Key moments
In a thrilling encounter on March 24, 2026, the Denver Nuggets narrowly defeated the Phoenix Suns 125-123 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The game was marked by a standout performance from Nikola Jokic, who recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists, further solidifying his position as a leading player in the league.
The match began with both teams exchanging leads, but the Nuggets gained momentum towards the end of the second quarter, finishing with a 21-8 run to take a 67-57 lead at halftime. The Suns, despite being without key players Dillon Brooks, Mark Williams, Haywood Highsmith, and Amir Coffey due to injuries, fought back in the second half. Devin Booker led the Suns with 22 points and 8 assists, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure.
As the game progressed, the Suns trailed 117-109 with just 3:19 left on the clock. However, they methodically worked their way back into contention, showcasing resilience and determination. Despite their efforts, the Nuggets held on for the win, completing a season sweep against the Suns with a 3-0 record in their matchups this season.
Jokic’s performance was pivotal, especially as he hit the game-winning midrange jumper with 11.8 seconds remaining. Earlier in the game, he had also picked up an early technical foul after heated comments directed at referee Dannica Baroody, but he quickly regained his focus to lead his team to victory.
The game was played in front of a sellout crowd of 17,071, highlighting the intense rivalry and the high stakes involved. The Nuggets’ victory comes as they prepare to host the Dallas Mavericks on March 25, 2026, while the Suns will look to rebound against the Utah Jazz on March 28, 2026.
Currently, the Suns sit at No. 7 in the Western Conference standings and have lost six of their last seven games, raising concerns about their playoff positioning. The team will need to regroup and address their recent struggles to remain competitive as the season progresses.
Overall, the matchup showcased the talent and competitiveness of both teams, with Jokic’s triple-double and Booker’s scoring prowess being highlights of the game. As the Nuggets continue their strong season, the Suns will aim to turn their fortunes around in the coming weeks.
