Nuggets beat Suns, take 3-2 lead in NBA Western Conference semifinals

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) — The Denver Nuggets claimed a 118-102 win against the Phoenix Suns in Game 5 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals Tuesday to take a 3-2 series lead.

The Nuggets led the first quarter 35-24 but the Suns fought in the second period, scoring 25 points at Denver's Ball Arena to narrow the gap.

Denver had a 52-49 lead before the break, and controlled the final two quarters, scoring 66 points.

"To be honest, I just like to win the game, so whatever it takes. If we play the way we did today, we're going to have a chance," Nikola Jokic, who recorded his 10th career playoff triple-double said after the game.

Jokic, 28, posted a triple-double with 29 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists for the Nuggets.

Bruce Brown scored 25 points, while Jamal Murray and Michael Porter each produced 19 points.

For the losing side, Devin Booker was the highest scorer on the Suns with 28 points and six rebounds and Deandre Ayton helped his team with 14 points.

"I've been in here a couple of times now," Booker said. "I love it. Every game has its own character. Every game is its own movie, its own different preparation and everything to go with it. We're going watch (it) over film, see how we can be better for Game six," said Kevin Durant, who made a double-double with 26 points and 11 rebounds.

The Suns will host the Nuggets at the Footprint Center for Game 6 on Friday.

In another Tuesday match, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics 115-103 in the Eastern Conference semifinals to take a 3-2 lead in the series.

- NBA announces 2022-23 All-Defensive Teams

The NBA officially announced the All-Defensive teams for the 2022-23 season.

Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso, Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday, Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr., Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, and Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley were among the players selected to the NBA All-Defensive first team for this season.

The 23-year-old Jackson, who became the youngest player to ever earn the honor, led the vote for the 2023 All-Defensive teams. Through the season, he averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1 assist in 63 games this season.

- Banchero leads 2022-23 NBA All-Rookie teams

The NBA also announced this season's All-Rookie teams.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin, Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray, and Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams make up the All-Rookie first team.

Banchero, who averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists this season, led the All-Rookie first team as the only unanimous selection for 2022-23.