Nuggets drub short-handed Suns, 126-97

Nikola Jokic had 21 factors, 18 rebounds and 9 assists, Bones Hyland additionally scored 21 and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 126-97 on Wednesday night time.

Jamal Murray scored 16 factors earlier than leaving early within the fourth with a left ankle sprain. Zeke Nnaji and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 15 every, Aaron Gordon added 12 and Michael Porter Jr. completed with 11 for the Nuggets, who’ve gained 12 straight at dwelling.

Torrey Craig scored 16 factors, Josh Okogie had 14, and Dario Saric, Jock Landale and Damion Lee completed with 11 every for Phoenix, which has misplaced 10 of 12.

The Suns performed with out heart Deandre Ayton for the second straight sport, one other blow to their depth. Devin Booker (groin), Chris Paul (hip) and Cameron Payne (foot) aren’t with the crew on this street journey that continues in Minnesota on Friday night time.

The Nuggets jumped out to a 27-16 lead late within the first quarter, however Phoenix made a run. Okogie had a 3-pointer and a pair of fadeaway jumpers, Landale made one from deep to chop the deficit to 29-26.

Hyland scored 5 straight factors however Okogie’s jumper made it 34-28 after one interval.

Murray opened the second with a 3-pointer, Hyland hit two from behind the arc and Nnaji made two free throws in a 7-0 Denver run.

Duane Washington Jr. hit a 3-pointer that received the Suns inside 11 however Murray and Hyland hit from lengthy vary and Jokic had a putback to make it 52-33. Craig’s 3-pointer ended the Nuggets’ run, however Hyland stayed sizzling from deep with two extra to provide Denver a 63-40 lead.

The Suns closed out the quarter on a 14-7 run to path 70-54 at halftime.

Saric hit a jumper to open the third quarter, however the Nuggets began to tug away. Porter scored 9 factors and Jokic had a few buckets in a 16-2 run that made it 86-58. Denver took a 31-point lead with 1:15 remaining within the third.

Phoenix received inside 21 within the first minute of the fourth however by no means mounted a risk.

–Field Level Media/Reuters