Facing off in what many considered to be a matchup between the two favorites to come out of the Western Conference, Denver drew first blood and took down Phoenix, 127-107. Denver has now won its Game 1s in the 2023 NBA playoffs by a combined margin of 47 points. They’ve appeared prepared for their opponents right out of the gates.
Jamal Murray was once again exceptional for the Nuggets with a game-high 34 points, 20 of which came in the second half. This was his third playoff game that he scored at least 30 points.
“He’s a bad man,” said Michael Malone about Murray. “When Jamal Murray is healthy, locked, and loaded, we know what he’s capable of. And it’s just been fun to watch him perform at the level he’s performing.”
“If we’re serious about winning a championship, that sh*t doesn’t happen… Understand what we’re playing for. Understand what we’re fighting for.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone with a message for his team during a timeout in Game 1 vs. the Suns 🗣️pic.twitter.com/vCHxwQnh4X
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) April 30, 2023
WESTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS: GAME 1
🆚 @nuggets
🕠 5:30 PM
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📻 @AZSports | @az_mejor pic.twitter.com/pQd5pvy02c— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) April 29, 2023