In “back-to-back”, the Nuggets had decided to rest the duo Murray-Porter Jr., in addition to Nikola Jokic, who suffers from a calf. Despite these absences, Mike Malone’s players still held their own against the Suns in the first six minutes, trailing only three points (15-12). But now, logically, the second half of the quarter will be nothing but a demonstration of Phoenix, since the band of Kevin Durant will conclude the 1st quarter with a 17-8, and count 12 points ahead at the end of the game. end of it (32-20).
Under the impetus of Aaron Gordon and Reggie Jackson, Denver started the second quarter well, and returned to 8 points (40-32). The Suns rectify the situation quickly, and on a 3-point shot, Josh Okogie gives his team a 15-point lead (51-36). Author of 19 points, Kevin Durant allows Phoenix to return to the locker room with a 20-point lead, against a totally powerless Denver team (60-40).
On a sublime pass from Kevin Durant, Deandre Ayton ends with a dunk to allow the Suns to fly to the score by taking a 25-point lead (70-45). But the latter will then take their foot off the accelerator. The Nuggets will take advantage of this, in particular by sanctioning the loss of balls, to return to 11 lengths (75-64). On a 3-point shot, Zeke Nnaji brings Denver back below the 10-point gap (80-72). While leading by 25 points, Monty Williams’ men only have a 10-point lead at the start of the 4th quarter (84-74).
Christian Braun allows Denver to come back to just 7 points (88-81). The Suns thwart completely, and the players of Mike Malone do not need to be asked to return to only 4 points, with still three minutes on the clock (95-91). On a 3-point basket, Josh Okogie puts an end to the hopes of the Nuggets. Phoenix wins 100-93, but its 4th place remains in the sights of the Clippers and Warriors.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– The Suns still undefeated with Kevin Durant. After a poor performance for his first at home under the colors of the Suns, he quickly rectified the situation with 30 points at 11/15 shooting including 2/3 from behind the arc, allowing his team to pocket the victory. By the way, Phoenix still hasn’t lost to Kevin Durant, and has a 5-0 record with him.
– Attention danger for Denver. If the Nuggets are already thinking of the playoffs, and therefore of preserving their stars, be careful anyway, because the first place in the West is far from certain. Result, it is a second defeat in two days for the players of Colorado. Behind, the Grizzlies, fresh winners of the Clippers, cling with only 2 victories behind. Ja Morant’s teammates have still not said their last word.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Devin Booker. In great shape, he continues his momentum with 27 points on the clock.
✅ Kevin Durant. He had to catch up after his failed game against Minnesota. It’s done, with a response from the boss: 30 points at 11/15 shooting including 2/3 at 3-pointers.
✅Josh Okogie. He was invaluable, in particular by scoring important baskets including the one that sealed the victory. He finished with 14 points at 4/5 from 3-pointers.
✅ Aaron Gordon. With several starters absent on the Nuggets side, he made his game with 26 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals.
⛔️ The marksmanship of the Nuggets. Decreased, they struggled to score baskets. Result, a second consecutive game below the 100 point mark. They shot 40% including 23% from 3-pointers.
THE FOLLOWING
Suns (42-35): trip to the Thunder in the night from Sunday to Monday (1H).
Nuggets (51-26): reception of the Warriors on the night of Sunday to Monday (2:30).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D= defensive rebound; T = Total Bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Points = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
