3 key takeaways from Game 1 between the Nuggets and Suns

Phoenix Suns, Denver Nuggets, Devin Booker, Chris Paul, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., NBA Predictions
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Chris Paul looks like he is healthy again

Chris Paul struggled and only averaged 9.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 7.7 assists and only shot 38.6% from the floor, 20.0% from three-point range in the Suns’ first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a right shoulder injury, but he looked fully healthy in Game 1 against the Nuggets! 

A rejuvenated Chris Paul took the floor for Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals between the Suns and Nuggets, resulting in Phoenix being able to take care of business. Paul ended the game playing a total of 36 minutes, the most he has played since Game 1 against the Lakers in the previous series, and he scored 21 points on 8-14 shooting. 

READ MORE: NBA Predictions: Previewing the Clippers-Jazz Western Conference Semifinals matchup

The 11x All-Star also added 6 rebounds, 11 assists and a steal in Phoenix’s Game 1 victory. Overall, CP3 looked healthy again and given that he was knocking down shots from outside the paint and from the three-point line, this is a really good sign for the Suns in this series. 

The few days off that the Suns had in between the first-round and this Western Conference Semifinals series seemed to be exactly what Chris Paul needed, as he did not show any limitations against the Nuggets in Game 1. 

READ MORE: NBA Predictions: 3 key takeaways from Game 1 between the Hawks and 76ers

Early on in the game, Paul got bumped by Nuggets’ guard Facundo Campazzo in his injured right shoulder and it seemed to bother him briefly, but as the game progressed, Paul looked more and more comfortable with his shoulder. 

In the fourth quarter, when the Suns began to pull away from the Nuggets, Chris Paul was instrumental in the Suns’ run, as he scored 10 straight points for Phoenix and scored 14 total points in the quarter. It looks like CP3 is finally healthy again and as a result, Phoenix is at full strength in this series. 

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