The Denver Nuggets narrowly outlasted the Phoenix Suns 125-123 on Tuesday thanks to Nikola Jokic‘s go-ahead floater in the clutch.
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The first three quarters were a back-and-forth ordeal full of scoring. The Suns put up 35 points in the opening quarter before the Nuggets responded with a 39-point second quarter.
Phoenix regained control with 38 points in the third quarter, and the final frame proved to be a battle of defense. Both teams were letting it fly from beyond the arc in the fourth quarter, yet struggled to see the shots fall.
After a low scoring quarter, a 7-1 scoring burst gave the Nuggets a slight advantage with just over three minutes to play. Clutch free throw shooting by the Suns made it close again before Devin Booker‘s midrange bucket tied the game with 30 seconds to play.
Tied at 123, Jokic responded with a go-ahead floater to take a two-point lead. Booker went on to miss the long-range heave that would have won the game.
Jokic led the way for the Nuggets with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists.
For Phoenix, Booker finished with 22 points, three rebounds and eight assists while Jalen Green had 21 points six rebounds and six assists.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
