Key moments
In a gripping contest at the Mortgage Matchup Center on March 24, 2026, the Denver Nuggets edged out the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 125-123. The game was marked by intense plays and standout performances, particularly from Nuggets’ star Nikola Jokic, who recorded a remarkable triple-double, scoring 23 points, grabbing 17 rebounds, and dishing out 17 assists.
The atmosphere was electric, with a sellout crowd of 17,071 fans witnessing the thrilling action. The Nuggets, who had already defeated the Suns in both previous matchups this season, completed a clean sweep of the series with this victory. The Suns, currently struggling, have now lost six of their last seven games, raising concerns about their playoff positioning.
As the game unfolded, the Nuggets established a strong lead, ending the second quarter on a 21-8 run to take a 67-57 advantage into halftime. The Suns, however, displayed resilience, trailing 117-109 with just 3:19 left in the game. They methodically fought back, showcasing their determination to stay competitive.
Jokic’s performance was pivotal, especially as he hit the game-winning midrange jumper with 11.8 seconds remaining. His ability to perform under pressure was evident, especially after picking up an early technical foul for heated comments directed at referee Dannica Baroody. Despite this setback, Jokic’s contributions were crucial in securing the win for the Nuggets.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 22 points and 8 assists, but his efforts were not enough to overcome the Nuggets’ strong finish. The Suns were notably missing key players due to injuries, including Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, which may have impacted their performance. The absence of these players has been a recurring theme for the Suns this season, and it raises questions about their depth and resilience.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will host the Dallas Mavericks on March 25, 2026, while the Suns are set to face the Utah Jazz on March 28, 2026. Both teams will be looking to adjust and improve as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.
As the Nuggets celebrate their victory, the Suns must regroup and address their recent struggles. The challenges they face are significant, but with a roster that includes talented players like Booker and the potential return of injured teammates, they still have the opportunity to turn their season around. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining their playoff fate.
