Paul leads the Suns to a win.

PHOENIX (AP) — Chris Paul looked recovered from his right shoulder and had 21 points and 11 assists and Mikal Bridges added 23 points to help the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 122-105 in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

The Suns were down on the board most of the first half and were down 10 early in the third period, but rallied at the end of that span. Devin Booker hit a 3-pointer from 27 feet and Bridges added a layup that made it 79-72 and extended their lead to 88-79 by the start of the final quarter.

Paul, who played with a shoulder injury for most of the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, made two consecutive baskets from mid-range to propel the Suns to go up 94-79 with 10:25 minutes to play.

The action thrilled the sold-out crowd of 16,319 in Phoenix, who followed the point guard’s every move with rapt attention.

Paul’s baskets rounded out a 34-9 rally that helped Phoenix take control of the game. Deandre Ayton finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Booker added 21 points.

The three duels between Suns and Nuggets during the season ended with tight scores. One was decided by three points in regular time, another in overtime and the third required two extra periods.

Game 2 of the semifinal series will be played Wednesday in Phoenix.

Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 22 points, but lost presence in the Suns’ second-half comeback. Aaron Gordon added 18 points, while Michael Porter Jr. had 15. Argentine Facundo Campazzo added 14 points, six assists and four rebounds.

The big-man clash pitting Jokic and Ayton provided excitement in the first half, when the two teams were tied 28-28. Ayton made a devastating dunk over Michael Porter Jr. while Jokic took advantage of his strength and position to sink five of six shots.

Denver led 58-57 at halftime. Jokic had 15 points and six rebounds, while Booker and Ayton had added 11 points apiece for the hosts.