Jock Landale’s emergence as a key piece of the Phoenix rotation continued on Monday as the Suns outlasted the Denver Nuggets 127-122 in Game 4 of their Western Conference semi-finals series.
The Australian’s plus-minus of +16 ranked the best among players in both teams, with Landale putting up eight points to go with five rebounds, one block, a steal and an assist.
Landale, who was a standout big at St Mary’s before eventually getting his chance in the NBA at San Antonio, has seen a steady increase in minutes this playoff series.
Who will win it all? Watch the NBA Playoffs and every game of the NBA Finals LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The series between the Suns and Nuggets is now tied at 2-2, with Booker and Kevin Durant once again stepping up when Phoenix needed it most.
With Chris Paul still sidelined through injury, the Suns are heavily reliant on their superstar duo and they delivered with 36 points each.
Booker also added 12 assists and six rebounds while Durant had 11 defensive boards and six assists in the win.
Landry Shamet was the surprise hero off the bench for Phoenix though, catching fire late to finish the game with 19 points, including five 3-pointers.
Phoenix’s bench outscored Denver’s 40-11 as a 53-point explosion from Nikola Jokic failed to get the Nuggets over the line.
It was a historic statement from Jokic, who became the first center in the NBA to put up more than 50 points and 10 assists in a playoff game.
Jokic got help from Jamal Murray (28 points) but Michael Porter Jr. struggled to find his shooting rhythm, going 2-for-9 from deep to finish with 11 points.
For all his brilliance Jokic did come up with a costly turnover and missed shot late in the piece but ultimately the Nuggets wouldn’t have even been a hope without him.
