Nikola Jokic recorded his second triple-double of the young season, and the Denver Nuggets rolled past the Phoenix Suns 133-111 on Saturday night at Ball Arena.
Jokic finished with 14 points, 15 assists, and 14 rebounds in just 32 minutes, despite taking only eight shots. He secured the triple-double with a hook shot late in the third quarter, marking the 166th of his regular-season career — trailing only Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson on the all-time list.
Jamal Murray led Denver with 23 points and five assists, while Aaron Gordon added 17 points after scoring a career-high 50 on Thursday. Cameron Johnson scored 15, and Christian Braun chipped in 20 as the Nuggets improved to 1-1 following their season-opening loss to Golden State.
Denver shot 51.2% from the field and converted 38 of 42 free throws. The reigning Western Conference finalists also dominated the boards 43-38 and finished with 31 assists on 43 made baskets.
Devin Booker paced Phoenix with 31 points and seven assists, and Grayson Allen hit five 3-pointers on his way to 17 points. The Suns fell to 1-2, playing less than 24 hours after a 27-point loss to the Clippers. Center Mark Williams missed the game due to a sore right knee.
The Nuggets built a 20-point lead early in the third quarter before Phoenix used a 13-2 run to cut the margin to single digits. Denver responded immediately with an 11-0 spurt and carried a 100-83 advantage into the final period.
Murray opened the fourth with a 3-pointer to push the lead back to 22, then later connected on another long-range shot that extended the margin to 108-86. The Suns trimmed the deficit to 11 midway through the quarter, but Denver closed on a 14-2 run to seal the win.
Jokic’s efficiency again set the tone. His patience on offense and ability to orchestrate plays kept Phoenix off balance, and his 15 assists tied his highest total since February.
The Nuggets next visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, while the Suns continue their road trip in Utah looking to avoid a third straight loss.
