Historic performance by Nikola Jokic failed to save the Denver Nuggets

In the American Basketball League (NBA) Western Conference semifinals, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Denver Nuggets 129-124 to take the series 2-2.

The NBA play-offs continued with 2 games. In the Western Conference semifinal series, the Suns beat the Nuggets by 5 points, with help from leading scorers Kevin Durant and Devin Booker to reach their second win in Game 4.

In the Suns, Booker had 36 points, 12 assists and 6 rebounds, Kevin Durant had 36 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists, Landry Shamet had 19 points, Deandre Ayton had 8 points and rebounds.

All-star Nikola Jokic’s 53 points and 11 assists weren’t enough for the Nuggets to win. The Serbian basketball player, who won the MVP award twice in his career, became the first NBA center to surpass 50 points and 10 assists in a playoff game. Jamal Murray had 28 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, Michael Porter 11 points and 10 rebounds, Aaron Gordon 11 points and 6 rebounds.

JAMES HARDEN BRINGS THE VICTORY

In the Eastern Conference semifinals, regulation time ended 107-107, the Philadelphia 76’ers defeated the Boston Celtics 116-115 at the end of overtime and tied the series 2-2.

Completing the game with 42 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds and 4 steals for the Sixers, star James Harden played a pivotal role in getting the game into overtime and winning with his last-second baskets. Joel Embiid added 34 points and 13 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey added 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Jayson Tatum 24 points, 18 rebounds and 6 assists, Jaylen Brown 23 points and 5 assists, Marcus Smart 21 points and 7 assists, Malcolm Brogdon 19 points and 8 rebounds, Derrick White 12 points, Al Horford 10 points, 7 rebounds for the Celtics and played with 5 blocks. (AA)