🏀 Jokić Triple-Double Powers Nuggets Past Suns

On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, the Denver Nuggets secured a narrow 125-123 victory over the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center. The game was decided in the final moments when Nikola Jokić hit a go-ahead 12-foot floating jumper with 11.5 seconds remaining. Phoenix’s Devin Booker had a chance to win the game with a three-point attempt as time expired, but the shot missed the rim.Nikola Jokić delivered a historic performance for Denver, recording 23 points, 17 rebounds, and a season-high 17 assists in 35 minutes of play. He completed his NBA-leading 29th triple-double of the season early in the third quarter. Jokić was highly efficient, shooting 9-of-16 from the field and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. Despite picking up an early technical foul for comments directed at an official, he anchored the Denver offense and provided a full-court pass to Christian Braun for a key transition layup. Jamal Murray contributed 21 points and 6 assists, including several critical baskets in the fourth quarter, while Tim Hardaway Jr. provided 18 points off the bench with four three-pointers.The Phoenix Suns were led by Devin Booker, who finished with 22 points and 8 assists. Booker hit a jumper with 30.2 seconds left to tie the game at 123 before Jokić’s final bucket. Grayson Allen and Jalen Green both scored 21 points, with Allen making five three-pointers. Royce O’Neale, returning to the lineup after missing three games with a knee injury, added 17 points and five three-pointers.The game saw major momentum shifts throughout all four periods. The Suns took an early 35-28 lead after the first quarter, fueled by strong shooting. However, the Nuggets dominated the second quarter 39-22, leading 67-57 at the half. Denver’s defense, particularly Christian Braun’s effort, held Booker to just 7 points in the first half. Phoenix rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 38-30 to cut the deficit to just two points (97-95) entering the final frame. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth quarter, which ended in a 28-28 tie for the period.With the win, the Denver Nuggets improved to 45-28, moving them into the fourth seed in the Western Conference. They currently sit 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the third seed and hold a tiebreaker over the Minnesota Timberwolves for their current position. The Phoenix Suns fell to 40-33, remaining in the seventh spot in the West. This loss was the Suns' sixth in their last seven games as they continue to fight to stay out of the play-in tournament.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/champions-network--6884663/support.