Nuggets at Suns takeaways: Denver rolling on the road, but struggling in turnover battle

Denver Finds Rhythm in Phoenix but Fights Turnover Woes

Strong Shooting Balances Costly Mistakes

The Denver Nuggets committed 16 more turnovers than the Phoenix Suns, a concerning trend despite their continued dominance on the road. Their performance behind the arc, however, was their best in more than a year and proved decisive in securing the win.

Jokic Leads with Versatility

Nikola Jokic once again anchored Denver’s effort, blending scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. His ability to read Phoenix’s defense opened easy looks for teammates, while also exploiting mismatches inside.

"We’re winning games, but turnovers are something we can’t keep ignoring," said coach Michael Malone after the game.

Defensive Physicality a Growing Edge

Denver’s defense displayed a tougher, more physical presence, forcing Phoenix into difficult mid-range attempts and limiting transition points. Guards like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jamal Murray applied ball pressure that disrupted the Suns’ rhythm for stretches.

Turnover Pattern a Persistent Concern

Despite their 3-point success, Denver’s ball-handling continues to create risk. Several unforced errors came from rushed passes and miscommunications in half-court sets. Jokic and Murray accounted for multiple giveaways, highlighting the need for better spacing and positional awareness.

Road Momentum Stays Intact

The victory extended Denver’s strong road form, suggesting resilience even without a perfect performance. If the team can trim turnovers, their balanced offense and improving defense make them a formidable early-season contender.

"It’s about clean possessions," Jokic noted. "When we take care of the ball, everything flows."

Author’s summary: Denver overcame turnover troubles in Phoenix thanks to elite long-range shooting and improved defensive toughness, with Jokic steering another balanced team win.

The Denver Post — 2025-11-30