PHOENIX — When the game tightened late, the Nuggets turned to Nikola Jokic. Again, Denver got the answer it needed. Jokic knocked down the go-ahead jumper with 11.5 seconds remaining Tuesday night, lifting the Nuggets to a 125-123 win over the Phoenix Suns in another reminder of how steady Denver can look in the biggest moments.
Jokic finished with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists, recording his 29th triple-double of the season and tying a season high in assists. It was another all-around masterpiece from Denver’s star, but the final bucket was the moment that mattered most.
The Nuggets got needed support around him as well. Jamal Murray added 21 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter, while Denver extended its winning streak to three games with a road victory that carried some real late-season weight.
Phoenix had a chance at the buzzer after Devin Booker tied the game at 123 with 30.2 seconds left, but Booker’s final 3-point attempt missed after Jokic answered on the other end. Booker led the Suns with 22 points and eight assists.
For Denver, the bigger picture is just as important as the highlight. The Nuggets outlasted a close finish, kept momentum rolling and now turn their attention to Wednesday night’s matchup against Dallas.
