Nikola Jokic put on a historic performance as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 149-141 in an overtime thriller on Friday night. The three-time MVP recorded 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 22 assists, becoming the first player in NBA history to log a 30-20-20 triple-double.
Kevin Durant, who finished with 29 points in the loss, had high praise for Jokic’s dominance. “There’s so many possessions in a game. The whole offense is centered around him making a play,” Durant said postgame. “I’m actually kind of surprised he hasn’t done this before. All-time great, man. All-time great.”
Jokic’s 29th triple-double of the season also tied his own franchise record, bringing his career total to 149. Aaron Gordon added 27 points while shooting a career-best 7-for-9 from three, and Jamal Murray contributed 19 points and eight assists.
The Nuggets built a 21-point lead in the third quarter before Phoenix stormed back. The Suns briefly took a 122-120 lead in the final minute of regulation, but Christian Braun’s clutch three-pointer put Denver ahead. Durant responded with a buzzer-beating triple to force overtime.
Jokic opened the extra period with a floater, sparking a 7-0 Nuggets run. Braun scored two key baskets in overtime, helping Denver pull away. The Suns managed just two points in the first three minutes of the extra session.
Devin Booker led Phoenix with 34 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, but he was shut down in overtime. Mason Plumlee contributed 18 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the Suns.
Despite ranking near the bottom of the league in three-pointers made, Denver shot 21-for-40 from beyond the arc. Gordon’s fifth triple of the night gave the Nuggets 12 made threes by halftime, matching their season average.
With the win, Denver (41-22) remains in third place in the Western Conference, keeping pace with the top contenders. Phoenix (29-34) stated in 11th place, falling further behind in the race for a play-in spot.
