Nikola Jokic powers for 32 as Nuggets thrash Suns

Field Level Media|published: Tue 24th December, 24:42 2024

Dec 23, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots a successful three point shot over Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) in the second quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic scored 32 points, Michael Porter Jr. added 24 points on 10-for-12 shooting, and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 117-90 on Monday night.

Aaron Gordon contributed 12 points and Russell Westbrook scored 11 apiece for the Nuggets, who have won five of their past six games. Denver's Jalen Pickett posted career highs in points (11) and assists (eight).

Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal scored 23 points each for Phoenix, which has dropped three in a row.

Denver's second-leading scorer, Jamal Murray, did not play due to a left ankle sprain sustained in an overtime win at New Orleans on Sunday. The Suns were without Devin Booker (left groin soreness) and Grayson Allen (concussion protocol).

The Nuggets, up by four at halftime, came out strong to start the third quarter. Jokic opened with a 12-footer, and Porter hit from deep. Westbrook soon added a steal and dunk before slamming down an offensive rebound to give Denver a 66-53 lead.

Durant missed a turnaround jumper and fouled Gordon, who made both free throws. Beal scored five straight Phoenix points to try to rally the visitors, but Westbrook made a 3-pointer and later tipped in a Jokic miss to give the Nuggets a 78-63 lead.

Denver kept increasing the margin after a Suns timeout. Gordon hit a 3-pointer, Jokic made a finger roll and Gordon again scored from deep to put the Nuggets ahead 86-63.

Jokic's floater made it 95-71 late in the third before Phoenix mounted a charge. Royce O'Neale and Durant made 3-pointers and Durant hit a fadeaway to cap an 8-0 run, but Denver closed the quarter strong.

Jokic was fouled while sinking layup with 10.6 seconds left. He missed the free throw, but the Nuggets got the rebound. Jokic fed Hunter Tyson in the corner for a 3-pointer to make it 100-79 heading into the fourth.

Denver led by as many as 10 in the second quarter, but the Suns scored 11 straight points to go in front 44-43. The Nuggets responded and took a 55-51 edge into halftime.

--Field Level Media

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