Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets holds his MVP trophy as teammates celebrate with him before the game against Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Semifinals, which Phoenix won in four games. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets is hugged by his brothers Strahinja and Nemanja after being presented with his MVP trophy before the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) and JaMychal Green (0) of the Denver Nuggets share a laugh as Josh Kronke speaks in front of booing fans during an MVP ceremony honoring Nikola Jokic (15) before the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets lets out a roar before the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostWill Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets dunks on a pass from Nikola Jokic (15) against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMonte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets and Paul Millsap (4) walk to the bench as the Phoenix Suns roll during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMonte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets passes around Cameron Johnson (23) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets claps for the fans as he leaves the floor after the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets absorbs contact from Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns on a play that would result in a no call and a Jokic technical foul during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shouts after taking contact from Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns for no call resulting in a technical foul for Jokic during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shouts at referee Ben Taylor (46) after taking contact from Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns for no call resulting in a technical foul for Jokic during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostChris Paul (3) of the Phoenix Suns calls a timeout as Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shouts at referee Ben Taylor (46) after taking contact from Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns for no call resulting in a technical foul for Jokic during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15), Michael Porter Jr. (1), Will Barton (5) and Monte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets walk off the court for a timeout as the Phoenix Suns roll during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAustin Rivers (25) of the Denver Nuggets drives on Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostChris Paul (3) of the Phoenix Suns shoots over Austin Rivers (25) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets defends Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Malone of the Denver Nuggets argues an offensive foul call assessed to Aaron Gordon (50) by referee Ben Taylor (46) during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostChris Paul (3) of the Phoenix Suns celebrates a three as he and Deandre Ayton (22) run back to play defense against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostFacundo Campazzo (7) of the Denver Nuggets and Mikal Bridges (25) of the Phoenix Suns exchange words after Campazzo nutmegged him with a pass during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets falls over Dario Saric (20) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostChris Paul (3) of the Phoenix Suns checks on Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets after Jokic went down to the floor during the second quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostWill Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets fouls Dario Saric (20) of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets steals the ball from Chris Paul (3) of the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPaul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets strips Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns as Monte Morris (11) defends during the first quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDevin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns and Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets vie for a rebound during the first quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostAaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets steals the ball from Chris Paul (3) of the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets passes to Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets as Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns and Jae Crowder (99) defend during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMichael Malone head coach of the Denver Nuggets watches as Nikola Jokic (15) works against Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDevin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns is fouled by Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostChris Paul (3) of the Phoenix Suns motions to teammate Mikal Bridges (25) not to worry as Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets prepares to shoot free throws during the second quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets hangs his head on the bench as the Phoenix Suns roll during the fourth quarter of PhoenixÕs 116-102 win at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets holds his foot after taking contact against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets heads to the locker room at the conclusion of the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game three of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series.
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Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets holds his MVP trophy as teammates celebrate with him before the game against Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Semifinals, which Phoenix won in four games. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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By AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED:
Getting your player ready...
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Denver Nuggets 116-102 in game 3 of their second-round NBA playoffs series on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Ball Arena in Denver. The Suns took a 3-0 series advantage with the win.
