Nikola Jokic achieved a triple-double to lead the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals of the NBA after defeating the Phoenix Suns 125-100 in Game 6 last night. The Nuggets won the series 4-2 in the Western Conference semifinals, which is decided in a best-of-seven format. The Nuggets will host the Western Finals series on Tuesday against either the Los Angeles Lakers or the Golden State Warriors.
Jokic scored 32 points, dished out 12 assists, and grabbed ten rebounds on the Suns' floor, leading the Nuggets to the conference finals for the second time in four seasons and the fifth time overall. Jamal Murray contributed 26 points, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored all of his 21 points in the Nuggets' dominant first half, leading 81-51. For the Suns, Cameron Payne scored a playoff-high 31 points, hitting seven three-pointers for the fourth-placed team in the West. Kevin Durant added 23 points, while Devin Booker managed only 12 points and provided eight assists.
### Tiebreaker Match
Jayson Tatum hit four three-pointers in the final four minutes and 14 seconds of the fourth quarter to help the Boston Celtics overcome the Philadelphia 76ers 95-86, forcing both teams into a decisive Game 7 in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The series is tied 3-3, with Boston hosting the final match this Sunday.
Tatum concluded the game with 19 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. He stated to ESPN: "I humbly believe I'm one of the best basketball players in the world; when facing adversity, my team trusts me." Philadelphia is aiming for its first playoff victory against the Celtics since 1982 after losing five times during this period.
