The Denver Nuggets picked up a comprehensive 117-90 win over the Phoenix Suns at home in the Ball Arena. The Nuggets are 16-11 this season, solidifying themselves as a top-six team while the Suns slip to 14-14 and out of the play-in tournament with this loss.
Nikola Jokic dominated with 32 points (12-17 FG), two rebounds, and seven assists, while Michael Porter Jr. had a red-hot shooting night with 24 points (10-12 FG), six rebounds, and four assists. Aaron Gordon was a defensive menace and ended the night with 12 points (4-7 FG) and one steal while Russell Westbrook had 12 points (5-12 FG), five rebounds, and seven assists.
The Suns were without Devin Booker and looked flat all night. Kevin Durant (8-15 FG) and Bradley Beal (9-17 FG) both had 23 points, although Durant also grabbed nine rebounds, two steals, and one block. No other Sun scored in double-digits, with Tyus Jones looking decent with nine points (4-8 FG) and rookie Oso Ighodaro making a late impact in the game with seven points (3-3 FG) and six rebounds.
Let’s look at the major takeaways from this Nuggets win.
No Answer For Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokic had another MVP-worthy night in this win against the Suns, effortlessly putting up 32 points (12-17 FG, 4-6 3P), two rebounds, and seven assists. Jokic continues to separate himself from other stars in the NBA with his ultimate ease on the court, completely dominating an opponent that wasn’t equipped to stop him.
One of the biggest holes on their roster is big-man defense, with Jokic hammering home that point tonight. Jusuf Nurkic (4 PTS, 4 REB, 4 AST) didn’t stand a chance against Jokic, as his former backup on the Nuggets displayed his class by making Nurkic unplayable. The Bosnian center played under 15 minutes tonight, fewer than backup Mason Plumlee (6 PTS, 4 REB) and second-round rookie Oso Ighodaro (7 PTS, 6 REB).
Jokic orchestrated Denver’s offense beautifully in Jamal Murray’s absence, taking a great on-ball role in the middle of plays to facilitate easier scoring opportunities for his teammates. It helped that his teammates knocked their shots down with consistency while the defense was also having an excellent night.
Nuggets Rotation Proving Their Value
The Nuggets roster has been greatly debated this season as the team is struggling to maintain its position as one of the best teams in the West. This win improved their record to 16-11, but they’re still 1.5 games behind the No. 4 seed in the Conference.
Michael Porter Jr. had a standout performance with 24 points (10-12 FG), six rebounds, and four assists but no other Nugget came close to scoring 20 points. Instead, it was a balanced offensive attack that saw the team go 46-90 (51.1 FG%) from the field and 16-41 (39.0 3P%) from three. In addition, they restricted Phoenix to 33-83 (39.8 FG%) from the field and 13-33 (39.8 3P%) from three.
The Suns were comprehensively beaten on other crucial box score stats like rebounds (39-46) and assists (23-35), while both teams registered six steals. Almost every Nuggets rotation outplayed the Suns, and this game is an example of how well the Nuggets can still play when their pieces are clicking.
The fact that this performance was as comprehensive without Jamal Murray, who’s recently been in good form, shows that the Nuggets are still major threats in the West.
Suns Need Devin Booker Back
The Suns have had another poor start to the season due to injuries, with both Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant missing time earlier in the season, with Devin Booker picking up an injury that will keep him out till January in their last game as well. Booker was the one constant they’ve had this season during Beal and Durant’s layoffs, with the team’s offense now looking arguably the worst it has this season.
Durant and Beal combined for 46 points, which might have been enough from them if Booker was contributing a 20+ performance alongside them. Their lack of aggressiveness, especially Durant’s, was a problem tonight. Booker has shown a willingness to be the best-rounded player on the Suns by fitting in where he’s needed, but he’s also shown a willingness to take over and die on his shield during tough losses without Durant earlier this season.
Booker and Durant are the key duo Phoenix needs healthy, as they have a 12-3 record this season when both are playing. Hopefully, the Suns can find good health long enough to remain a Playoff threat in the West.
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