PHOENIX – A Christmas gift for the fans to rejoice around, the Phoenix Suns rallied together to snap a three-game losing streak with a 110-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Bouncing back after being blown out 117-90 by the Nuggets on Monday, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant each had 27 points while Tyus Jones added 17 for the Suns (15-14). Phoenix shot 41-for-88 (46.6%) from the field and 11-for-36 (30.6%) from 3.
Even though it was in a losing effort, Denver (16-12) star Nikola Jokić case for defending the NBA MVP award remains valid as he recorded a double-double of 25 points and 15 rebounds.
Here are the key takeaways from the Suns’ morale-boosting win:
-Trying to snap a three-game losing skid, the Suns were without Grayson Allen (concussion protocol), Bol Bol (left knee contusion) and Devin Booker (left groin strain) on Christmas. Missing three games in a row, Booker originally had left groin soreness but the classification changed after leaving in the third quarter of the Dec. 19 matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
-Since Booker has been sidelined, Phoenix moved Beal to shooting guard and swapped around small forwards. Following the past couple of games with Royce O’Neale starting, rookie Ryan Dunn got the nod to swap and take over. The Virginia product amassed five points, three rebounds and one assist in his 10th start of his NBA career.
-In front of a jampacked Footprint Center, the Suns fed off the fans’ loud roars early on with a 17-8 run. Off to a blistering start, Jusuf Nurkić scored seven points and grabbed three rebounds in the first quarter, helping Phoenix lead 38-34 at the end of the frame. The Bosnian finished with eight points, 13 rebounds and six assists.
Dec 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) dribbles against Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic (20) during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
-After a triple-double on Sunday vs. the New Orleans Pelicans before beating Phoenix on Monday with a 32-point performance, Jokić is always a force to be reckoned with and that didn’t change on the holiday. The three-time NBA MVP went off for 25 points, 12 rebounds, two steals and two assists, the 20th game this year where he had at least 25 points or more.
-Making a switch at point guard from Monday to Wednesday, Russell Westbrook went to the bench to make way for Jamal Murray who returned from a right Achilles tendon repair. Starting last game, the nine-time NBA All-Star Westbrook came off the bench and pitched in with 17 points and six rebounds. As for Murray, his return saw him produce 13 points, six assists and six rebounds after being sidelined in Denver two days ago.
-Against his former squad, Monte Morris contributed as a sub and provided energy for the whole team, posting 11 points. Before signing in the offseason with Phoenix, Morris played the first five years (2017-22) of his career with Denver and split time with the Detroit Pistons, Minnesota Timberwolves and Washington Wizards.
-While some of the turnovers were sloppy, the Suns kept the giveaways low after three straight games with at least 15. Phoenix gave possession away four times in the first two quarters and seven overall.
-With Booker’s absence, Beal stepped up on offense and continues to take advantage of the opportunity at another position. Shooting 3-for-7 (42.9%) from deep and 11-for-21 (52.4%) on the night, Beal came away with 27 points, four assists and a team-high four steals.
-The Nuggets constructed a 16-5 run and took their first lead of the game near the end of the second quarter, 54-53. Though the Suns were up 58-56 before halftime and held Jokić to two points in the quarter, Denver responded by crashing the paint. Scoring points in the paint, it overshadowed how the Nuggets were a horrid 4-for-19 (21.1%) from behind the arch.
-Continuing his offensive tear as of late, Tyus Jones netted 17 points from an accurate 7-of-9 (77.8%) shooting. Jones scored 19 points in three of the past five games coming into the Christmas clash.
-Amidst trade rumors swirling around his name over the past few days, Michael Porter Jr. packed an offensive punch for Denver to support Jokić. Taking tough shot after tough shot, the 26-year-old was able to put up 22 points and four rebounds.
-Leaving some players shaking their heads, the Nuggets had 16 turnovers and the Suns scored 20 points off of them. Getting picked off at center court and seeing Phoenix go the other way to score, players like Jokić looked up to the sky in disbelief.
Dec 25, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) reacts against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
-Showing more effort than they had for the past few games, the Suns’ hustle and work ethic on both ends of the floor were drastically different than the blowout loss on Monday. Chasing after loose balls, having a higher sense of urgency on defense and the bench players cheering in support of their teammates, Phoenix was able to cap off Christmas on a high note.
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
