Nuggets down Suns 125-123

The Denver Nuggets edged the Phoenix Suns 125–123 on Tuesday night behind another historic performance from Nikola Jokić.

Jokić finished with 23 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists—tying a season high in dimes—and delivered the game-winner, knocking down a 12-foot jumper with 11.5 seconds remaining. Devin Booker had a clean look at a potential winning 3-pointer on the other end, but it rattled out at the buzzer.

Denver appeared in control late, leading by eight with just over three minutes left, but Phoenix rallied. Booker tied the game at 123 with a tough lane jumper with 30.2 seconds to play, setting the stage for Jokić’s heroics.

The three-time MVP recorded his NBA-leading 29th triple-double by early in the third quarter, orchestrating the offense with ease—including a full-court dime to Christian Braun for a layup. Jamal Murray added 21 points, while Tim Hardaway Jr. chipped in 18 off the bench.

Phoenix stayed within striking distance throughout. Grayson Allen and Jalen Green each scored 21 points, and Jordan Goodwin helped spark a third-quarter push as the Suns cut a double-digit deficit to two entering the fourth.

The Nuggets, now winners of six of their last eight, sit just 1.5 games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the No. 3 spot in the Western Conference. The Suns, meanwhile, have dropped six of seven and remain seventh in the West, fighting to stay out of the play-in.

Up next: Denver hosts the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, while Phoenix welcomes the Utah Jazz on Saturday.