The Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns faced off on Christmas Day at Footprint Center, where the Nuggets emerged victorious with a 110-100 win. This holiday matchup gave the Suns (15-14) the chance to avenge their lopsided loss to the Nuggets (16-12) just days earlier, where they had been defeated 117-90. An excited sellout crowd of 17,071 packed the arena to witness the highly anticipated rematch.
The game opened with the Suns taking control early, thanks to Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, who each scored 27 points. Tyus Jones contributed 17 points, helping Phoenix outlast the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic, who led his team with 25 points. The Nuggets' starting lineup also included Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, who returned after missing the previous game against the Suns due to injury.
Both teams dealt with notable absences, as Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, and Bol Bol were absent from the game due to injuries for the Suns. With the pressure on, the Suns capitalized on their hustle and defensive efforts, finishing the game with 12 offensive rebounds and 13 steals. Despite shooting inconsistently from beyond the arc (11-of-36), their defense and aggressive play helped them secure the win.
The first quarter saw both teams trading baskets, but the Suns managed to pull away briefly with their hot start, ending the quarter with a 38-34 lead after shooting 70.6% from the field, including making their first six three-pointers. Durant and Beal kept pushing the pace, ensuring the Suns maintained their lead throughout the game.
Turning point moments occurred as the Suns entered the half with only a two-point lead, 58-56, maintaining their edge against the pressure of Jokic's well-rounded offensive display. The second half saw the Suns fight to extend their lead, entering the fourth quarter up 85-78 after going on a 9-2 run.
Nikola Jokic, who has been a dominant force this season, averaged 30.9 points and nearly triple-double stats, struggled at times during the game. While he opened strong, his teammates couldn't find enough consistency on the offensive end to keep up with the Suns' flurry of attacks led by Durant.
The Nuggets managed to keep it close, showcasing their own depth and talent. Porter's contributions were notable, along with Murray's impactful return, which was key for Denver as he found ways to create scoring opportunities. Coming off injury, Murray showed signs of his potential, adding to the Nuggets' overall scoring effort.
Though the Suns faced falling back to .500 with their recent losses, this win solidified their resilience and ability to push through without their star player. Coach Mike Budenholzer praised his team for playing with heart and reminded everyone of their potential, especially when healthy.
The win not only helped decrease the frustration for the Suns fans but provided them with optimism moving forward. The team has struggled against the spread this season, with only nine wins against the spread, but this victory against the reigning MVP was significant for their morale.
The matchup had fans buzzing, particularly considering the history between these two teams, making it even more compelling on Christmas Day. The previous season also marked pivotal moments, including Thursday night's matchup, showcasing the rivalry heating up between the squads.
Next on the schedule for the Suns is the Dallas Mavericks, where they hope to capitalize on the momentum gained from this win. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have to regroup and address the challenges posed by their next opponent. Adding back to their roster valuable players, like lineup staples, could spell trouble for their next competition.
Meanwhile, league discussions continue around the potential of these two teams. Jokic’s continued brilliance along with the Suns' star power could make for exciting matchups as the season progresses. Fans of the game know these encounters could have playoff significance down the line.
For the Christmas Day showdown, the Nuggets walk away with one more reason to celebrate the holiday alongside their loyal supporters—securing back-to-back victories against the Suns. With injuries still affecting both franchises, quick adjustments and depth may be the determining factor as this NBA season heats up.
