Jokic stars as Nuggets top Suns in OT; Booker out again

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 128-125 in overtime on Sunday night, led by Nikola Jokic’s monstrous triple-double and an important dunk by Aaron Gordon that was upheld after review.

The 41 points, 15 boards, and 15 help were Jokic’s 83rd triple-double of his career. The two-time defending NBA MVP scored 40 points, grabbed 27 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists last Sunday.

Phoenix’s best player, Devin Booker, played just 4:20 minutes in his comeback from a groin injury and scored two points after tallying 58 in his previous start against New Orleans.

Jamal Murray dunked the ball with 10.7 seconds left in regulation to tie the game for Denver. However, it was Gordon’s dunk in overtime that proved decisive for the Nuggets.

Although first flagged for an offensive foul, the call was overturned after it was ruled that Landry Shamet, who tied his career best with 31 points for Phoenix, was in motion.

Gordon scored 28 points and Murray 26 to finish the game.

In the last seconds, Phoenix had a golden opportunity to tie the game, but they blew it.

Phoenix’s Deandre Ayton scored 22 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, but the Suns once again had to do without Booker due to his groin ailment, which had kept him out of action for the previous two games. Chris Paul scored 17 points and dished out 16 assists, however he shot 0% from the foul line.