NBA Playoffs: Phoenix Suns Power Past Nuggets In Game 1

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix Suns earned the franchise's first victory in the semifinal round of the NBA Playoffs in 11 years on Monday night, thanks in large part to the play of steely veteran Chris Paul and a lot of crowd noise.

The Suns were able to come from behind to thwart the Denver Nuggets, 122-105, in Game 1, thanks in large part to 28-9 run in the contest's third quarter.

The team's third quarter run was motivated in large part by Paul, who has battled through shoulder injuries this postseason, emerging when Phoenix needed him most Monday.

The veteran guard drilled several crucial three-pointers in the second half, finishing the night with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting.

Paul was one of four Suns players to finish the night with 20 points, joining teammates Mikal Bridges (23 points), Devin Booker (21 points) and Deandre Ayton (20 points).

Booker, who struggled at times with his shot in Game 1, commended Paul for pacing Phoenix's offense, saying the team was able to garner a lot of energy on the court from Paul's energy.

“We felt that energy. We felt that passion behind it. He just made plays," Booker said of Paul. "Not only his scoring ability, but getting everybody else involved. That’s been the story of the season for us, following him in that regard.”

The other major X-factor in the Suns' victory in Game 1 was the jet-engine-level noise generated by the more than 16,000 fans that packed downtown's Phoenix Suns Arena.

Paul said as much in his postgame comments, commending the black-and-orange-clad faithful that showed up en masse Monday.

“This crowd is crazy. It’s crazy. To have the fans in there, the energy, there’s nothing like it," Paul said. "I told the guys this is why we fought so hard during the regular season to get home-court advantage. I think we truly have that with our fanbase here.”

Suns head coach Monty Williams thanked those that have showed up during the team's postseason run, both at home and on the road, for everything they've done to spark the team's play.

For Williams, seeing such an energized fanbase is a blessing, given where the franchise was when he assumed his position in 2019.

“To be on the road and have your fans cheering for you, especially when you make a run, is pretty cool," Williams said. "We’re thankful, grateful and we’re fighting our tails off to make those fans that we have in this environment have something to cheer for.”

Now Paul, Williams and the Suns will look to take a commanding, 2-0 lead over the Nuggets in Wednesday night's Game 2, which tips off at 6:30 p.m. local time in downtown Phoenix.