Jokic recorded a triple-double through three quarters without attempting a shot in the first half! Gordon delivered a stunning dunk as seven Nuggets players scored in double figures, easily defeating the Suns.

On October 26th Beijing time, the Nuggets faced the Suns at home in the NBA regular season. After four quarters, the Nuggets defeated the Suns 133-111. Seven Nuggets players scored in double digits: Jokic had 14 points, 14 rebounds, and 15 assists; Braun scored 20 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists; Gordon and Johnson each contributed 15 points; Murray added 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists; Brown scored 11 points with 3 rebounds and 3 assists; Valanciunas had 12 points and 7 rebounds. For the Suns, Dillon scored 15 points with 3 rebounds and 4 steals; Booker had 31 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists; Allen contributed 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.

In the first quarter, Johnson and Allen traded three-pointers from outside, while Jokic continuously set up teammates, helping the Nuggets go on a small run. After an 8-0 streak, the Nuggets' offense suddenly stalled, allowing the Suns to cut the lead to just one point with inside drives and outside shots. Jokic then assisted teammates again to extend the lead. Gillespie and Booker scored consecutively through shots and free throws, Hardaway responded with a three-pointer from deep, and Murray hit a miraculous buzzer-beater from the backcourt. The Nuggets led 34-28 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Maluach opened scoring with a two-handed dunk, while Allen and Gillespie fired from the perimeter. However, the Nuggets maintained their offensive pressure, with fast breaks and deadly long-range shots quickly pushing the lead into double digits. Remarkably, Jokic did not attempt a single shot in the first half but dished out 8 assists. Iguodala fouled Jokic, giving him two free throws and allowing the MVP to score his first points of the game. Jokic then converted a layup off an assist from Braun, marking his first field goal. Gordon received an alley-oop from Jokic and completed a spectacular dunk. At the end of the quarter, the Nuggets hit back-to-back threes, leading 71-54 at halftime.

In the second half, Booker went on a scoring spree with 5 straight points, and Dillon regained his shooting touch as the Suns chipped away at the deficit. Johnson drove in against two defenders and scored, but Booker quickly answered with a three-point play. Jokic’s game plan was clear: avoid shots unless absolutely necessary, preferring to pass and assist. With four minutes left in the third quarter, he was just one point shy of a triple-double. With 57 seconds remaining, Jokic finally achieved the triple-double by scoring his 10th point on a layup from Braun’s pass. Before the quarter ended, he made two free throws, pushing the Nuggets’ lead to 100-83 over the Suns. Jokic’s stats after three quarters were 12 points, 12 rebounds, 14 assists, and 3 steals.

In the final quarter, Valanciunas’s and-one play extended the Nuggets’ lead to 20 points. Despite Gillespie hitting consecutive three-pointers, it wasn’t enough to stem the Nuggets’ momentum. Booker scored on a layup and Allen added another three-pointer from outside, giving the Suns hope of a comeback. With seven minutes left and down by 14, the Suns still had a chance. But O’Neal responded with a three-pointer, forcing the Nuggets to call a timeout. After the break, Jokic orchestrated the team’s play to seal the victory. Ultimately, the Nuggets cruised to a 133-111 win over the Suns.

Starting lineups for both teams:

Nuggets: Murray, Braun, Johnson, Gordon, Jokic

Suns: Allen, Dillon, Booker, Dunn, Iguodala