After knocking out LeBron James and the defending champion Lakers in Round 1, the Suns quickly dispatched Denver and made Jokic the first MVP to get swept in a playoff series since Magic Johnson in 1989.
Will Barton led Denver, which trailed by 13 heading into the fourth quarter, with 25 points, Michael Porter Jr. added 20 and Monte Morris 19.
The Nuggets survived the loss of star Jamal Murray to a torn ACL on April 12, winning 13 of 18 to close out the regular season and taking care of Portland in five games in the opening round.
They went farther than any of last year’s semifinalists, but they sorely missed Murray against the loaded Suns.
“Hopefully we can start next season fresh and healthy as possible to make another run at this thing,” Malone said.
Every time the Nuggets made a run, Paul was there to stop it. His 37-point outburst was one more than his age and marked his best production in three years.
“It was a great series for him,” Morris said. “Salute to Chris Paul. He played amazing.”
“He always had an answer for everything we tried,” Facundo Compazzo added.
Booker credited Paul and his veteran leadership for transforming the Suns from an up-and-coming team in the bubble last year to a championship contender this summer.
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