The Denver Nuggets showed once again why they’re the reigning NBA champions with a dominant win over the Phoenix Suns Wednesday night, cruising to a 117- ninety-five victory on their home court. Behind another masterclass from Nikola Jokić and a complete team effort, Denver reminded the Western Conference that they remain a powerhouse. Meanwhile, the Suns continue to face consistency issues with their new-look roster.
Game / News Breakdown
It was billed as a marquee matchup between two top teams in the West, but only one side showed up with playoff-level intensity. The Nuggets took control early, jumping out to a 15-point lead by halftime and never looking back.
The Suns struggled to find rhythm offensively. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant had trouble gaining separation, and the team’s defense simply couldn’t keep up with Denver’s ball movement.
Jokić orchestrated the offense with his usual calm, finding open shooters and punishing the Suns in the paint. Denver outscored Phoenix in nearly every statistical category: rebounds, assists, fast break points, and bench scoring.
Here’s how the key numbers broke down:
– Nuggets shot 54% from the field, compared to 41% for the Suns
– Denver out-rebounded Phoenix, 47-36
– The Nuggets tallied 31 assists on 43 made field goals
– Suns committed 14 turnovers, leading to 18 Nugget points
This was a statement win for Denver, who continues to look every bit like a squad built for another deep playoff run.
Key Players & Performances
Nikola Jokić quietly delivered another MVP-worthy performance—precise, efficient, and unselfish. He finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists in just 30 minutes.
But it wasn’t just the Jokić show. A few other standouts for Denver:
– Jamal Murray: Back in full stride, he contributed 21 points and 6 assists
– Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Knocked down four threes and played lockdown defense on Booker
– Christian Braun: Brought energy off the bench with 11 points and tough on-ball pressure
For Phoenix, it was a rough outing. Kevin Durant had 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting, but much of it came in the second half when the game was out of reach. Devin Booker was held to just 14 points on 6-of-17 shooting, struggling to find space against the Nuggets’ backcourt defense.
Bradley Beal, still working his way back from injury, finished with 12 points and looked uncomfortable most of the night.
Key struggles:
– Lack of rim protection without a true center presence
– Poor spacing on offense, especially when Durant and Booker shared the floor
– Bench production remains inconsistent
Team Impact & Standings
This win pushes the Nuggets to 35-16 on the season, keeping them firmly within the top three of the Western Conference. They’re just a game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves for the No. 1 seed, and they’ve now won 8 of their last 10.
The Suns, meanwhile, fall to 29-23. After a hot stretch in early January, they’ve lost 3 of their last 5. Chemistry still seems to be a work in progress, especially with all three of their stars playing together infrequently this season due to injuries.
Western Conference outlook:
– Denver remains a title contender with elite depth and chemistry
– Phoenix needs more consistency before they can be seen as a legitimate threat
– Suns are currently sixth in the West, within the play-in zone if they’re not careful
What’s Next
The Nuggets head on a three-game road trip with important matchups against Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and Miami—three Eastern Conference playoff contenders. How they perform could sway the MVP conversation further in Jokić’s favor.
Phoenix goes back home for a two-game set starting with the Sacramento Kings. The pressure’s on for the Suns to string together some wins and find an identity before playoff positioning becomes more difficult.
Things to watch:
– Can Denver maintain lineup health heading into March?
– Will the Suns tweak their rotations for better balance?
– How long until we see the “Big Three” in Phoenix fully click?
Conclusion
Denver’s convincing win over Phoenix was more than just another game—it was a signal that the defending champs aren’t going anywhere. They look healthy, confident, and incredibly sharp.
The Suns, on the other hand, still have work to do. With playoff seeding at stake, the clock is ticking on Phoenix to live up to their talent on paper.
As the second half of the NBA season heats up, there’s no room for inconsistency—something the Nuggets understand well, and something the Suns must urgently address.