The Phoenix Suns threw everything at them, and the Denver Nuggets still found a way. Behind a 39-point masterclass from Jamal Murray and a red-hot 31-point night from Christian Braun, Denver went into Phoenix on Friday night and won 127-120, spoiling the Suns' home night with a shooting display from beyond the arc.
Here is everything you need to know about the Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns: the final score, how the game was won, the standout performers and what comes next.
Nuggets vs Suns: Final Score and Game Summary
Phoenix grabbed the early lead, but Denver took control in the second quarter and never let go. The Nuggets built a lead as large as 13 points, and although the Suns pushed back in the fourth, Denver closed out the win.
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denver Nuggets | 32 | 39 | 32 | 24 | 127 |
| Phoenix Suns | 37 | 30 | 26 | 27 | 120 |
How the Nuggets Won
A Second-Quarter Surge Changed the Game
Phoenix led 37-32 after one quarter, but Denver exploded for 39 points in the second to take a 71-67 halftime lead. They stretched it to 103-93 after three quarters, and that cushion proved just enough when the Suns rallied late.
Elite Shooting From Deep
Denver shot an eye-popping 20-of-37 from three-point range (54.1%) and finished with a 65% effective field goal percentage. Murray and Braun both hit 7 threes, each on 9 attempts, and together they carried the offence.
Living at the Free-Throw Line
The Nuggets went 23-of-30 at the stripe, compared to Phoenix's 10-of-11. Murray alone was 12-of-15. Denver also drew 22 fouls while committing just 13, a major reason the Suns could never fully settle into a rhythm.
Cleaning Up the Second-Chance Battle
The Nuggets scored 20 second-chance points to Phoenix's 12, converting 6 of 9 attempts after offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions helped them absorb Phoenix's strong interior scoring.
Key Performers
Denver Nuggets
- Jamal Murray: 39 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 7 threes, 12-of-15 FT
- Christian Braun: 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting, 7 threes, 3 steals
- Aaron Gordon: 15 points, 5 assists, perfect 5-of-5 at the line
- Cameron Johnson: 12 points and 9 rebounds
Phoenix Suns
- Miles Bridges: 24 points, 10 rebounds and 3 blocks
- Dillon Brooks: 22 points on an efficient 9-of-12 shooting
- Devin Booker: 20 points, 5 assists (7-of-19 from the field)
- Collin Gillespie: 16 points and 10 assists
Where Phoenix Fought Back
The Suns did not make it easy. They dominated the paint 50-32, scored 28 points off Denver's 19 turnovers, and knocked down 18 threes of their own. Their ball movement was also strong, with 34 assists on 46 made baskets. Tempers flared at times too, with Phoenix picking up a flagrant foul and an ejection.
The difference came down to efficiency and discipline. Denver shot 52.5% from the field to Phoenix's 48.9%, and the foul and free-throw gap gave the Nuggets a consistent edge.
What This Means for Both Teams
Denver: Momentum After a Bumpy Start
The Nuggets are now 3-2 on the young season. They followed an early loss to Oklahoma City and a 134-114 defeat to Golden State with back-to-back wins over New Orleans and Phoenix, a sign that this group is finding its identity.
Phoenix: Searching for Answers
The Suns fall to 1-3, with their lone win a 131-122 victory over Golden State. They have also lost to Portland and Oklahoma City, and the margin for error is already shrinking in a deep Western Conference.
What's Next
- Denver: Hosts the Portland Trail Blazers, then the Toronto Raptors early next week.
- Phoenix: Visits the Golden State Warriors, then returns home to face Portland.
The rematch is already circled: the two teams meet again in Denver on Monday, 16 November, and Phoenix will have revenge on its mind.
Final Thoughts
This was a statement win for Denver and a reminder of just how dangerous Murray can be when he is feeling it. With elite shooting, smart free-throw work and enough resilience to survive Phoenix's rally, the Nuggets showed the traits of a contender. For the Suns, the talent is clearly there, but the early-season results say they need to tighten up fast.
What did you make of Murray's 39-point performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and bookmark this blog for recaps, stats and analysis after every Nuggets and Suns game this season.
