NBA Playoffs: Phoenix Suns Sweep Nuggets, Advance To West Finals

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix Suns advanced to the franchise's first Western Conference final appearance in 11 years after sweeping the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.

The Suns, who beat the Nuggets 125-118 in Sunday's Game 4, were once again powered by the offensive exploits of Chris Paul (37 points) and Devin Booker (34 points).

It was a night where the Suns' victory took a backseat to Nuggets MVP forward Nikola Jokic's ejection for a Flagrant 2 foul in the game's third quarter.

Above all for Suns head coach Monty Williams, it was a night where the Suns did what they had to do to cap off a four-game sweep of the Nuggets, earning the team some much-needed rest.

“Everybody at this point is banged up and can use that kind of recovery,” William said. "We earned it and we want to take advantage of it.“But right now, I'm not even thinking about that. I’m just happy about what these guys have accomplished."

Veteran forward Jae Crowder, who scored nine points and pulled down 10 rebounds in Sunday's win, said that Sunday's Game 4 victory stemmed from the leadership of Williams and the camaraderie shared by the Suns starting five.

“Very impressive how locked in we are as a unit,” Crowder said. “We have great leadership. We have great coaching putting us in a position to succeed right now.

"I definitely feel like we’re connected as a group and it shows.”

Paul, who previously played for Williams during the pair's tenure with the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans) a decade ago, also vouched for the veteran head coach.

For Paul, Sunday's series-clinching victory was extra sweet, as it extended the journey that he and Williams have shared together.

“Monty has been through things in his life that a lot of people don’t necessarily come back from,” Paul said. "Basketball aside, he means so much to me and my family. So to be on this journey with him and to see it paying off is nice. We’re a lot alike. We stay locked in. I don’t feel good until the buzzer sounds. Monty’s the same way. When the series is over, and the game is over, it’s nice to share those moments.”

Now Paul and Williams get to sit back and await the winner of the Utah Jazz-Los Angeles Clippers series.

The Jazz and Clippers are currently knotted at two games apiece, with a Game 5 showdown looming on Monday night.

Regardless of who their next opponent is, Williams said he's looking forward to having an opportunity to guide the group of guys that Phoenix has into uncharted terrain.

Whether it's the Jazz in Salt Lake City or the Clippers at Phoenix Suns Arena, Williams knows his team will be ready for Game 1 on Sunday.

"I’m not really good at waxing eloquent about how I feel other than just telling you I just feel grateful for this opportunity and to be on this team and in this moment and have a chance to move forward,” Williams said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.