The Denver Nuggets drubbed the Phoenix Suns by 27 points on Monday night, and now aim to complete a sweep of the two-game set when they meet again on Christmas night in Phoenix.
Denver coach Michael Malone isn’t expecting another blowout victory on Wednesday night, but the Nuggets have been playing exceptionally well, winning two straight games and five of their last six.
In Monday’s game, the Nuggets outscored the Suns 62-39 in a dominant second half, putting up 45 points in the decisive third quarter. Denver’s defense was equally impressive in the final quarter, limiting Phoenix to just 11 points. Overall, the Suns shot 39.8 percent from the field.
The Nuggets played without star guard Jamal Murray, who was questionable on Tuesday’s injury report. Murray was injured during Sunday’s 132-129 overtime victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, where he scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Despite his absence, the Nuggets didn’t miss a beat against a Phoenix squad missing guards Devin Booker and Grayson Allen.
Nikola Jokic led the way for Denver with 32 points on 12-of-17 shooting, while Michael Porter Jr. added 24 points on 10-of-12 shooting. The Suns had no answers for the Nuggets’ inside presence, as Denver held a 50-24 edge in points in the paint.
With Murray out, little-used guard Jalen Pickett stepped up, contributing 11 points and eight assists in 23 minutes off the bench. Before Monday, Pickett had seen just 41 minutes of action over five appearances.
The Suns, on the other hand, have lost three straight games and six of their past eight. Booker (left groin) and Allen (concussion) were ruled out for the rematch on Tuesday’s injury report. With Phoenix losing both games Booker missed, the team continues to struggle without its two marquee stars. The Suns are 1-9 in games missed by Kevin Durant this season.
Rookie forward Ryan Dunn acknowledged the difficulty of dealing with player losses and stressed the need for a more resilient mindset. Durant and Bradley Beal each scored 23 points against Denver, but no other player reached double digits.
Prior to the loss in Denver, the Suns dropped home games to the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. This Christmas night showdown promises to be a highly competitive game as the Nuggets seek to maintain their momentum and the Suns look to bounce back. Will Denver complete the sweep, or will Phoenix find a way to turn things around?
