Chris Paul takes charge as Suns thwart Nuggets in Game 1

LOS ANGELES – Chris Paul finished with 21 points and 11 assists to power the second-seeded Phoenix Suns to a 122-105 win over the Denver Nuggets in the opening game of their second round series at the Phoenix Suns Arena on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time).

Mikal Bridges scored 23 points, Devin Booker tallied 21 points, and Deandre Ayton delivered 20 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix, who outscored the Nuggets 59-33 over the final 20 minutes.

Game Two is Wednesday in Phoenix (Thursday in Manila).

Nikola Jokic finished with 22 points, nine rebounds and three blocked shots, Aaron Gordon scored 18 points and Michael Porter added 15 points for Denver.

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