<\/p>\n
The Nuggets and their fans at Ball Arena were frustrated that they were getting called for ticky-tack fouls yet Jokic wasn't getting the calls expected of a Most Valuable Player.<\/p>\n
With their franchise-record seventh straight playoff victory, the Suns advanced to the conference championship for the first time since 2010 \u2014 the last time they even reached the playoffs.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 the Portland Trail Blazers in five games in the opening round.<\/p>\n
But when second scoring option Porter tweaked his surgically repaired back in the first half of Game 1 against Phoenix, it was one injury too far for the Nuggets to overcome.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Denver coach Michael Malone said before tip-off that the Nuggets couldn't really rely on their experience from the bubble in overcoming a pair of 3-1 deficits in the playoffs last year. For one thing, Murray's recovering from knee surgery.<\/p>\n
Malone said the Nuggets' only focus was on sending this series back to Phoenix for a Game 5.<\/p>\n
Instead, Jokic became the first MVP to get swept in a playoff series since the Pistons downed Magic Johnson and the Lakers in four in the NBA Finals in 1989.<\/p>\n
Jokic's ejection came 48 hours after an emotional celebration<\/a> before Game 3 in which the Serbian dedicated his MVP trophy to his teammates, coaches, trainers and the front office.<\/p>\n The only NBA player to play all 72 games this season, Jokic spent the fourth quarter in his locker room as his teammates' comeback without him fell short.<\/p>\n Despite the sweep and Jokic's early exit, fans chanted, "MVP! MVP" as they streamed out of the arena.<\/p>\n Suns:<\/strong> Booker scored 10 points in the first quarter despite missing six of nine shots. … Phoenix trailed just once at 2-0 before Booker's 3-pointer put the Suns up for good.<\/p>\n Nuggets:<\/strong> Murray shot one-footed jumpers before the game and drew a loud ovation when he drained one from half-court as he walked off. … Malone shook up his stagnant starting lineup, sitting Facundo Compazzo and Austin Rivers for Morris and Barton.<\/p>\n For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0clicking here!<\/strong><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"TIP-INS<\/strong><\/h2>\n