Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets warms up before the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets sees the entire state of Arizona as he dishes to Michael Porter Jr. (1) over Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets defends Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
T.J. Warren (21) of the Phoenix Suns fouls Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets defends Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets shouts at Aaron Gordon (50) during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets drives between Deandre Ayton (22) and Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to being called for a foul against the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns vies for a rebound against Michael Porter Jr. (1), Nikola Jokic (15) and Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets drives on Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Josh Okogie (2) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Aaron Gordon (50) of the Denver Nuggets defends Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets yells, “Mike,” to Michael Porter Jr. (1) during the first quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) leads Nikola Jokic (15) and Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets in transition against Deandre Ayton (22) and the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets dishes around the defense of Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns erupts at a chance for an and-one against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets puts the clamps on Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns near the perimeter during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns wags his finger after hitting a buzzer-beater over Christian Braun (0) of the Denver Nuggets to end the first quarter during the quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets works against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets drives against Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a rare misstep as he was called for a traveling violation during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns asks for consideration regarding his case of potentially, but not officially, being granted a foul during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone works against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets controls his body gracefully as Josh Okogie (2) of the Phoenix Suns flies into the stands during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets communicates with his eyes as Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns defends during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets passes as Jock Landale (11) and Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns trap him during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker (1) during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns dishes against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns celebrates hitting a three pointer against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets rushes to retrieve the game ball as Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia inserts himself into the action by clutching the ball as he helps Josh Okogie (2) to his feet after Okogie flew into the stands during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets slightly grazes Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia after Suns player Josh Okogie (2) flew into the stands during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts after a slight tussle involving Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets drives as Nikola Jokic (15) picks Josh Okogie (2) of the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets growls and snarls and sneers after being fouled by Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets questions referee Jacyn Goble (68) after being called for a foul during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Phoenix Suns head coach Monty Williams works against the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns erupts at a chance for an and-one against the Denver Nuggets as T.J. Warren (21) pats his chest during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets looks for a foul call after taking contract from Josh Okogie (2) of the Phoenix Suns and turning the ball over during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to Aaron Gordon (50) being called for fouling Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns during the first quarter at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone smiles in a rare moment of on-court joy as he pats Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns drives on Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets scores over Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns grabs ahold of Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray (27) tie up Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns after Jokic threw a costly errant pass to Murray with the game hanging in the balance during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Landry Shamet (14) of the Phoenix Suns hits a flurry of threes as Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to the Nuggets’ inability to catch the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Kevin Durant (35) of the Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker (1) celebrate during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win over the Denver Nuggets at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets loses a crucial jump ball to Deandre Ayton (22) of the Phoenix Suns, which maintained a thee-point lead by the Suns during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
PHOENIX, AZ - MAY 7: Michael Porter Jr. (1) and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets mob T.J. Warren (21) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for game five. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to the Nuggets’ inability to catch the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of Phoenix’s series-tying 129-124 win at Footprint Center in Phoenix on Sunday, May 7, 2023. The series, now knotted at 2-2, heads back to Denver for Game 5. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
All of Nikola Jokic’s brilliance couldn’t out-shine the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 in Sunday afternoon.
Serve: Held. Series: Tied. From here: Best of three beginning Tuesday in Denver for a trip to the Western Conference Finals.
This is where the Nuggets and Suns find themselves after Devin Booker and Kevin Durant dazzled for 36 points apiece and Phoenix ran past Denver, 129-124 to level the series at two home wins apiece.
The Suns got a big fourth-quarter boost from reserve guard Landry Shamet, too. He knocked down four three-pointers in the final frame and finished with 19 points, helping the hosts stave off the best scoring outing of Jokic’s playoff career.
The two-time NBA Most Valuable Player finished with 53 points and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough for Denver to keep its grip on the series.
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