Nikola Jokic, who came into the game listed as questionable due to a wrist injury, once again dominated for Denver. He recorded 26 points, nine rebounds, and ten assists, nearly achieving another triple-double as the Nuggets cruised past the Phoenix Suns.
The Nuggets controlled the game from the start, displaying strong ball movement and an unselfish offensive effort. Their defense restricted the Suns’ top scorers early, forcing contested shots and turnovers. By halftime, Denver had already built a commanding lead that Phoenix couldn’t recover from.
For the Suns, Kevin Durant led the effort with 22 points, but the team struggled to find rhythm, shooting below 40 percent from the field. Missing key players due to injury further hindered their performance.
"Nikola sets the tone for everything we do," said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. "When he’s locked in like tonight, we’re very hard to beat."
Jokic reflected on the team’s chemistry postgame, sharing,
"Everyone contributed tonight. That’s when we’re at our best."
The Nuggets continue their strong start to the season, while the Suns will look to regroup as their schedule remains challenging over the coming weeks.
Author’s Summary: Jokic’s near triple-double and Denver’s balanced offense overwhelmed Phoenix, reaffirming the Nuggets’ status as top contenders in the Western Conference.