The Denver Nuggets sent quite a message to the Phoenix Suns at the start of their blockbuster NBA Western Conference second-round series. Led by a sizzling hot Jamal Murray, the No 1-seeded Nuggets ran out 125-107 winners over Kevin Durant’s Suns to take a 1-0 series lead.
Speaking of Game 1s, a couple of big Eastern Conference stars – including possible MVP Joel Embiid – remain doubts to start their respective second-round series due to injury.
Meanwhile, Ja Morant made a big admission after the Memphis Grizzlies’ playoff flameout against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Read on below as SBOTOP rounds up the latest news and updates from around the Association.
Jamal Murray leads Nuggets to Game 1 win over Suns
The Denver Nuggets have taken a 1-0 lead over the Phoenix Suns after winning Game 1 of their Western Conference second-round series, 125-107.
Jamal Murray led the Nuggets with 34 points on 13 of 24 shooting (6 of 10 on 3-pointers) and nine assists. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic had a big double-double with 24 points and 19 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon added 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting.
Kevin Durant had 29 points on 12 of 19 shooting with 14 rebounds in a losing effort for the Suns, but he did commit seven turnovers. Devin Booker chipped in with 27 points and eight assists, while Chris Paul didn’t provide too many NBA 2023 highlights as he was held to just 11 points and five assists.
After going down 32-31 at the end of the first quarter, the Nuggets outscored the Suns 37-19 in the second frame to take control of the game.
The Suns tried to rally and cut the lead down to as few as 10 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Nuggets responded with a 20-5 run that effectively put the game to bed.
Joel Embiid, Julius Randle both doubts for Game 1
The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks could potentially play Game 1 of their respective Eastern Conference second-round series without their big stars as the Sixers’ Joel Embiid and the Knicks’ Julius Randle are both still as doubtful.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers said Embiid – the hot favourite to win this year’s NBA MVP award – will likely be doubtful for their series opener against the Boston Celtics due to his knee sprain.
“There is no latest,” Rivers said. “Obviously, the doctors looked at him, and he didn’t do anything today.
“I’ll say this, but if I was a betting man, I would probably say doubtful for at least Game 1. But we’ll see.”
Embiid’s absence will undoubtedly be a blow to the Sixers, who come into the series against the Celtics as slight underdogs against the defending Eastern Conference champions.
In the event of Embiid’s absence, the Sixers will have to rely on James Harden and Tyrese Maxey in Game 1 at the TD Garden.
As for Randle, he is doubtful for the Knicks’ opening game against the Miami Heat after reinjuring his ankle in their Game 5 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“He didn’t do much today, but he’s feeling a little bit better,” Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “He’ll go through the rehab, see where he is tomorrow. He’s better today than he was yesterday, and that was the big thing, so we’re hopeful.
“He did some cardio work in the pool and lift and some spot shooting. We’ll see where he is tomorrow, but he moved well today… Just hopeful and we’ll take it day by day.”
Randle was already quite limited by his ankle sprain as he averaged just 14.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and three assists on a woeful 33.8 per cent shooting from the field.
But despite Randle being a doubt for Game 1, the NBA 2023 odds still have the Knicks favoured at 1.54 to win the series against the Heat, who are priced at 2.51.
Ja Morant admits off-court issues affected Grizz
Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies crashed out of the NBA playoffs in humiliating fashion as they were demolished 125-85 by the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of their series.
Looking back at a disappointing end of what was once a promising season, Ja Morant admits his off-court issues had a significant effect on the team.
“I feel like mine is more off the court and on the court — just being disciplined both sides,” Morant said. “Off the court, making better decisions. On the court, being locked in even more. Being a leader of this team, it pretty much starts with me. So however I attack any situation, I know my guys will follow. I’ve just got to be better in that area.”
Morant was suspended for eight games after sharing an Instagram Live video of himself with a gun in a nightclub. And while key injuries to big men Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke likely played a bigger part in their offseason struggles, Morant’s admission that his off-court antics had a negative effort on the team was a major step.
As the leader of the young Grizzlies, Morant has a big responsibility to stay focused on the ultimate goal, which is to make Memphis a legitimate title contender.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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