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The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets take care of business to set up 2nd round clash.
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 136-130 to win the Western Conference first-round playoff series in five games, and Devin Booker led the way with 47 points, including 25 in a sensational third quarter.
The Clippers didn't go down without a fight, almost overturning an early 20-point hole in the fourth.
In the last three minutes, Los Angeles had numerous chances to tie, but they never succeeded.
With 31.3 seconds left, Durant made a layup to increase Phoenix's advantage to 134-130 before adding two free throws to give the Suns a six-point lead.
Deandre Ayton scored 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to go with Durant's final total of 31 points.
The Phoenix Suns won Game 5 to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, which was all they needed to do to end their season.
The Denver Nuggets will now play the Suns in the Western Conference Semifinals. After both Phoenix and Denver won their respective elimination games, Game 1 is set for Saturday, April 29.
After losing their first postseason game, the Suns go on to win the rest of the series in a row.
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Josh Okogie shines for Phoenix Suns
Nigerian professional basketball player Joshua Aloiye Okogie was in action for the Phoenix Suns as they defeated the Los Angeles Clippers to advance to the second round.
Okogie was part of the Suns' second rotation and contributed 11 points, two rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
In 33 minutes of action, the 24-year-old D'Tigers star made four of his seven shots, including one of three from three-point range, and was a perfect two at the free throw line.
Nuggets take care of Timberwolves
In Game 5 of their first-round playoff series, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 112-109 thanks to Jamal Murray's 35 points and Nikola Jokic's triple-double.
Anthony Edwards, who led Minnesota with 29 points, missed a 3-point effort from 27 feet away at the final second that would have forced overtime.
After a sluggish start offensively, Jokic finished with 28 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists. He only made 8 of his 29 shots, but he tacked on eight points late to help the Nuggets hold off the troublesome Timberwolves.
In the second round, the top-seeded Nuggets will now play the Phoenix Suns.
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