No matter who was guarding him, Nikola Jokić showed the Phoenix Suns that he’s still got another level to reach. After a long regular season of consistent brilliance, the two-time MVP dominated Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals. Jokić got the best of Kevin Durant on a drive to the basket as well as a catch-and-shoot 3-pointer, and when the Suns sent Deandre Ayton or Jock Landale to try to slow him down, the Joker beat them too with a post-up from the low block and relentless drive in traffic. Jokić converted difficult floaters and even got a desperation shot from the foul line over Devin Booker to fall while absorbing a foul. No matter what the defense threw at him, Jokić had an answer, exploding for a career-high and franchise-record 53 points on 20 of 30 from the field and 11 for 13 at the foul line. An All-Star five straight years, Jokić added four rebounds and 11 assists on May 7, 2023. · May 8, 2023