PHOENIX – Tuesday was the Phoenix Suns to showcase on national television how serious of a playoff competitor they are against the Denver Nuggets. The results were mixed. Despite the roster depletion, Phoenix was able to keep it close till the final buzzer against arguably the best player in the world in Nikola Jokic. However, the Suns lack of paint presence and defensive rebounding gifted Denver the 125-123 win.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Nuggets ended with 14 offensive rebounds for 15 second chance points and 56 paint points. Jokic finished the game with a dominate 21 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists. The 31-year-old faced little resistance in the post and illustrates the Suns’ biggest weakness ahead of next month’s playoffs.
Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) against Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Can Suns fix rebounding issue?
Tuesday’s loss is worse when looking at Denver’s average in the rebounding department. The Nuggets are t-27th for offensive rebounds at 9.5 and 19th in total rebounds with 43.3 a game. The first half was the most egregious allowing 11 offensive rebounds for 13 second chance points. It was a dominate half in the restricted area, including 32 paint points.
Injuries haven’t helped Phoenix, but this has been a season-long issue. The Suns are 23rd in offensive rebounds allowed with nearly 12 a game. A way to counteract that weakness is to force turnovers, hard for a team to rebound when they don’t get a shot up. The franchise is third in turnovers forced at 16.3 and continuously hound ballhandlers.
Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach goes up for the block in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
When Phoenix found itself down double digits in the third quarter, it went on a 10-3 run behind the defensive impact of Khaman Maluach. A block on Christian Braun led to an easy fastbreak drive for Devin Booker. Maluach’s 7’1 wingspan was giving Jokic, Nuggets main ballhandler, hesitation and helped his team snag the lead entering the fourth quarter.
However, the team’s lack of paint presence began to rear its ugly head again. The combo of Aaron Gordon and Jokic were too large of bodies for Phoenix to fend off. The Suns try to send doubles at each of them when they made a stride towards the basket, but the playmaking prowess of Jokic found the open shooter every time.
Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) passes the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The offense wasn’t much better for Phoenix, as Denver lend into hack-a-Ighodaro, putting the 23-year-old at the line. The strategy made building momentum hard. The Suns were able to tie it with under 30 seconds to go, but Jokic continues to prove his greatness with an easy free-throw line jumper for the win.
Suns’ Jalen Green back to old self after hot first half vs. Nuggets
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
