Key Takeaways:
- Nikola Jokic delivered 23 points, 17 rebounds and equalled a season high with 17 assists as the Denver Nuggets edged the Phoenix Suns 125-123
- Jokic sealed the win with a decisive 12-foot jumper with 11.5 seconds remaining, securing his NBA-leading 29th triple-double of the season
- The Nuggets have now claimed six wins in their last eight games, while the Suns have lost six of their previous seven fixtures
Match Analysis
Nikola Jokic starred once more for Denver, amassing 23 points, 17 rebounds and matching his season-high of 17 assists as the Nuggets overcame the Phoenix Suns 125-123 on Tuesday night in Phoenix. The three-time MVP put the finishing touch on his stellar performance by converting a crucial 12-footer with just 11.5 seconds to play, giving the visitors the lead. Phoenix’s Devin Booker had a chance to snatch victory with a three-pointer in the closing moments, but his effort glanced off the rim.
Joker'd: Late Night Edition 📼 pic.twitter.com/W5Z41xjidc
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 25, 2026
Phoenix staged a late rally after trailing 117-109 with 3:19 left on the clock. Booker, who finished with 22 points and eight assists, brought the Suns level at 123 apiece by knocking down a tough jumper from the lane with 30.2 seconds remaining. However, the hosts fell just short in a dramatic finish.
Player Performance and Statistics
By early in the third quarter, Jokic had already secured his league-leading 29th triple-double of the campaign. He shot 9-of-16 from the floor and delivered several highlight passes, including a full-court assist to Christian Braun for a layup. Jokic also picked up an early technical foul after heated words directed at referee Dannica Baroody, but still managed 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists by half-time.
Denver, returning to near full strength after a season marred by injury setbacks, benefitted from Jamal Murray’s 21 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 18 points off the bench. The Nuggets held a 10-point cushion at the interval, but Phoenix closed the gap late in the third thanks to consecutive three-pointers by Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen, trimming the deficit to 97-95 entering the fourth quarter. Allen and Jalen Green each recorded 21 points for the Suns.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 23 | 17 | 17 |
| Jamal Murray | Nuggets | 21 | 1 | 6 |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | Nuggets | 18 | 3 | 2 |
| Devin Booker | Suns | 22 | 3 | 8 |
| Grayson Allen | Suns | 21 | 5 | 3 |
| Jalen Green | Suns | 21 | 6 | 6 |
Playoff Picture and Upcoming Fixtures
This victory marked the Denver Nuggets’ sixth win in their past eight encounters, keeping them just 1.5 games adrift of the Lakers for the Western Conference’s third seed. Meanwhile, the Suns’ recent slump – with six defeats in their previous seven outings – intensifies their struggle to avoid the play-in tournament. Phoenix are currently in seventh position in the West.
Denver will return home to host the Mavericks on Wednesday. The Suns are set to welcome the Jazz on Saturday.
