Nikola Jokic's Game 2 masterpiece, an MVP denied and the Western Conference finals in sight

Nuggets Ink

In the latest edition of the Nuggets Ink podcast, beat writer Mike Singer and deputy sports editor Matt Schubert reconvene after the Nuggets took a 2-0 lead on the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference semifinals. Among the topics discussed: + Nikola Jokic, the MVP who wasn't, carried the Nuggets in Game 2 against the Suns with a 39-point masterpiece. Mike and Matt discuss the Joker's big game, coming on the eve of his runner-up finish to Joel Embiid in the NBA MVP race. + With Michael Porter Jr. struggling from the field, head coach Michael Malone opted to bench the Nuggets' sharpshooter. A one-off in a defensive slugfest? Or a sign of things to come in this playoff run? + Kevin Durant and Devin Booker struggled to keep the paper-thin Suns roster afloat in the first two games, especially the former. What are the Nuggets doing defensively to limit the Suns' superstar duo? + On the other side of the bracket, the Warriors and Lakers are getting ready for a knock-down, drag-out series. Who is the better matchup for the Nuggets?