With 21 points and 16 assists, Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets to a 119-111 victory over the Suns.

(AP) PHOENIX — As the Denver Nuggets established a sizable lead in the first half, Nikola Jokic appeared content to dedicate most of his Friday night to setting up baskets with passes left and right.

image

By the end of the fourth quarter, that lead had all but vanished. At that point, the two-time MVP started to score again.

image

With 24.1 seconds left, Jokic made a difficult layup in traffic to help the Nuggets defeat the Phoenix Suns 119-111. Jokic finished with 21 points and 16 assists.
“It’s just another amazing, selfless basketball night,” stated Michael Malone, the coach of the Nuggets. “Everyone making the right play, playing for the man next to them.”

image

On a night where Kevin Durant secured his place as the 10th highest scorer in NBA history, the Suns narrowed Denver’s lead to 94-91 as the fourth quarter began.

Throughout the final quarter, Phoenix equalized the score on three occasions, and the game remained within a one-possession difference for much of the period. Despite the Suns’ efforts, players like Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. executed crucial shots, maintaining the Nuggets’ lead.

Denver extended their winning streak to four games, with all five starters contributing at least 15 points each—Jokic, Jackson, Porter, Justin Holiday, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Jackson concluded with an impressive 20 points. Notably, the Nuggets recorded 38 assists with just nine turnovers.

Describing their playing style, Jokic elaborated, “That’s our approach. It becomes much simpler for us to perform well when we connect on shots like that. I believe we create open looks; it’s just a matter of whether we convert them or not.”

Despite missing Devin Booker, the Suns saw a standout performance from Jusuf Nurkic, who scored a season-high 31 points. However, he fouled out after being charged with an offensive foul with 45 seconds remaining, later upgraded to a Flagrant 1. This allowed Jokic to sink two free throws, securing a 115-111 lead for Denver, with one successful free throw.

image

Jokic then sealed the game with a challenging layup, deftly finishing over three Suns defenders.

“They’re a formidable team,” acknowledged Nurkic. “Credit to them for securing the victory.”

Despite Durant’s 30-point contribution, his shooting struggled, making only 8 of 25 attempts from the field, with a particularly challenging 0-for-10 performance in the second half. In contrast, Nurkic showcased efficiency, completing 13 of 22 shots.

Durant’s ascent continued as he surpassed Moses Malone for 10th place on the scoring record in the late second quarter, maneuvering along the baseline for a crucial basket. Durant concluded the game with a career total of 27,423 points. Notably, Malone, who spent two seasons in the ABA before concluding his NBA career, finished with 27,409 points.

image

image

Denver was ahead 31–30 at the start of the second quarter after making 79.2% of their field goals (19 of 24). The Nuggets led 63 to 70 at the half.
Vogel told ESPN, “We didn’t play with nearly enough toughness and attention to detail in the first half.” “It was one of our weakest defensive performances in a while.” But you have to give the Nuggets and Nikola Jokic credit; as a result, he is among the best in the world. He can put together amazing looks for any four of his teammates. He is genuinely exceptional.
Crucial elements were absent from both teams. The Suns were without Booker (ankle) and Bradley Beal (back), while the Nuggets were without Jamal Murray (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (heel).

Related Posts

Team USA Arrives in London for Friendlies Against South Sudan and Germany Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympic Quest

The United States national team has landed in London, gearing up for two crucial friendly matches against South Sudan and Germany. These games are pivotal as they…

Vanessa Bryant Hints at Kobe’s Feud with Parents While Mourning Father-in-Law’s Death: ‘We Hoped Things Would’ve Been Different’

By Oliver Salt Published: 22:27 EDT, 16 July 2024 | Updated: 23:58 EDT, 16 July 2024 Vanessa Bryant – the widow of late NBA icon Kobe – appeared to reference her husband’s rumored feud with his parents while sending her condolences following the death …

Jaylen Brown Lists Boston Penthouse for $4.75M Amid Olympics Snub and Bronny James Controversy

By Jake Fenner Published: 16:42 EDT, 16 July 2024 | Updated: 16:45 EDT, 16 July 2024 Jaylen Brown has placed his Boston penthouse on the market with an asking price of $4.75million. Located in the upscale Seaport neighborhood, the listing is described …

Meet Brailey Dizney: Reed Sheppard’s Girlfriend Who Went Viral at the NBA Draft

Sport Basketball HOUSTON Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard has emerged as one of the stars of the NBA Summer League. The  NBA sharpshooter has had the support of his girlfriend, Brailey Dizney , during his rapid rise on the court. 6 Reed Sheppard and his girlfriend, …

“LaMelo Ball Owns the NBA’s Most Stunning Car!”: Hornets Star’s Ferrari Gets a Jaw-Dropping Custom Makeover, Boosting His Flashiness to New Heights

In the world of professional basketball, few players are as renowned for their flamboyant style both on and off the court as LaMelo Ball. The Charlotte Hornets’ rising star has once again captured the attention of fans and enthusiasts alike, this time …

“Like a God”: LeBron James Keeps in Top Shape Running on the Beach, Wowing Fans with His Muscular Physique

In the words of professional basketball star King James (also known as LeBron James), we are not deserving. . . When filming a Nike commercial on Miami Beach earlier this week, the fearsome 6′ 8″ Miami Heat player was in top form. A 28-year-old sportsman …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *