Two Western Conference contenders, the Denver Nuggets and the Phoenix Suns, went head to head on Sunday to end the NBA’s five-game Christmas slate. 48 minutes was not enough to decide this back and forth battle with victories for both teams. Double digit deficit. In the end, it was the Nuggets who won in overtime, 128-125.
Nikola Jokic paved the way for Denver with a monster triple-double of 41 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists. Jokic also got a lot of help from Aaron Gordon (28 points, 8 rebounds) and Jamal Murray (26 points, 5 assists). The win gave the Nuggets some separation at the top of the Western Conference standings, as they lead both the New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies by one game.
The game marked the return of Devin Booker to Phoenix after the All-Star guard missed the previous three games with a groin injury. However, Booker’s return was short-lived as he lasted just four minutes and was ruled out for the rest of the game after aggravating his injury. The Suns put up a valiant effort without a leading scorer but ultimately fell short, with Landry Shamet leading the way for the Phoenix with 31 points and 6 assists and DeAndre Ayton scoring his 22nd. and added 16 rebounds.
Overall, the game was of great interest to fans. Luckily, the two teams are set to meet again on his January 11th, so we won’t have to wait too long for a rematch. But before we go any further, let’s take a look at some key takeaways from Denver’s win over Phoenix on Christmas. .
Jokic’s Christmas History
Against the Suns, Nikola Jokic made NBA history by becoming just the third player in history to record a 30-point triple-double at Christmas. Two other players to do so were James Harden and Oscar Robertson, whose 41 points Jokic scored was the most points scored in a triple-double at Christmas and was the most scored by a Nuggets player during the holiday season. It is also the most recorded record. The triple-double was Jokic’s seventh of the season and his 82nd of his illustrious career.
Only three players in NBA history have won three consecutive MVP awards, but if he continues to play like he’s done in recent years, Jokic could get a fourth chance.
Aaron Gordon’s Dunk of the Year Nominees
Aaron Gordon had a great game against Phoenix.In 41 minutes of action, he tallied 28 points, 13 rebounds and one huge throwdown, quickly placing him at the top of the Dunk of the Year contender conversation. reached.
With less than 30 seconds remaining in overtime and the Nuggets trailing by one point, Gordon collected the ball, sprinted across the court and unleashed a ferocious slam on Landry Shamet who attempted a charge. If you haven’t seen Dunk yet, you’ll want to see it, and if you’ve already seen it, you’ll want to watch it again. check it out:
The dunk was initially called as an on-court charge, but upon further consideration the call was overturned, the basket counted and Gordon awarded a foul shot. A dramatic delay only added to the impact of the dunk, as did the magnitude of the moment.
Unfortunately for Shamet, this is one of those dunks you’ll see over and over again in highlights. It was a great gift from Gordon for an NBA fan.
short return to booker
Devin Booker’s return to the game unfortunately didn’t last for Phoenix. After missing his previous three games with a groin injury, Booker decided to try for Christmas and got off to a solid start. With just over a minute into the game, Booker outmaneuvered a defender on the perimeter and slid into the lane for a fancy finish, giving the Suns their first bucket of the game.
Booker looked good on the play, but it was his first and last goal. He played a few more minutes before being sub-out. After some time he was ruled out for the rest of the game.
This game might have turned out differently if Booker had kept playing, but his long-term health is more important to Phoenix than just one regular-season game. Now, Suns can only hope the injury doesn’t linger. Booker’s status will be revealed soon.
Phoenix bench steps up
The Phoenix bench came to play in this game. Over the course of the contest, the Suns bench outscored Denver’s bench 58-11. A staggering 47 points in a game where only three points are enough, but it wasn’t enough for the Suns to finally win, with Denver’s starter beating Phoenix’s first five, 117-67. For that reason, the Suns are averaging 34.5 bench points per game over the course of the season.
Landry Shamet had 31 points and 6 assists to break out of Woods for Phoenix, while Damion Lee added 18 points and 8 rebounds. Even after the Suns lost Booker just minutes into the game, the effort was commendable despite the loss.
