DENVER — Nikola Jokic delivered a standout performance, recording 31 points, 21 rebounds, and a career-high 22 assists, as the Denver Nuggets overcame the Phoenix Suns 149-141 in overtime on Friday night. Denver’s victory came despite previously squandering a 21-point lead.
Jokic made history by being the first NBA player to achieve a triple-double featuring at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists. His impressive game also tied his own team record with his 29th triple-double of the season, bringing his career tally to 149.
Aaron Gordon contributed significantly with a career-high seven 3-pointers, amassing 27 points. Over on the Suns’ side, Kevin Durant scored 29 points, including a pivotal 3-pointer at the end of regulation to force overtime.
Jokic initiated the overtime period with a crucial floater, setting off a 7-0 scoring spree. The Nuggets stretched their lead to 11 with just 51 seconds remaining, thanks to Christian Braun’s dunk and layup.
This game mirrored a recent scenario for the Suns, who had previously come back from a 23-point deficit to top the Los Angeles Clippers 119-117. Against Denver, they narrowed an 85-64 third-quarter gap, took a 122-120 lead, but the Nuggets retaliated, concluding the regulation period with Braun’s decisive 3-pointer.
In terms of individual contributions, Devin Booker tallied 16 of his 34 points in the fourth quarter for Phoenix, but was held scoreless during overtime. Mason Plumlee added 18 points and 11 rebounds for the Suns.
Denver, leading the league in average assists per game at 31, finished the night with 38 assists. A notable stretch occurred in the first 2:48 of overtime where Denver outscored Phoenix 12-2.
The Nuggets also excelled in 3-point shooting, hitting their usual mark of 12 per game well before halftime and finishing 21 of 40 overall.
Looking ahead, the Suns will face the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday, while Denver is set to start a two-game series against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday night.