PHOENIX – A Christmas day spectacle delivered by the Phoenix Suns saw them defeat the Denver Nuggets 110-100, ending their three-game losing streak with remarkable performances from star players.
Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, leading the charge for the Suns, each contributed 27 points, demonstrating tremendous offensive prowess. Tyus Jones also rose to the occasion, adding 17 points on 7-of-9 shooting, helping Phoenix reclaim its momentum after suffering a devastating loss just two days prior.
This Christmas win came with challenges, as the Suns were missing key players including Devin Booker, sidelined for the third consecutive game due to groin issues, and Grayson Allen, who remained under concussion protocol. Yet, standing tall amid adversity, Phoenix displayed depth and spirit.
After being blown out 117-90 by the Nuggets earlier, the Suns showed much more resilience. They started with momentum, analyzing their painful prior performance and bouncing back beautifully, leading 58-56 at halftime.
During the game, the Suns capitalized on the vocal support from the jampacked Footprint Center, riding on the wave of enthusiasm with a strong 17-8 run early. Jusuf Nurkić was instrumental, notching up 8 points and 13 rebounds alongside 6 assists. Despite missing three pivotal players, the Suns fed off their home crowd, weaving their offense and maintaining fatigue on Denver.
Despite playing without their star, the Nuggets' Nikola Jokić made his presence known with 25 points and 15 rebounds, extending his claim on the MVP race with yet another double-double. Michael Porter Jr. also provided significant support for Denver, adding 22 points, showcasing shooting diversity but unable to singlehandedly lift the Nuggets.
Westbrook, for the Nuggets, returned to assist his team off the bench, putting up 17 points and 6 rebounds. This injury-riddled game proved complicated for both squads, yet the Suns dominated the tempo, outscoring the Nuggets 15-6 on the break.
After tying at 75 points late in the third quarter, the Suns closed the period with a powerful 10-3 run, leading to their 85-78 advantage. The Phoenix squad turned up the heat, opening the fourth quarter on a high note, stretching their lead to 14 points at one time.
Shooting indicators suggested a slight edge for Phoenix, who connected on 41-for-88 (46.6%) from the field, marginally outpacing Denver’s 46.2%. From behind the arc, the Suns shot 11-for-36 (30.6%), highlighting their struggle from three-point range. The Nuggets, conversely, managed only 8 of 29 (27.6%) from deep, which proved detrimental.
Special mention must be made of the performance of Tyus Jones, who not only scored efficiently but also displayed determination defensively, recording four steals. Beal’s impressive showing included 4 steals and solid shooting on the night (52.4%).
The Suns’ defense also shone through as they capitalized on turnovers, forcing the Nuggets to cough up the ball 16 times and converting them to 20 points. This was contrasted by their disciplined play, with only 7 turnovers overall.
With the clock winding down, and trailing 107-96, the Nuggets, driven by Jokić and Porter, fought passionately to chip away at the Suns’ lead but couldn’t overcome the gap. Jones, with poise, drilled timely baskets, maintaining the Suns’ advantage and quelling the Nuggets’ momentum.
Among the key moments, the Suns thrived when Jokić rested late during the third and early fourth quarters, taking advantage of the opportunity to stretch their lead substantially.
The Suns’ victory not only brought solace to their fans but offered reassurance they could withstand the absence of their top scorer, reminding everyone of their potential and battling spirit heading forward.
Looking forward, the Suns are aiming to build on this success as they prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks, offering excitement for the next chapter. Meanwhile, the Nuggets will look to regroup as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers, hoping to bounce back from this holiday defeat.
This Christmas Day game served as the much-needed morale booster the Suns craved, marking their way back to winning form and potentially setting the stage for success as they navigate the rest of the season.
