‘Hell no!’: Durant’s brutally honest response after Nuggets claim crushing win

The Denver Nuggets, fuelled by 34 points from Jamal Murray, dominated Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns 125-107 in game one of their NBA Western Conference semi-final series on Sunday AEST.

Denver’s two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic scored 24 points and grabbed 19 rebounds as six Nuggets players scored in double-digits to give the top seeds a convincing victory against the potentially explosive Suns.

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 >

Jokic had even gone so far as to say the Suns could be considered favourites in the series, and Phoenix looked dangerous as they connected on 66.7 per cent of their shots from the field in a nip-and-tuck first quarter that featured 14 lead changes.

Sun, 30 Apr

Sunday April 30th

Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets outlets the ball while being guarded by Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Deandre Ayton scored 14 points and Chris Paul had 11 for the Suns, but Denver had 16 three-pointers to Phoenix’s seven and scored 18 points off 16 Suns turnovers.

Murray drained back-to-back three-pointers to launch a 14-0 fourth quarter run that carried the Nuggets to a 120-95 lead.

It was more than a glimpse of the form Murray flashed before missing all of last season because of a torn left knee ligament suffered in April of 2021 – and the 26-year-old was delighted to be back in action after missing the last two post-seasons.

“It’s good to play at the most valuable time of the year and make an impact,” Murray told broadcaster TNT.

Denver, who improved to 38-7 at home in the regular season and playoffs, host game two of the best-of-seven series on Monday.

Kevin Durant said he wasn’t surprised at how well the Nuggets played, saying: “Am I surprised? Hell no! They’re the No. 1 seed for a reason.”

LeBron’s Lakers obliterate Grizzlies | 01:08