Devin Booker carries Suns with 18 points in 1st quarter of Game 3 vs. Nuggets

Where would the Phoenix Suns be without Devin Booker?

The Suns shooting guard once again came out on fire Friday night with 18 points scored in the first quarter alone of Game 3 against the Denver Nuggets at Footprint Center.

Booker did so on 8-of-10 shooting, including going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc and nailing this open look on the wing:

The Suns star finished the first half with 27 points on 12-of-15 shooting, which featured a 3-for-5 clip from deep en route to a 67-52 lead.

After a slow 1-for-7 start from Phoenix co-star Kevin Durant that only garnered three points in the first quarter, he finished the first half with 21 points.

However, Durant is only shooting 5-for-16 from the field, but scored 11 of his points from the free-throw line on 12 attempts.

The Suns are playing without starting point guard Chris Paul, who is out due to a left groin strain that he sustained in Game 2.

Phoenix is reportedly expecting to be without Paul for Games 4 and 5 as well.

Cam Payne got the start in his place and scored four points while picking up three assists and one steal in the first half.

Catch all the Game 3 action on 98.7, the Arizona Sports app and ArizonaSports.com.