Back home and the Phoenix Suns dealt with business. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant exploded for 86 points to clinch Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets. The Suns with the rally of their home crowd seemed in control. Their superstar tandem let loose in the loss of Chris Paul. However, while the franchise might have got one game back, there seemed to be some discourse related to starting center Deandre Ayton.

Nikola Jokic has got the better of Ayton in this series. In addition, fans have also noticed the former No. 1 overall pick’s alleged lack of effort. In Game 3, head coach Monty Williams took a controversial decision to pull him early in the game and close out with their backup center Jock Landale. Williams’ call visibly upset Ayton following which he lashed out on the court itself.

Conflict in Suns camp as Ayton ignores Chris Paul

Ayton was having a poor game by his standards. It was aberrant to see him have just four points and nine rebounds after three-quarters of basketball. It was evident, he wasn’t at his best but the game was close. Both Suns and the Nuggets traded buckets. It would all come down to hustle and effort. For those reasons, Williams took a bold decision to snub out Ayton early and put in Jock Landale.

The decision proved right for Phoenix who stole Game 3 at home but it also bruised Ayton.

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The Bahamian basketball star’s displeasure became clear when he argued over the decision. As the veteran on the team, Chris Paul tried to calm him down by offering him a handshake. However, Ayton pretty much gave CP3 a cold shoulder and grazed right past him even when Paul had his hand out.

That wasn’t all. After the game, Deandre Ayton didn’t stick around for the media either. He left the locker room before any personnel were allowed to enter and left the arena.

Addressing his late-game decision, Williams had much praise for Landale, in particular the effort he put in against Jokic to close the game according to Tim MacMahon.

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Having such internal tension could hamper the Suns, especially when it is with one of the star players. Ayton wasn’t anywhere near his standards today, but do you think it was the right decision by Monty Williams to take him out that early? Let us know what you feel about the decision.

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant burst to rally the Suns to a Game 3 win

When the Nuggets-Suns matchup was made it was bound to be a war of scorers. On one end was Jokic and Jamal Murray duo, one of the most prolific pairs in the league and then there was Devin Booker and KD, two offensive juggernauts who can produce their own shots at will.

Well, it all went down tonight and both tandems exploded but it was Kevin Durant and Booker who stood tall at the final buzzer. D-Book scored 47 on incredible efficiency while Durant added 39. They scored, shared the ball, and at times even made instrumental defensive plays that were decisive.

WATCH THIS STORY: “Take It Personally”: As Kevin Durant and Devin Booker Lead Suns’ Triumph, NFL Legend Slams 7ft Star for “Unacceptable” Contribution.

Their superhuman efforts ensured a narrow escape for Phoenix. However, can they keep this up for the entirety of the series or will the Nuggets figure out a way? We will have to wait and find out.