Denver NuggetsOpen full analysis
Phoenix SunsOpen full analysis
Denver edged Phoenix 125–123 on March 24 at Footprint Center in a closely contested matchup that fell short of the Vegas total of 233.5 points. The Nuggets' offense proved decisive, shooting 51.1 percent from the field while the Suns managed just 43.8 percent, though Phoenix made 17 three-pointers to Denver's 13. Nikola Jokić led Denver with 23 points, supported by Jamal Murray's 21, while Devin Booker scored 22 and Josh Green added 21 for the Suns. Denver's ball movement was a key factor, generating 35 assists compared to Phoenix's 24, and the Nuggets dominated the glass with 50 rebounds versus 41. A second-quarter explosion—Denver outscored Phoenix 39–22 in the period—proved the difference-maker, giving the Nuggets a cushion they protected down the stretch despite Phoenix's third-quarter surge of 38 points. Denver's turnover discipline (9 turnovers) and superior defensive rating (125.2) secured the road victory. The win reinforces Denver's playoff positioning as a contender built on ball movement and efficiency.
