Nikola Jokic, Nuggets deal Suns another elimination game blowout

Game 6 was pretty close! For about eight minutes. Then Monty Williams took out Kevin Durant, and Denver closed the quarter on a 17-0 run and finished the first up 44-26. 

The huge quarter was led by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had 17 points in the first, and Nikola Jokic, who had 14 points and five assists. Combined, the two went 13-16 from the field, 3-3 from the free throw line, scored 31 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished six assists, got two steals and a block.

Jokic finished with a 32-point triple-double with 12 assists, 10 rebounds and three steals. After the game, he announced his plans for his four days off before the conference finals.

Jokic with a tan might be even more unstoppable.

It's the second year in a row that Phoenix has been blown out in an elimination game - and it happened at home both times. They were playing without Deandre Ayton, but replacement center Jock Landale was actually plus-two at halftime. It's tempting to blame Phoenix's lack of depth after the midseason trade for Durant, but they had depth last year when they got blown out.

What the loss means is that Phoenix may have a very different roster next year. Chris Paul's contract is only partially guaranteed. Ayton clashed with Williams all year, and may not have wanted to re-sign in Phoenix to begin with last summer. The only players who will definitely be there come fall are Durant and Devin Booker.

It could also put Williams' job in jeopardy. While he took Phoenix to the Finals in 2021, that's two straight ignominious playoff exits for Williams. With new owner Mat Ishbia in town, he might want his own coach, no matter how respected Williams is.

Trading for Durant made Phoenix a super team. They've got the superstars. The next step is the team.