Suns vs. Nuggets/ NBA Christmas games/ Kevin Durant highlights/ Bradley Beal performance/ Nikola Jokic stats/ PHOENIX/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal each scored 27 points to propel the Phoenix Suns to a 110-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Christmas night. Phoenix overcame the absence of Devin Booker and Grayson Allen, using a strong fourth quarter to avenge Monday’s blowout loss in Denver. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 25 points and 15 rebounds, but Denver couldn’t match Phoenix’s energy down the stretch.
Suns Beat Nuggets in Christmas Showdown: Quick Looks
- Top Performers: Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal scored 27 points each for Phoenix.
- Key Stats: Suns outscored the Nuggets 15-6 in fast-break points and made 11 three-pointers.
- Nuggets Struggles: Denver shot 8 of 29 from beyond the arc and struggled in Jokic’s absence late in the game.
- Next Games: Nuggets host Cleveland on Friday, while Suns face Dallas at home.
Durant, Beal Lead Suns Past Nuggets to Close Christmas Slate
Deep Look
Durant and Beal Dominate
The Phoenix Suns closed the NBA’s Christmas slate with a hard-fought 110-100 win over the Denver Nuggets. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal each poured in 27 points, helping Phoenix snap a three-game losing streak. Despite missing Devin Booker (groin) and Grayson Allen (concussion protocol), the Suns played with intensity, building a commanding fourth-quarter lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Strong Fourth Quarter Seals the Win
Phoenix led by seven after three quarters and capitalized on Nikola Jokic’s rest to extend the lead to 12 points midway through the fourth. By the time Jokic returned, the Suns had firm control, pushing the advantage to 15 before closing out the game.
Nuggets Fall Short
Denver couldn’t replicate Monday’s dominant performance, where they cruised to a 117-90 victory over the Suns. Nikola Jokic finished with 25 points and 15 rebounds but was limited to just seven points after halftime. Michael Porter Jr. added 22 points, while Jamal Murray, returning from an ankle sprain, chipped in 13 points, six rebounds, and six assists.
Key Moments and Stats
- Fast-Break Advantage: Phoenix outscored Denver 15-6 in transition, exploiting their speed to gain an edge.
- Three-Point Struggles: Denver shot just 8 of 29 from deep, while Phoenix managed 11 of 36 despite missing key shooters.
- Bench Contributions: Monte Morris provided a spark for the Suns with 11 points and three assists off the bench.
What’s Next?
The Nuggets will return home to host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday, while the Suns stay in Phoenix to face the Dallas Mavericks.
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