Suns 123, Nuggets 127: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Phoenix Suns (19-14) play against the Denver Nuggets (11-11) at Ball Arena

Live Stream: fuboTV (Watch for free)
NBA League Pass: The most live games plus NBA TV. Free trial

Game Time: 10:30 PM EST on Sunday December 25, 2022

Phoenix Suns 123, Denver Nuggets 127 (OT 00:22)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Offensive foul.
Call challenged, overturned.
Gordon dunk good.
Gordon misses FT, but got offensive rebound.
Fouled by Paul. Split FTs. #Suns down four. Timeout 22.1 seconds left in OT. #Nuggets #NBAXmas pic.twitter.com/Kz7VZWLhYw1:38 AM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Aaron Gordon has 7 offensive boards tonight to go with his 28 points. – 1:38 AM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
The Nuggets almost had two of the most amazing dunks of all time be called offensive fouls. The guy who was etching AG on the Mt. Rushmore of Crimes Against Basketball Highlight Glory next to Murray’s yam can sit back down.
Incredible dunk. – 1:38 AM
Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
You can’t penalize Aaron Gordon for flying like Santa. AK – 1:37 AM
Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
This might be a minority opinion, but Landry Shamet even trying to take that charge means he deserves to get it. But holy cow, what an insane play by Aaron Gordon, who might start getting All-Star buzz after this kind of showing on this kind of stage. Has had a great year. – 1:37 AM
Kristian Winfield @Krisplashed
Landry Shamet went from taking a game-saving charge to being put on a T shirt by Aaron Gordon – 1:37 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Aaron Gordon plays his ass off every night. – 1:36 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Gordon missed the free throw and got the rebound anyway and CP3 fouls him.
AARON. GORDON. – 1:36 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Block counts and Gordon is heading to the FT line for the and-1.
Nuggets lead 126-123. – 1:35 AM
Katy Winge @katywinge
absolutely not why does the league not want the Nuggets to have posterizing dunks this is a Jamal Murray Bucks flashback situation – 1:35 AM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
WE JUST WITNESSED A POSTER pic.twitter.com/5B3h2EZDct1:35 AM

Tim MacMahon @espn_macmahon
No way that’s a charge on Aaron Gordon.
And there should be a rule that a dunk can’t be negated by a charge. – 1:35 AM
Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM
Aaron Gordon going full Blake Griffin. What a dunk over Shamet, who took the charge but man… – 1:35 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
The referee calling a charge on that Aaron Gordon poster dunk. pic.twitter.com/BlYzF49Peg1:35 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Landry Shamet was moving without a doubt. That will be a Nuggets bucket and a 3-point lead with 24 seconds left. – 1:34 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
LANDRY SHAMET LOLOLOL – 1:34 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic has 41 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assist.
He joins James Harden and Oscar Robertson as the only players to reach that stat line. – 1:32 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
No quit in the Suns tonight. The execution down the stretch wasn’t great by any means, but they’ve responded to Monty Williams’ challenge after last game – 1:32 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Have to tip your hat to Landry Shamet in this one.
He has been on fire today. HUGE game from him – 1:32 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic has 41 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists.
This is your back-to-back MVP. – 1:31 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul finds Ayton in transition. #Suns down one. Timeout #Nuggets with 1:02 left in OT. – 1:31 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Caldwell-Pope 3 as Paul helped off him with Jokic looking back Ayton down.
Shamet 3 answer. #Suns down 3. – 1:30 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns really gonna waste another gem from Landry Shamet? – 1:30 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Shamet 3. #Suns down 3. – 1:29 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Joker’s playing a different game than everyone else.
That’s 41 points, 15 rebounds and 14 assists. – 1:29 AM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
AG MAKIN’ THE EXTRA EFFORT pic.twitter.com/XIH9OwaKLC1:29 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jokic with 41, 15 and 14. #Suns down six. – 1:29 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic holy shit.
41-15-14 and counting. – 1:29 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
OH MY GOD JOKER – 1:29 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Incredible effort by Aaron Gordon
A block at the rim, hustle to save the ball from going out of bounds, run the floor and then an up-and-under finish.
Denver is up 119-115 in OT and that was the play of the game. – 1:28 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Two huge FTs misses by Paul.
Huge missed transition opportunity.
#Suns down four. – 1:28 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
All-Defensive First Team 🔒
🌟  All-Star vote: https://t.co/RrQOCwgP5s pic.twitter.com/ABuI7boQSl1:28 AM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Chris Paul just missed two back-to-back free throws in OT and he has 5 misses on the game. – 1:28 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
FIVE missed free throws from CP3 – 1:28 AM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
MPJ has been involved in several deflections/ strips / on the floor plays down the stretch. His defensive misses have been visible, but so have the rotations he made that were extremely timely. – 1:27 AM
Jason Anderson @JandersonSacBee
Nuggets in OT vs. the Suns with a back-to-back against the Kings coming up Tuesday-Wednesday. – 1:27 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
From the block to the save to the cut, what a sequence from Aaron Gordon! – 1:27 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Gordon with an incredible block on Ayton and then a finish on the other end after keeping the ball fro going out of bounds. That right there is the full Gordon experience. Wow. – 1:27 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Gordon reverse. #Suns down four. – 1:27 AM
Nate Duncan @NateDuncanNBA
To me Nuggets have gotten too far away from getting Jokic the ball inside the arc and playing off that – 1:26 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Caldwell-Pope ties game.
Ayton with six turnovers.
#Suns down two after Jokic FTs. – 1:26 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
39-15-13 and counting. Jokic is out of his mind. – 1:26 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
FANTASTIC defense by MPJ to help on Ayton as the low man in that pocket pass.
Pretty solid defensive game from him tonight. – 1:26 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
FANTASTIC defense to help on Ayton as the low man in that pocket pass.
Pretty solid defensive game from him tonight. – 1:26 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Offensive foul Bridges.
Block by Bridges.
OT. #Suns #Nuggets #NBAXmas pic.twitter.com/9i0vbQMavN1:25 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton jumper. #Suns up 2. – 1:25 AM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
How we got into extra time 🎥 pic.twitter.com/EjZdtdr3go1:24 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
OT. Shamet starting OT. #Suns1:23 AM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
We got overtime on Christmas pic.twitter.com/UB7wDp51KR1:23 AM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Jamal Murray’s shot blocked at the buzzer.
We are headed to OT. – 1:22 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 4Q: PHX 113, DEN 113
Shamet: 25-4-4, 8-16 FG
Ayton: 18 Pts, 16 Reb, 7-15 FG
Lee: 18 Pts, 7 Reb, 4-5 3P
Jokic: 37 Pts, 15 Reb, 12 Ast, 15-23 FG – 1:22 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Mikal Bridges made up for his mistake at least. Game-saving block on Jamal Murray’s 3 and we’re heading to OT – 1:21 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nuggets get the ball back with 4.7 left and no timeouts. Comes down to this. – 1:21 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
It will no longer be Christmas in Denver when this game ends at this rate. – 1:21 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Woof. Offensive foul on Mikal Bridges and the Nuggets have the ball with 4.7 seconds left – 1:21 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Offensive foul by Phoenix. No timeouts. 4.7 left. – 1:20 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Mikel Bridges just ran straight into KCP and committed an offensive foul with 4.7 seconds left.
Nuggets could win it. – 1:20 AM
Katy Winge @katywinge
What a read from Jamal Murray. No hesitation. SO GOOD! – 1:20 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Murray finish.
Near inbounds turnover by #Suns.
Timeout Phoenix. Tie game. 10.7 seconds left. #Nuggets #NBAXmas pic.twitter.com/JDdUJsFFQq1:20 AM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Jamal certainly was not afraid of the big moment. Took the last few shots.
The difference there was that Jokic got a touch there and created it. He made the play happen and Murray finished it.
Game is tied 113-113 with 10.7 left in the game. – 1:20 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bruce Brown is in for MPJ for this defensive possession. – 1:20 AM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Nuggets needing to get a defensive stop to avoid a loss feels so fitting. – 1:19 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Well that’s one way to avoid a heartbreaking 3 for the loss? Jamal Murray gets a wide open dunk and it’s tied at 113. Suns have the ball with 11 seconds left – 1:19 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
oh brother Ayton and Bridges again – 1:19 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Suns have 10.7 seconds to win this game or there will be OT. – 1:19 AM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Tie game with 11 seconds left after Murray drives for this dunk. Phoenix timeout. pic.twitter.com/vThBspsUCP1:19 AM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
What a blown defensive coverage by the Suns. Murray walked into a dunk to tie the game with 10 second left. – 1:18 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Landry Shamet ties record for most three-pointers off the bench on Christmas Day (5). pic.twitter.com/Y4WhSZIMwr1:18 AM

Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Cannot for the life of me understand Murray calling his own number when the MVP is right there having an amazing game. At least let Jokic call your number. Put the ball in his hands. – 1:18 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Ayton misses the first, makes the second. Suns up 2 with 15 seconds left, Nuggets call timeout – 1:17 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Ayton missed 1 of 2 FTs and the Nuggets trail 113-111 with the ball with 15.1 seconds left. – 1:17 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
You’ll take Ayton switched onto a guard anytime in that type of situation – 1:17 AM
Marcus Thompson @ThompsonScribe
Murray went for hero shot while the two-time MVP had CP3 behind him in the post – 1:16 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns get a stop, Deandre Ayton gets fouled, and he’ll shoot 2 FTs with 15 seconds left – 1:16 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
What a bad look by Murray. For Jokic not to touch the ball on that possession is puzzling. – 1:16 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Denver has a chance to win the game here.
They are down 112-111 with 30 seconds left in the game and have the ball.
Who do you go to? – 1:15 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
KCP picked up CP3 full court so Shamet took it up. Three different times they tried to look for CP3 once the ball got down there but he couldn’t get it so Craig had to try to make something out of nothing. – 1:15 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Paul missed jumper. Ball of Craig on rebound. Timeout #Nuggets with #Suns up 112-111 with 30 seconds left.
Who is taking this shot?
Jokic?
Murray?
Porter Jr.
Caldwell-Pope?
Gordon? – 1:15 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Malone is trusting in MPJ’s length against CP3 in the 4th. They are letting the Suns isolate MPJ and Paul has not been able to take advantage thus far. – 1:15 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Probably gotta get it to Joker, but two-man game will occur. – 1:15 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns up 1 with 30 seconds left, Nuggets ball. Pretty easily the best Christmas game of the day – 1:14 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Chris Paul is hunting MPJ on defense, and he put up two really strong contests on the last three possessions. – 1:14 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Great clutch block by Michael Porter Jr. on Chris Paul. – 1:14 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Missed Murray 3 off turnover. #Suns up one. – 1:13 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jokic tip in. #Suns up one. – 1:13 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
MPJ with a block on CP3 and then Jokic gets the tip in on the other end. 1 point game. – 1:12 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Shamet corner 3. #Suns up 3. – 1:12 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Missed free throws plaguing the Nuggets again. – 1:11 AM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
We don’t know how he snagged it either pic.twitter.com/aaxnU2qRP71:11 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Again, you really want to see more from two of your young cornerstones in moments like this. Mikal Bridges with the air-ball on a contested turnaround jumper, DA with a turnover and miscommunication on defense that leads to a Jamal Murray 3. Not ideal – 1:10 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Jama Murray with back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Nuggets the lead.
Phoenix got it back but —
Denver is back in the game and battling.
We’re headed to crunchtime. – 1:10 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns challenging foul call on Craig. Up one with 2:36 left in game. – 1:10 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns are doing everything in their power to ruin what’s been a great effort without their best player – 1:09 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic orchestrated that cut by MPJ that drew the foul. He is locked in. – 1:08 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jamal Murray turning Ball Arena into his own personal Bubble. He’s unconscious. – 1:08 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Murray 3.
Paul 2. #Suns up one. . – 1:08 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic never stopped fighting tonight even as things went wrong. Their approach and consistency is why Denver is now in the lead after back-to-back Murray triples. – 1:08 AM
Katy Winge @katywinge
JAMAL MURRAY 😤 – 1:08 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Murray 3. #Suns lead down to one after Ayton turnover. – 1:06 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
KCP on CP3 out of the timeout an the forced a Ayton turnover.
Then Murray hit a 3 off the bounce and Denver is within 1. – 1:06 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Couldn’t even get CP3 more than 90 seconds man – 1:06 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Aaron Gordon went to the top of the backboard for that dunk.
Unsure how he got to that to finish the dunk.
Denver has cut the deficit and now trail 106-102 with 4:09 left in the game. – 1:06 AM
Katy Winge @katywinge
There is simply no better 4/5 pairing in the NBA than Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon. No one works together like they do. – 1:06 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Nuggets back within 4 with 4 minutes to go and the crowd is back into it. Three straight rough possessions since Chris Paul subbed out – 1:05 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Gordon taking it back to the #NBA Slam Dunk contest with that one-handed lob finish.
#Suns timeout. Up four with 4:09 left in the game. – 1:05 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Aaron Gordon has had some truly ridiculous dunks this season. He’s good for one or two absolute bring-down-the-house type dunks every night. – 1:05 AM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
How the hell did Aaron Gordon catch that????? – 1:05 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Denver found their energy. That Gordon pass and then the finish on the lob were HUGE plays. – 1:04 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
how the hell did Gordon get that pass to Jokic – 1:04 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Damion Lee now 29-of-50 (58%) from 3 in the fourth quarter this year – 1:03 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jokic: 33 points, 13 rebounds, 11 assists. #Suns up 106-98 with 5:28 left in game. #Nuggets1:03 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Damion Lee with 18 points and 7 rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting from deep, Landry Shamet with 22-4-4 on 7-of-15 shooting. Both have been huge in helping fill that Devin Booker void tonight – 1:02 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
That’s our 3-point shooter 👌 pic.twitter.com/zQxVx0xTmE1:02 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Huge transition bucket off turnover. #Suns up eight with 5:28 left in the game. #Nuggets1:01 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
KCP went down hard and is holding his head. Denver took a timeout. – 1:01 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
When Jamal Murray is shot ready, he is automatic. – 1:00 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
a little thing I’ve loved from DA this year is being an active safety valve for CP3 in case the separation isn’t there when he gets downhill through the ball screen. Easy to get used to watching him work but it’s a different story this year and he has adjusted. – 12:59 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic with another triple-double after that dime.
He has recorded three in four games and is playing his best basketball of the season.
He’s now up to 83 and has 7 on the season. – 12:59 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets starters back in with 87 minutes left and a 7-point deficit; 100-93. – 12:59 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
What a stop from Mikal Bridges. Just stuffed Aaron Gordon on the back-down post-up move, and Gordon’s been playing well tonight – 12:58 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic picks up his NBA-leading 7th triple-double.
He’s got 31 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists … and counting. – 12:58 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
This is Nikola Jokic’s third triple-double in his last four games. – 12:57 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
There is Jokic’s triple double.
31-12-10. – 12:57 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic coming in. – 12:55 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Hack-a-Bismack on a Christmas game? Lord have mercy. – 12:55 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
These national TV timeouts take forever. Nikola Jokic is at 31 minutes and is still on the bench with 8:34 left coming out of this timeout. There’s no way he’s tired. – 12:54 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Give Denver’s bench some credit here. They bought Jokic some time on the bench, only down 11-9 in the quarter. Whenever Joker comes back, he’s going to be looking at a single-digit (re. very manageable for him) deficit. – 12:54 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Really think Jokic should be in after this TO if Denver wants to hold strong. The bench was only outscored 11-9 to start the 4th and the Nuggets have a chance to win this one if they go to their starters now. If they don’t, things could go awry. – 12:52 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Denver had to be near perfect with Jokic on the bench in this one and somehow the Nuggets have allowed Phoenix to get in the bonus with 9 minutes remaining in the game and a lead.
Brutal spot to be in. – 12:51 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Lmaooo the odds on a Chris Paul rip-through with the Suns in the bonus for the last 9 minutes had to be like -1000 – 12:50 AM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Suns spent most of the 2nd period in the bonus and will spend the last 9:20 of the 4th in the bonus.
Absolutely damning for Denver’s 2nd unit. No stops, outscored, AND put the Suns in the bonus. – 12:49 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
BISMACK BIYOMBO ROCKING THE RIM 💪 pic.twitter.com/Jjl9ijmTkF12:48 AM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
That Bones layup kept the Nuggets close, but they keep fouling and now the Suns are in the bonus the rest of the way. Denver’s bench unit not setting up their starters for success to close the game out. – 12:48 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bismack Biyombo felt the Braun flop, acknowledged it, and then yammed it. Missed the FT, but what a dunk – 12:46 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Shamet 3.
Biyombo dunk over Braun.
#Suns up seven. – 12:46 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Bones has been brutal tonight – 12:45 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Landry Shamet is amped. Good for him, man – 12:45 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Bones is in his head right now, and it’s starting to spiral. – 12:45 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Bones just get absolutely lost on defense and gives up a wide open Shamet three.
Then commits an offensive foul.
He’s just so far in his head right now. – 12:45 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones cooked again on defense and it led to a 3 after the successful challenge and then he committed an offensive foul seconds later. – 12:45 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Can’t wait to go pull the clips of that defense by Braun on Chris Paul. Just smothered him and played it perfectly. Did not bite on pump fakes, forced him to his left, and never got out of his defensive stance. Fundamentally perfect. – 12:43 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker standing on the court with Cameron Payne (foot) watching Nuggets mascot attempt halfcourt shot. #Suns12:43 AM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
It’s really impressive that Braun didn’t get blown by or bite on any of those Chris Paul pump fakes. – 12:42 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
(Smart challenge from Malone, not only because it looked like a block, but it also gives Jokic some extra time to rest) – 12:42 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
That was some serious defense by Christian Braun on Chris Paul those possessions. – 12:41 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Michael Malone sees the replay of Jamal Murray’s block on the scoreboard, calls TO and orders a round for all of Ball Arena (re. challenged it). – 12:41 AM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Richard Jefferson is skewering Bones and the current state of his game with casual and accurate honesty. – 12:41 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Nuggets challenging Murray foul on block attempt. #Suns12:41 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Murray 2 changed to 3. #Suns up two, 86-84. – 12:40 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Christian Braun’s individual defense on Chris Paul to start the 4th has been great. – 12:40 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
This non-Jokic stretch has to be led by Murray. Denver needs him assertive and leading this group. – 12:37 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Nuggets’ numbers fall off a cliff when Jokic rests. This will be his last one of the evening so a big couple of opening minutes to the 4th here, especially with how Jokic is rolling tonight. – 12:37 AM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic dragging the Nuggets back into this game with a monster effort to end the third quarter: pic.twitter.com/mYFRDXRhfg12:36 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Landry Shamet up to 78 points and counting in his last 4 games after 82 in the 12 previous games before that. – 12:35 AM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
If these upcoming Nuggets bench minutes can just be bad — and not very bad — Denver probably wins this game. – 12:34 AM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Nuggets need Jamal Murray in the worst way to open this 4th quarter. He’s just 2-8 but he’s got to carry this 2nd unit for a few minutes.
Likely going to be going up against Chris Paul. – 12:34 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Denver needs to survive the first 4 minutes of the 4th quarter without Jokic. That will be the difference in the game it seems. – 12:34 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
On a night when it feels like nobody can do anything, it feels like the Nuggets need absolutely everything from Jokić again.
Jamal. MPJ. Bones.
All should start the fourth. The Nuggets desperately need a great stint from that trio. – 12:34 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Cannot stress enough how much effort Jokic has put in to keep Denver alive in this game. – 12:33 AM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic is GASSSED, but giving it all that he has out there.
Played the entire 3rd quarter to win the frame and get it closer.
Putting together a monster game and the Nuggets bench unit will have to match that energy to begin the 4th with him on the bench. – 12:33 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 84, DEN 81
Shamet: 19 Pts, 6-14 FG
Ayton: 17 Pts, 12 Reb, 7-15 FG
Bridges: 13 Pts, 5-8 FG
Jokic: 31 Pts, 12 Reb, 9 Ast, 12-20 FG – 12:33 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Joker checks out after scoring 16 of his 31 in the third quarter. He took over and is keeping #Nuggets in it.
Phoenix up 84-81 going into the fourth. – 12:33 AM
Ian Clark @IanClark
Jokic 3 x MVP? – 12:32 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic has 31 points on 12-20 shooting to go with 11 rebounds and 9 assists at the end of the 3rd quarter. – 12:32 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker back on the bench in street clothes. #Suns up five late in 3rd. – 12:31 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Missed free throws could end up really hurting the Nuggets tonight. Keep an eye on that. – 12:30 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic is putting Denver on his back. What a performance. – 12:30 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic, before he got to the NBA, used to follow every shot he took looking for and offensive board like he just did. – 12:29 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Don’t leave him open 🤫
🌟 All-Star vote: https://t.co/RrQOCwgP5s pic.twitter.com/4hVEEQi0if12:29 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
AG added somethin’ extra to that slam pic.twitter.com/c45yir5F9j12:29 AM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nnaji is at the scorers table and will enter the game after this Jokic FT. – 12:28 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
The boys scored 11 3-pointers which means an extra Christmas gift for you!
Tomorrow get a free Western Bacon Cheeseburger® at a Valley @CarlsJr with the purchase of a large fountain drink. pic.twitter.com/YvWkXiNmgz12:26 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Look, the Nuggets have got the foul call advantage tonight, Tony Brothers or not.
This is a game that they clearly should win, and yet… – 12:25 AM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Aaron Gordon has had some very nice dunks tonight – 12:25 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones Hyland has to know saving the ball under your own rim is not smart. He just let the Suns get out in transition with numbers and got a 3 out of it.
It is the small things he has to clean up. – 12:24 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges 3. #Suns up 11. – 12:24 AM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
The only problem I have with Jokic’s technical is that Malone should have been the one taking it. Otherwise, absolutely fine as Denver looks for a spark.
But the entire Nuggets squad outside of Jokic and AG has 27 combined points. It’s not tenable. SOMEBODY has to score. – 12:23 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones Hyland to the scorers table and into the game. – 12:23 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Credit to Jokic. He decided the way Denver was playing was not good enough and is setting the example himself for how Denver should be attacking the Suns. He has been relentless. – 12:21 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton with 15 and 12 after tip-in. #Suns up eight. – 12:21 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
All DA wanted for Christmas was another double-double!
🌟 All-Star vote: https://t.co/RrQOCwgP5s pic.twitter.com/H4nmYjWG4112:21 AM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Christian Braun and Bruce Brown are in the game for Denver. – 12:20 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Aaron Gordon throws the ball out of bounds toward Christian braun, walking to the scorers’ table. – 12:20 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns are up despite Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton being a combined 9-for-24. Gonna need some of their shots to start falling, but the looks have been there – 12:20 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
All DA wanted for Christmas was another double-double! pic.twitter.com/j6JuEjLF5912:18 AM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic is actively looking to outlet the ball after rebounds to Gordon in transition so he can set up the offense and its working. – 12:18 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Making it look easy.
🌟 All-Star vote: https://t.co/RrQOCwhmV0 pic.twitter.com/VVDYkL6Mo312:18 AM

Michael Singer @msinger
Joker gets his T, but it’s not Tony Brothers. He felt he got pushed off his spot, then fell during the jumper, got up and said his piece. – 12:17 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic just got T’d up arguing for a foul call. He about snapped but calmed himself down in time before getting tossed. For a moment, he looked angry enough to get himself thrown out. – 12:17 AM
Michael Singer @msinger
Torrey Craig with 11 points so far, matching Jamal Murray and MPJ’s combined total. – 12:14 AM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns up 69-57 as Ayton scores. Open 2nd half on 12-6 run.
Suns have five players reach double figures already.
Shamet 15, Craig and Ayton 11 each, Bridges and Lee 10 each.
Paul 8 assists. Suns 10-of-22 on 3s.
Booker (left groin) OUT after playing just four minutes in 1st. – 12:14 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tis the season for BLOCKING! pic.twitter.com/obnw3mJLfw12:14 AM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Suns have outscored the Nuggets 62-42 since the 7:40 mark of the 1st quarter. That’s when Devin Booker left the game for good. – 12:13 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets intensity outside of Gordon and Jokic is not great to begin the second half. They were the aggressors in the first 6 minutes of the 1st and have completely let off the gas since.
Suns on a 12-6 run out of halftime and Denver is down 12 points at home. – 12:12 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets offense turning into an absolute tire fire on national TV is completely on brand. – 12:11 AM
NBA Kicks @NBAKicks
Jamal Murray with the gingerbread vibes! #NBAXmas #NBAKicks pic.twitter.com/gWbKuu8FjF12:11 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
UPDATED: Phoenix #Suns: Devin Booker re-aggravates groin, won’t return to game at Denver azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral12:09 AM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
ah Suns trying the have a lot of your players play well strategy let’s see how this works out for ’em – 12:09 AM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Torrey Craig turning into TORR3Y CRAIG whenever he puts on a Phoenix Suns jersey will never stop amusing me – 12:08 AM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Torrey Craig has hit three three-pointers tonight while Murray/MPJ/Bones have combined for one.
Jeez. – 12:08 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets going back to the Murray/Jokic two-man game to get Denver back on track, but Torrey Craig has a pair of 3s to begin the 3rd and now Denver is on the wrong side of an 8-2 run. – 12:08 AM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
No idea what to expect in this second half. Less Bones? Stagger Gordon instead of Murray?
Guess we will find out. Second half is underway. – 12:06 AM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Landry finished the half hot 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fMuRPsiHy811:59 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
1/11 from 3 for Murray, Porter, and Bones. Won’t happen often.
Bones is going through it right now. Not reading the game very well and not knocking down shots. Nuggets need him to hit reset. Find new ways to positively impact the 2nd unit. – 11:57 PM
Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nuggets trail the Booker-less Suns 57-51 at the half.
Rough 2nd quarter opened the gap and Denver only has 8 bench points.
Jokic kept Denver afloat with 15 points, 7 rebounds
Shamet has 15 off the bench for Phoenix.
If you’re Malone, what’s your message to the team? – 11:55 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as they trail the Suns 57-51:
-Joker: 15-7-5, missed a few in a row
-Murray: 2/8 from the field, just hasn’t been great
-MPJ: 0/5, hasn’t looked comfortable either
-Bones: 0/3 pic.twitter.com/7czfVsVgXo11:54 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Christmas Day basketball will be right back. pic.twitter.com/y4oDCGTlOQ11:53 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets came out with great energy and pace tonight, then the bench lost it and Denver never found it again that half. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. combined to go 2-13 that half. MPJ was invisible out there. – 11:53 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Such a classic first half for the Nuggets.
Up 15.
2nd unit struggles mightily.
Starters never quite regain their rhythm.
57-51 Suns – 11:53 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
That was an extremely uninspiring 2nd quarter from Denver, who got outscored 33-23. #Nuggets bench getting outscored … 29-8. Suns shooting 47% (8 for 17) from 3. MPJ a non-factor in 14 first-half minutes. – 11:52 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Down 26-11 in the first quarter, #Suns went on 21-2 run to turn a 15-point deficit to a 32-28 lead in 2nd quarter.
Up six at half, 57-51, as Landry Shamet has team-high 13 off bench all in the second quarter. #Nuggets #NBAXmas11:51 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 57, DEN 51
Shamet: 15 Pts, 3-8 3P
Lee: 10 Pts, 2-3 3P
Bridges: 10 Pts, 4-6 FG
Ayton: 7 Pts, 10 Reb, 2-6 FG
Jokic: 15 Pts, 7 Reb, 5 Ast, 6-11 FG – 11:51 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets trail Suns 57-51 at half after letting the Suns outscore them 33-23 in the second quarter.
That was just a horrid stretch for the bench unit; Bones especially who was -16 in 6 minutes. – 11:51 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
KCP is 65-138 from 3 this year so far (47.1%) including tonight.
Every time he shoots it feels like it is going in. – 11:49 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Landry Shamet is up to 10 first-half points. A little big louder now – 11:47 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jamal Murray tried to destroy Wainright with a poster. It did not fall, but seeing Murray attack like that is encouraging. – 11:47 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Aaron Gordon has brought it every single night so far this season. – 11:45 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
The whole team is on the nice list for this ball movement! pic.twitter.com/qPLr6lsPx511:44 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Aaron Gordon has been so good tonight, this week, and all season long. – 11:44 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Biyombo hoping up and down after Shamet corner 3. #Suns up 47-43 . – 11:40 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Torrey Craig’s really good at those flying layups where he switches over to his left in midair – 11:40 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
This has been the worst defensive half of Bruce Brown’s time in Denver so far. – 11:40 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones, Murray and Porter are a combined 1-14 from the field so far. – 11:39 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
As bad as their defense was for moments, the Nuggets biggest issue has been their offensive execution in the second quarter; especially their reserve unit.
Basically, if it’s not Jokic or Gordon shooting, things are not going well. – 11:39 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Phoenix #Suns: Devin Booker re-aggravates groin, won’t return to #NBAXmas game at Denver azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral11:38 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
“Jokic and AG take all the shots because everyone else is sleepwalking” challenge – 11:38 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets scored two baskets with Nikola Jokic off the floor in the 1st half, a Jamal Murray mid-range jumper and an Aaron Gordon dunk. – 11:33 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets getting their footing back on both ends and Bridges just committed his 3rd foul. Big swing for the Nuggets right now. – 11:33 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Chris Paul just tried the most irritating flop in transition. – 11:33 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Mikal Bridges just logged his third foul. That’s a big deal. – 11:32 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Not Zeke Nnaji capably sticking with CP3 and forcing him off the ball … – 11:30 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Zeke Nnaji: elite isolation defender. – 11:30 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Chris Paul just failed to inbound the ball and was called for a 5 second violation. Haven’t seen that in a while. – 11:29 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Looks like Malone pulled Bones and got KCP back in the game early. Like to see that from Malone before things get too out of hand. – 11:27 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
D Lee making it rain three’s this Christmas! pic.twitter.com/sB40wITmwG11:25 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Rough sequence from Denver as the Suns open up the 2nd with an 8-0 run.
Murray needs to take the reins when he’s on the court without Jokic. Too passive lately when playing alongside Bones. – 11:24 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
NonStop finishing strong 💪 pic.twitter.com/zAdCb8pLib11:24 PM

Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
The Nuggets started well against the Lakers until AD got hurt, then laid down and died to LA. Tonight Denver started hot until Booker went out & now aren’t running anything related to a real offense, just jacking shots & butchering defensive rotations.
Get it together. – 11:23 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns are currently on a 19-2 run going back to the 1st quarter. Nice response when it would’ve been easy to fold, down double digits, with Devin Booker exiting the game – 11:23 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Damion Lee with the family watching on Christmas shouts out one relative with that relocation to the corner – 11:23 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Bench unit of Bones, Jamal, Bruce, MPJ and Zeke gets outscored 8-0 to start the 2nd quarter, and the search continues. They barely ran any offense. – 11:23 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Suns on an extended 19-2 run from the end of the 1st to the start of the 2nd. – 11:22 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
That shot of Devin Booker frustrated on the bench was rough. Hope it’s nothing too serious with that groin injury – 11:21 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones is getting attacked on defense and it is not going well for the Nuggets who just lost the lead. – 11:21 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Jamal Murray has to shoot catch-and-shoot jumpers. Simple as that. – 11:20 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Michael Porter Jr. is now in with the bench unit to add some size and rebounding. On the court right now is…
Bones Hyland
Jamal Murray
Christian Braun
Michael Porter Jr.
Zeke Nnaji – 11:19 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
MPJ enters for CB.
Nnaji enters for Jokić.
Denver needs a better stint from Bones Hyland now. – 11:19 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
The first answer we have to how Denver will fill Jeff Green’s minutes: Small ball. Nuggets went to a lineup with four guards around Nikola Jokic to close the 1st and got killed on the offensive glass. – 11:18 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
The first answer we have to how Denver will fill Jeff Green’s minutes: Small ball: Nuggets went to a lineup with four guards around Nikola Jokic to close the 1st and got killed on the offensive glass. – 11:18 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic in the first quarter:
15 points
4 rebounds
2 assists
6-8 FG
1-1 3ptFG
2-2 FT
He played the whole first quarter. – 11:17 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Felt like #Nuggets were in complete control, yet Suns trail just 28-24 after one. If Denver knocked down half of their open 3-point tries, it’s a doubled-digit gap. Also, those offensive rebounds? Joker played the whole quarter, and Zeke, at the scorer’s table, never subbed in. – 11:17 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Did not see the tiny lineup coming. Struggled on the defensive glass and didn’t connect on their three-point shots. Suns are back in the game.
28-24 Nuggets. – 11:16 PM
Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Nuggets should have put up 40 in that quarter, couldn’t even manage 30 and let Phoenix all the way back in. Hopefully that’s the worst-effort quarter of the night because that kind of energy level is not gonna win the game. – 11:16 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Suns getting some momentum to finish the 1st quarter since Booker went out. Suns turned up their offensive aggressiveness and it helped their defense.
Denver still leads 28-24 after one quarter, but they let the Suns go on a 11-2 run to finish the frame. – 11:16 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic played the entire 1st quarter: 15 points (6-8 shooting), 4 rebounds, 2 assists – 11:16 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Denver somehow bled a massive lead that’s down to four, even with Jokić on the court for all 12 minutes.
That’s a horrible way to end the quarter and will come back to haunt them later. – 11:16 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: DEN 28, PHX 24
Bridges: 10 Pts, 4-6 FG
Ayton: 3 Pts, 5 Reb, 1-3 FG
Paul: 4 Pts
Jokic: 15 Pts, 4 Reb, 6-8 FG
Good response from the Suns after Nuggets jumped out to a double-digit lead – 11:16 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
DA from the top of the arch 👌
🌟  All-Star vote: https://t.co/RrQOCwgP5s pic.twitter.com/5du6Ji8v3L11:14 PM

Eli Savoie @Eli560
Devin Booker only lasted 4 minutes tonight before leaving for the night. I would assume that means we will not see him here Tuesday – 11:14 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets going with Nnaji again tonight over DeAndre Jordan. – 11:12 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Let’s see how the Nuggets play now that Booker is out. Will they let off the accelerator like they did against the Lakers when AD went out or stomp on the gas and take over? – 11:12 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Devin Booker: OUT. – 11:11 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Suns star Devin Booker is out for remainder of game vs. Nuggets due to his groin injury. Booker played just over four minutes to start the game. – 11:11 PM
Shams Charania @ShamsCharania
Suns star Devin Booker is out for remainder of game vs. Nuggets after due to his groin injury. Booker played just over four minutes to start the game. – 11:10 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
If you’re not watching yet, you should be. Joker is trying some *extra* spicy stuff so far. His wrap-around pass would’ve been sublime, & it looked like he ball-faked Ayton to where he actually turned to see if a pass was thrown (it wasn’t).. In addition to 13 pts in the 1st. – 11:10 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin Booker (left groin) WILL NOT RETURN TONIGHT. #Suns11:10 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Devin Booker will not return tonight due to a left groin injury – 11:10 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
INJURY UPDATE: Devin Booker (left groin) will not return tonight. – 11:10 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker (left groin) will not return tonight, per Suns – 11:10 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
CB makin’ some noise early 💥 pic.twitter.com/11uQMh0pAY11:09 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Nikola Jokic: 13 points, 2 assists, 5-6 FG
Phoenix Suns: 14 points, 2 assists, 6-14 FG – 11:09 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Ayton 3. #Suns down 26-14. – 11:07 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Christian Braun just jab-stepped and stepped back for a triple right after coming into the game. Ruthless. – 11:06 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets sticking with the Murray stagger to the bench tonight. Looks like their bench is going small with Jeff Green out. – 11:06 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic is on a whole different level right now. He’s dealing tonight. – 11:06 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“We know he’s capable of putting up big numbers.”
#Nuggets coach Michael Malone on facing #Suns All-Star Devin Booker, who scored a season-high 58 in his last game.
Missed last three with groin soreness. Returned tonight, but left game after playing four minutes. #NBAXmas pic.twitter.com/AmmkqA7W2K11:06 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
ESPN reporting on Jokmas we did it Nuggets Nation – 11:05 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Christian Braun is in the rotation tonight. – 11:04 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Jokic hitting a Sombor Shuffle during a story about Jokmas >>>> – 11:03 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jokic with 13 on 5-of-6. #Suns down nine. #NBAXMas #Nuggets11:03 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic is out of his mind already. Just uncorked a hell of a Sombor Shuffle. – 11:02 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Mikal taking it to the hoop!
🌟 All-Star vote: https://t.co/RrQOCwgP5s pic.twitter.com/97o4Q5apWO11:02 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker played four minutes. Two points on 1-of-2 shooting. Trying to rewind game to see when it happened, but I do remember seeing him walk down the court talking to himself. #Suns #Nuggets #NBAXMas11:02 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Booker came out of the game early for some reason. He played 4 minutes and Shamet came in for him. – 11:01 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Quick 11 by Joker 😤
6:23 left in the first pic.twitter.com/HcworodQA911:01 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
I’m eating Christmas cookies and watching the Nuggets life is so good – 11:00 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Alright, about as strong of a stretch as you can realistically ask for from the Nuggets. They’re clearly having fun out there. Murray’s breaking out the dribble moves and they’re trying hard on defense. – 11:00 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic with a dominant opening six minutes, then had a healthy chat with Tony Brothers heading into this timeout just now. – 10:59 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Didn’t see if Devin Booker was on the bench, but he got subbed out much earlier than usual – 10:59 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Shamet checked in for Booker. Don’t see Booker on the bench. – 10:59 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker not on the bench. #Suns #Nuggets. #NBAXmas10:59 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
The most casual reverse by AG pic.twitter.com/4uGFNB2kh010:59 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets not only are owning the paint, but have had a few GREAT looks at 3-pointers that have not fallen yet. Denver is getting whatever they want in the first 5+ minutes of the game.
Denver leads 16-9 at the first break. – 10:59 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Deandre Ayton has done an excellent job on Nikola Jokic over the last few years, but the MVP is having his way with this matchup early on. He’s already got 11 points in the first 4 and a half minutes – 10:57 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic came to play tonight. He is battling for position on defense with Ayton and is feasting in the paint on offense. He is 4-5 from the field with 11 points in just over 4 minutes. – 10:57 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Joker’s got 11 points in the first 4:20 (!) of the game. – 10:57 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bridges two quick fouls. Shamet in. #Suns10:56 PM
Michael Pina @MichaelVPina
aaron gordon is playing like he’s heard people say he might be an all-star candidate – 10:56 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns going at Porter Jr.
Paul pullup. Down 13-7. – 10:56 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Joker, master of all buckets 🪣 pic.twitter.com/jcSM8Qca0O10:55 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Craig 3. #Suns down 13-5. – 10:55 PM
Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Nuggets came out READY – 10:55 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Gordon reverse dunk. #Suns down 13-2. – 10:55 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns down 11-2 early and once again their opponent strikes first, with more urgency. This pattern has gotten old quick – 10:55 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Gordon 3.
Jokic putback. Fouled by Bridges.
FT. #Suns down 11-2. – 10:54 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nuggets begin game on 10-2 run. Joker gets an And-1 after a poor transition possession. Makes the FT. 11-2. – 10:54 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Ready to go.
🌟  All-Star vote: https://t.co/RrQOCwgP5s pic.twitter.com/h4sC18hO6f10:54 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
KCP is on Booker and Murray is on CP3 to start tonight, but Denver is switching pretty often. – 10:53 PM
Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker just put MPJ on skates – 10:53 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jokic 3. #Suns down 5-2. – 10:53 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Suns attack MPJ quick and Booker drives right by him after getting him off his feet for a layup. – 10:53 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Murray on Paul.
Booker got Porter Jr. on hesitation, drive and finish. #Suns #Nuggets tied 2-2. – 10:53 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Suns show like they are going to double Jokic, but do not and Jokic drills a jumper to get things started. – 10:52 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
This #Nuggets starting five of Porter Jr., Gordon, Jokic, Caldwell-Pope and Murray is a top-five #NBA starting lineup.
#Suns got four of their five starters. Monty Williams has been critical of this team’s starts.
With Booker back, let’s see how they start tonight. #NBAXMas – 10:51 PM
Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Suns at Nuggets is about to tip on ESPN. I believe I’ve made my final appearance. – 10:51 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets vs Suns about to tip. Christmas basketball is here! – 10:50 PM
Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Underrated thing about tonight’s game is the Suns haven’t lost in Denver since before the playoff series sweep. Nuggets fans are among the loudest in letting the Suns know how much they are not welcome. Last year’s 1 meeting there was The Amir Coffey Game. – 10:46 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Showtime 🎬
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/tk6D5qV0Gm10:44 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
We in here. #Suns #Nuggets #NBAXmas pic.twitter.com/JenDK8qoq510:44 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Loud crowd tonight in Denver. Substantial boos for the Suns and cheers for the Nuggets. – 10:44 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Make of this what you want, but I’m 99% sure “Suns in 4” guy is here tonight at Ball Arena. – 10:42 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Tony Brothers gets significant boos from the Nuggets fans around me when introduced. – 10:39 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Memphis is 3 minutes away from losing to the Warriors and falling one loss behind the Nuggets.
If Denver beats the Suns tonight, they will take sole control of the 1st seed in the West. – 10:34 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“It’s hard to say for both of those guys, but it is good to see them running and getting up shots.”
Monty Williams when asked about status Cameron Payne (foot) and Cam Johnson (knee) as far when they’ll be back. #NBAXMas #Suns #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/AkR3CVGQ1910:32 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets are getting Tony Brothers tonight for the second time this season. The first time he officiated Denver this year was in the opener in Utah. – 10:31 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I’m not one to blame it on injuries and all that other stuff. The guys who step on the floor got to go after it. That’s something that we haven’t seen consistently in the past three to four weeks.”
Monty Williams as #Suns are coming off a 25-point loss to #Grizzlies. #SunsXMas pic.twitter.com/uFxLyKqefT10:29 PM

Sirius XM NBA @SiriusXMNBA
Don’t miss Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns face Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets!
Hear the action at 10:30p ET on Channel 86 or on the SXM App 👇
#NBAXmas 🔊 https://t.co/3tfWvrhr0j pic.twitter.com/DgwpEa9F0K10:28 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Jamal leads the Nuggets out of the tunnel, which is abnormal. It’s usually Nikola. Like, every time. – 10:27 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Nuggets are currently the only team in the West with a +.500 record on the road.
They’re obviously at home tonight, and it’s only 9-8, but I still think that’s notable. – 10:22 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“First of all, Merry Christmas to everybody, especially our fans in the Valley.”
Monty Williams opening remarks as he later talked about the return of Devin Booker and the uniqueness of reigning two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. #Suns #Nuggets #NBAXMas pic.twitter.com/3xrUoiYMkW10:21 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“That’s going so far back, and we’re a completely different team.”
#Nuggets coach Michael Malone on if team has an extra fuel for tonight’s #NBAXmas game from getting swept by #Suns in 2021 playoffs. pic.twitter.com/OtEeFQPLWl10:18 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
This guy has had some huge games against #Suns.
Jamal Murray getting up shots pregame with Aaron Gordon.
#Nuggets #NBAXmas pic.twitter.com/lc7NMakmYM10:13 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
A(ll Star)G lockin’ in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/gxPB8p7bmb10:11 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nuggets sticking with the same starters.
Jamal Murray
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Michael Porter Jr.
Aaron Gordon
Nikola Jokic
Suns are going with:
Chris Paul
Devin Booker
Torrey Craig
Mikal Bridges
Deandre Ayton – 10:08 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
For Denver to take control against the Suns, they need to punch first and assert their style of play on the Suns.
If they let Phoenix get comfortable, they are equipped to slice the Nuggets up. Getting the Suns playing from behind is the best way to control the game. – 10:06 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets sticking with their normal starters: Jamal, KCP, MPJ, AG and Joker.
Curious which one of them staggers with the bench unit. – 10:03 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets starters vs. Suns:
Jamal Murray
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Michael Porter Jr.
Aaron Gordon
Nikola Jokic – 10:03 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Christmas starters
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/iT2gT7LgOh10:02 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin Booker finishes his pregame work with his usual bounce lob dunk. #Suns #NBAXmas. pic.twitter.com/nrMIGMVymZ10:01 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Your 2022 Christmas Day starters! pic.twitter.com/Jq0sADv0DC10:00 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Smiling because it’s 3-for-1 voting tonight for the ASG ⭐
#NBAAllStar x https://t.co/lBETGuC2d0 pic.twitter.com/ILVRbhplA39:54 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Fresh out the box.
Deandre Ayton sporting these Carolina Blue Puma kicks for the 1st time for #NBAXmas game. #Suns pic.twitter.com/gkLZiuyf6H9:46 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Devin Booker finishes press with his bounce lob dunk. #Suns pic.twitter.com/TYE1RQCedf9:44 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Safe to say Coach had a great Christmas morning 😂 pic.twitter.com/xiR77H49pI9:35 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Devin Booker is officially playing for Phoenix tonight. He’s missed the last three games. – 9:34 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Watch out for the Joker performance that’s about to happen tonight 👀😳 pic.twitter.com/5NnHJnqw6G9:30 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
Tonight’s @BannerHealth Health Update: pic.twitter.com/kwtBXm7Sy79:30 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
If the Nuggets play tonight by the book, I’m expecting DeAndre Jordan at the backup center vs. Bismack Biyombo. Maybe we’ll see some Zeke Nnaji at backup power forward. – 9:24 PM
Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
In visiting #Suns press conference room. #Cardinals #Bucs #NFLChristmas pic.twitter.com/dUEwOLr9LT9:18 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Malone says it will be a by committee approach and based on opponent personnel when it comes to replacing Jeff Green’s minutes. Mentioned Zeke Nnaji at power forward, Vlatko Cancar and Michael Porter Jr. and Bruce Brown as small ball fours who could play in that spot. – 9:09 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Show me a better Christmas scene than fresh-cut Joker warming up with Ralphie in the bunny suit. (Sam, the ball boy, is a real one for this). pic.twitter.com/ye7FIQFHfC9:07 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
The most wonderful time of the year ❄
#WeAreTheValley pic.twitter.com/UO6rIgZWdo9:01 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Jok ain’t playin’ around tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5s6BkXK9Gz8:57 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Asked Michael Malone if he sensed any animosity from his team toward the Suns following Denver’s playoff series loss in 2021:
“In no part of our preparation or our messaging to our players involved bringing up the playoffs from two years ago.” – 8:54 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Michael Porter Jr. will be on a minute restriction again tonight. I’d bet he plays between 25-30 minutes. – 8:50 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
After Zeke Nnaji dislocated his pinky last game, Malone says he has no restrictions tonight at all. – 8:50 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Malone said the Nuggets will deal with Jeff Green’s replacement in the rotation on a game by game basis. – 8:47 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
First career Christmas Day game for Bones Hyland coming up. pic.twitter.com/u33rn10Q4C8:42 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Drip runs in the family 🤞
#ULTRADrip pic.twitter.com/yICS40wi308:38 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Drip runs in the family 🤞
#ULTRADrip pic.twitter.com/K6FK8wcegV8:37 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Calling Nuggets Nation 🗣
Show us your Christmas game day fits using #UltraDrip and @MichelobULTRA
We’ll share our favorites 👀 – 8:29 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
It has to be a Christian Braun night tonight. – 8:24 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
I’m expecting to see Christian Braun in the rotation tonight with Jeff Green out from the talks I’ve had. Denver wants to get him minutes.
I’d think one of Gordon or MPJ gets staggered with some combo of Bones/Brown/Braun/Nnaji off the bench tonight as the rotation. – 7:50 PM
John Henson @Johnhenson31
MKE gotta go get Crowder/should’ve kept TUCK… and GA/K Mid both gotta check JT or JB all night giving them diff looks … or it’s child’s play out there for them boys. – 7:30 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Talked with Stan Kroenke a couple weeks ago. He said he and Josh were planning to attend both the Rams game and Nuggets game later tonight. With the game firmly in hand, do we think they left at halftime? – 6:59 PM
Phoenix Suns @Suns
🌟 TRIPLE VOTING DAY! 🌟
Waiting for Suns basketball tonight? Vote your favorite Suns for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game!
🗳 VOTE NOW: https://t.co/RrQOCwgP5s pic.twitter.com/xSjbiWr1rq6:10 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Christmas day. Nuggs basketball.
LET’S GO pic.twitter.com/wS3xidbpWQ6:06 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
One trend to track tonight in Nuggets/Suns: Jamal Murray has handed out 10+ assists in only 10 regular season games across his entire career. Two of those instances came in his last two games (11 assists vs. Charlotte, 12 assists vs. Portland). – 5:11 PM
Ishmail Wainwright @Wainright24
Merry Christmas Everyone 🎄✨5:07 PM

Source link

You might like

About the Author: NBA NEWS SITE

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *