Kevin Durant had an impressive game with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and five blocks, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 104-97 victory against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, on Wednesday night.
Durant mentioned, “I’m glad we didn’t let that San Antonio game bleed over to the next game,” referring to the Suns’ loss on Monday night against the Spurs.
The Suns, facing the toughest remaining schedule in the NBA, moved ahead of Sacramento for the seventh spot in the Western Conference. They aim to climb to sixth place to avoid a play-in game, with Dallas currently holding that spot.
The Nuggets struggled without their starting point guard, Jamal Murray, who missed his third consecutive game due to a sprained left ankle.
Despite Nikola Jokić’s efforts with 22 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists, battling through lower back pain and left hip soreness, the Nuggets couldn’t secure a win.
The Suns’ outstanding long-range shooting, making 16 of 33 shots from behind the arc, contributed significantly to their victory. Denver, on the other hand, struggled with their three-point shots, making only 10 of 40 attempts.
While Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon each contributed 18 points for Denver, the Suns outrebounded the Nuggets 39-29 and showcased a strong performance.
Jusuf Nurkic was sidelined for Phoenix due to a sprained right ankle, while Bradley Beal, who left the previous game with a sprained right ring finger, started and made a significant impact with three early 3-pointers.
The Suns maintained their momentum throughout the game, with Durant leading a crucial 10-0 run in the third quarter that helped them seize control.
Despite the Nuggets’ efforts to narrow the gap, the Suns held on to their lead, securing another important win.
Suns coach Frank Vogel emphasized the team’s focus and intensity, highlighting their confidence against any opponent and their determination to maintain their winning streak.
