Nikola Jokic delivered a historic performance as the Denver Nuggets (41-22) outlasted the Phoenix Suns (29-34) in a 149-141 overtime victory on Friday night. The reigning MVP recorded 31 points, 21 rebounds, and a career-high 22 assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve a triple-double with at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists.
Jokic also tied his own franchise record with his 29th triple-double of the season, bringing his career total to 149. Aaron Gordon contributed 27 points, making a career-best seven three-pointers, while Jamal Murray added 19 points and eight assists.
Denver led by as many as 21 points in the third quarter before Phoenix mounted a comeback. The Suns took a 122-120 lead in the final minute of regulation, but Christian Braun’s three-pointer with 1.4 seconds left put the Nuggets ahead 125-122. Kevin Durant answered with a buzzer-beating triple to force overtime.
Jokic opened the extra period with a floater, sparking a 7-0 run that helped Denver regain control. Braun added two key baskets in overtime, extending the Nuggets’ lead to 11 with under a minute left. Denver outscored Phoenix 12-2 in the first three minutes of the extra session.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 34 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, but was held scoreless in overtime. Durant finished with 29 points, and Mason Plumlee recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds off the bench.
The Nuggets, who rank 28th in three-pointers made per game, defied expectations by hitting 21 of 40 from beyond the arc. Gordon’s fifth three-pointer of the night gave Denver its 12th triple of the game before halftime, matching its season average.
Denver maintained its hold on third place in the Western Conference, staying within striking distance of the top two seeds. Phoenix, now 11th in the West, remains outside the play-in tournament with 19 games left in the regular season.
