19. Wesley Matthews and Talen Horton-Tucker scored 12 both.
The Suns had Jae Crowder to hurt the Lakers from deep. Veteran forward ended the night with 18 points, all from threes. He also frustrated LeBron on several occasions, playing tough defense, while being very accurate on the offensive side of the ball, 6-for-9 from behind the arc. Chris Paul’s shoulder was ok, with CP3 having 8 points but 12 assists. Having him healthy and ready for playing proved out to be one hell of a boost for the Suns.
Monty Williams’ boys will meet the Denver Nuggets in the West semis. The franchise from Colorado ousted the Portland Trail Blazers also last night. The Nuggets went home from Oregon with a 126-115 victory ending the series and reaching the conference semis for the third straight year.
Michael Malone’s team trailed 14 points in the third period but erased that before breaking the Trail Blazers’ resistance.
Damian Lillard didn’t have enough ammo for another fantastic performance, ending the night with 28 points. On the other side, Jokic was in the zone with 36 buckets, and Michael Porter Jr had 26.
Jimmy Butler Keeps Miami's Title Hopes Alive, Heat Beat Lakers, 115-104
-->The opening game of the Suns vs. Nuggets series is on Sunday night.
