Recap: Suns outclassed by Nuggets, drop back to .500 on season

PHOENIX — Devin Booker’s 24 points were outmatched by 26 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists from reigning-MVP Nikola Jokic as the Phoenix Suns lost 122-105 to the Denver Nuggets.

Booker, for what it’s worth, had no reinforcements as Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen were all scratched from the rotation pregame. Behind Booker, the next-most productive Sun was Tyus Jones, who scored 15 points and 10 assists on 6-for-17 shooting. Fan-favorite reserve Bol Bol broke out, scoring 19 points and snagging seven rebounds.

Denver’s star duo of Jokic and Jamal Murray assumed control of the game early. Along with Jokic’s near-triple-double, Murray added 30 points and five assists on 12-for-23 shooting from the field. Christian Braun and Julian Strawther each scored 18 points to aid the Nuggets’ victory.

The Suns (26-26) drop back to .500 and have no opportunity to coast as the 2nd-seeded Memphis Grizzlies come into town Tuesday to close out Phoenix’s three-game homestand.

Booker sparks, Jokic assumes control in 3rd quarter

Devin Booker scored 10 of his 22 points in the third quarter to try and close the gap in the game, but Nikola Jokic assumed control and led the Nuggets over the Suns, 98-81.

Much like Friday’s win over the Jazz, Devin Booker had the weight of his team on his shoulders through the first three quarters, with only two other teammates helping, Tyus Jones with 15 points and Bol Bol with 11 points. Not much help after that with the absence of Grayson Allen.

Jokic controlled the game, putting up 26 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists while only missing two shots (11-13 FG). His sidekick, Jamal Murray, added 25 points. Backup guards Christian Braun (13 points) and Julian Strawther (11 points) followed Denver’s stars in scoring.