Did Nikola Jokić's Triple-Double Propel Denver Nuggets Over Phoenix Suns?
The Denver Nuggets improved their record to 14-5 with a decisive 130-112 victory over the Phoenix Suns, who now stand at 12-9. The game, held at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, saw the Nuggets dominate from start to finish. The final score of 130-112 reflected a strong performance by the visiting team.
First Quarter
The opening quarter set the tone for what would be a high-scoring affair. The Nugs jumped out to an early lead with a balanced attack that saw them put up 30 points against the Valley's defense. Nikola Jokić was instrumental in orchestrating plays and finding open teammates, contributing significantly to his team's early success.
Second Quarter
As the second quarter unfolded, both teams ramped up their scoring efforts. The Suns managed to close some of the gap by adding 35 points, but Denver maintained control with another impressive display on offense, scoring 33 points themselves. Tim Hardaway Jr.'s sharpshooting from beyond the arc was crucial during this period as he continued to stretch Phoenix's defense.
Third Quarter
In what proved to be a pivotal third quarter for Denver, they matched their second-quarter output with another 33-point effort while holding Phoenix to just 25 points. This stretch highlighted Jokić’s versatility as he not only scored but also facilitated plays leading to easy baskets for his teammates like Jamal Murray and Bruce Brown.
Fourth Quarter
Entering the final quarter with momentum on their side, Denver sealed their victory by outscoring Phoenix once again—34 points compared to Phoenix’s 27. Cameron Johnson provided key contributions off the bench alongside Peyton Watson who added defensive pressure that stifled any comeback attempts by Chris Paul and company.
Overall, it was an efficient night for Denver as they shot an impressive field goal percentage of nearly 58 percent while limiting turnovers effectively throughout all four quarters—a testament reflected in their offensive rating of approximately 141 per possession according to advanced metrics.
Looking ahead: Fans can catch 'the Nugs' next matchup against Dallas Mavericks on December 1st at Ball Arena in Denver starting at around midnight local time (11:00 PM MST). Tune into KFAA or ALT networks if you’re planning on watching live coverage!
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