PHOENIX — Nikola Jokic showcased an impressive performance with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing a triple-double as the Denver Nuggets secured their impressive sixth consecutive win by defeating the Phoenix Suns 122-105 on Saturday evening.
Jokic demonstrated remarkable efficiency, hitting 11 of 13 field goal attempts in just 28 minutes of play. Jamal Murray also had a standout game, contributing 30 points to the Nuggets’ success, despite the absence of key players Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr., both sidelined due to left hamstring injuries.
For the Suns, Devin Booker led the scoring with 24 points, but the team struggled without regular starters Kevin Durant (who is dealing with a sprained left ankle) and Bradley Beal (with an injured left big toe) for the second consecutive game. Additionally, Grayson Allen was unavailable due to a knee injury. Allen had played a crucial role in the prior game, hitting two late three-pointers that forced overtime in a dramatic victory over Utah.
Bol Bol had a standout performance for the Suns, recording a season-high 19 points, while Tyus Jones contributed 15 points and 10 assists. However, the Suns have now lost four of their last five matchups.
Takeaways from the game reveal that Nuggets guard Julian Strawther stepped up in Westbrook’s absence, scoring 18 points and providing six assists in 39 minutes of action. Christian Braun also matched Strawther’s 18-point output.
Bol, a fan favorite, took advantage of the extra playing time, especially with three regular players unavailable due to injuries. He started strong with two offensive rebounds early on and delighted the enthusiastic crowd with a behind-the-back pass to Damion Lee for a three-pointer.
A significant moment came when Murray sank three 3-pointers in his initial attempts, helping the Nuggets jump out to a 10-2 lead. Although the Suns held a brief lead in the first quarter, they could not keep pace as the Nuggets extended their advantage to 23 points.
In terms of stats, Booker’s workload the previous night was evident; after playing 49 of a possible 53 minutes, he managed to log 34 minutes against the Nuggets, finishing the night with 8 of 19 shooting from the field.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets are set to host the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday night, while the Suns will take on the Memphis Grizzlies at home on Tuesday night.
