Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal reacts after scoring against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Phoenix. Phoenix won 110-100. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
PHOENIX — Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal each scored 27 points and the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets 110-100 Wednesday night in the nightcap of the NBA’s Christmas slate.
The Nuggets beat Phoenix 117-90 Monday night in Denver, but the Suns fought much harder despite playing without Devin Booker (groin) and Grayson Allen (concussion protocol).
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Phoenix led by seven after three quarters and made it 99-81 midway through the fourth quarter. The Suns pushed the lead to 15 and held off the Nuggets down the stretch to snap a three-game losing streak.
Nikola Jokic had 25 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. added 22 and Russell Westbrook had 17.
Jamal Murray had 13 points, six rebounds and six assists after missing Monday’s game with a sprained ankle.
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The Suns led by nine early after making six of their first seven 3-pointers, but the teams traded shots for the rest of a red-hot first half.
Takeaways
Nuggets: Denver got Murray back, but couldn’t match the intensity of Monday’s blowout. Jokic scored seven points after halftime and the Nuggets shot 8 of 29 from 3-point range.
Suns: Phoenix was perhaps missing two of its best shooters, but still 11 of 36 from 3-point range. Monte Morris gave the Suns some momentum coming off the bench with 11 points and three assists.
Key moment
The Suns took advantage of Jokic’s rest late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, extending the lead to 12 before his return.
Key statistic
The Suns are at their best when they get out in transition and outscored the Nuggets 15-6 at the break.
To be continued
On Friday, the Nuggets will host Cleveland and the Suns will host Dallas.
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