Payne, Suns beat Denver in Game 3
MBB: Payne gets first playoff start as Phoenix pulls within 2-1 in series
Former Murray State standout Cameron Payne, making his first playoff start in 2023, scored seven points, dished out six assists, and only turned the ball over once in 30 minutes as the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 121-114 Friday night in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals. Devin Booker scored 47 points to lead the Suns as Phoenix pulled to within 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Payne got the start as Chris Paul was forced to miss the game with a groin injury. Paul’s timetable to return to the lineup is uncertain at this time.
With Paul out of the lineup, Payne tried to use his speed to push the tempo throughout the game. According to NBA.com, the Suns were 10th out of the 16 playoff teams this year in pace. Payne helped Phoenix outscore Denver 23-11 in fast-break points.
“They played fast tonight,” Denver Head Coach Michael Malone said after the game. “Cameron Payne really set the tone with that. Makes, misses, turnovers, they got out and ran.”
Game 4 is Sunday night at 7:00pm and can be seen on TNT. If Paul is unable to go, Payne will make his fourth-career playoff start.