In a thrilling matchup 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 dramatic finish, with Nikola Jokic hitting the game-winning midrange jumper with just 11.8 seconds left on the clock.
The Nuggets, who were playing in front of a sellout crowd of 17,071, took control of the game in the second quarter, ending it on a 21-8 run to lead 67-57 at halftime. Jokic, who recorded his NBA-leading 29th triple-double of the season, finished the game with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists. His performance was crucial in securing the victory for Denver.
On the other side, Devin Booker led the Suns with 22 points and 8 assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Nuggets. The Suns were missing key players due to injuries, including Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams, which hampered their efforts. Despite trailing 117-109 with just over three minutes left, the Suns managed to make a late push but ultimately fell short.
Key moments
Jokic’s early game was notable as he picked up an early technical foul after heated comments toward referee Dannica Baroody, yet he bounced back to contribute significantly before halftime with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. The Suns, currently positioned as the No. 7 team in the Western Conference, have now lost six of their last seven games, raising concerns about their playoff positioning.
The Nuggets have now swept the season series against the Suns 3-0, showcasing their dominance in these matchups. The Suns will look to regroup as they prepare to host the Utah Jazz on March 28, 2026, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
As for the Nuggets, they will host the Dallas Mavericks the following day, March 25, 2026. Both teams are facing critical moments in their seasons, with playoff implications looming large.
Overall, this game highlighted the competitive nature of the NBA and the importance of key players in determining the outcome of tightly contested matches. The Nuggets’ victory not only boosts their confidence but also puts pressure on the Suns as they navigate through a challenging stretch of their season.