Magic Cruise To Victory Over Hornets
The Orlando Magic defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 101-89, at Spectrum Center on Tuesday.
The Magic (36-26) now sit 10 games over the .500 mark and didn’t have major problems to get past the Hornets (15-47) in front of their fans. Orlando set up a five-point advantage following a 25-20 score in the first quarter. However, the Hornets responded with a 23-20 score in the second quarter, showing fighting spirit until the end of the first half. The Magic recovered their advantage in the third quarter following a 30-23 score, and they would never look back the rest of the way. A 26-23 score in the final 12 minutes sealed the win for Orlando, and the Magic also moved to 3-0 in their head-to-head meetings against the Hornets. With the win, the Hornets moved to 8-23 at home, while the Magic improved to 15-18 on the road.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Cole Anthony contributed 14 points off the bench, while adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Moritz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac each had 11 points off the bench. Isaac also grabbed six rebounds to his name. The Magic shot 54.1 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three-point range.
Vasilije Micic got the start Tuesday and finished with a team-high 21 points while adding five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tre Mann had 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Brandon Miller also recorded 18 points, but he also added five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Miles Bridges contributed seven points (3-16 FG) while adding five boards and three assists. Davis Bertans added 14 points off the bench. Charlotte shot 45.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from deep.
The Magic (36-26) now sit 10 games over the .500 mark and didn’t have major problems to get past the Hornets (15-47) in front of their fans. Orlando set up a five-point advantage following a 25-20 score in the first quarter. However, the Hornets responded with a 23-20 score in the second quarter, showing fighting spirit until the end of the first half. The Magic recovered their advantage in the third quarter following a 30-23 score, and they would never look back the rest of the way. A 26-23 score in the final 12 minutes sealed the win for Orlando, and the Magic also moved to 3-0 in their head-to-head meetings against the Hornets. With the win, the Hornets moved to 8-23 at home, while the Magic improved to 15-18 on the road.
Paolo Banchero led the way for the Magic with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists. Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. Cole Anthony contributed 14 points off the bench, while adding three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Moritz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac each had 11 points off the bench. Isaac also grabbed six rebounds to his name. The Magic shot 54.1 percent from the field and 37.1 percent from three-point range.
Vasilije Micic got the start Tuesday and finished with a team-high 21 points while adding five rebounds, four assists and two steals. Tre Mann had 18 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Brandon Miller also recorded 18 points, but he also added five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Miles Bridges contributed seven points (3-16 FG) while adding five boards and three assists. Davis Bertans added 14 points off the bench. Charlotte shot 45.8 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from deep.
Wade leads Cavs' fourth-quarter comeback against East-leading Celtics
The Cleveland Cavaliers overcame a 22-point deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics, 105-104, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on Tuesday.
Coming into Tuesday’s contest riding an 11-game winning streak, the Celtics (48-13) continued their momentum as they steadily built their lead to 10 points heading into halftime. It looked like Boston was headed towards their 12th-straight win after leading by as many as 22 points, but the Cavaliers (40-21) had other plans. A furious comeback effort was mounted, led by Dean Wade off the bench as Cleveland went on a 29-6 run to take its first lead since the first quarter. The two teams exchanged buckets down the stretch, before a foul shot for Jayson Tatum with 0.7 seconds left to play was overturned, giving the Cavaliers their 21st win at home while the Celtics dropped to 19-10 on the road.
Tatum led the Celtics with 26 points, 13 rebounds and two assists for his 22nd double-double of the season. Kristaps Porzingis filled up the stat sheet with 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. Jaylen Brown chipped in 21 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Derrick White had just three points but added six rebounds, seven assists and four blocks.
Wade led the Cavaliers off the bench with 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds and two assists for his 29th double-double of the season. Darius Garland added 16 points, 11 assists and two steals for his second double-double of the year. Isaac Okoro added 16 points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Caris LeVert contributed 10 points, four rebounds, give assists and three steals in reserve.
Next up, the Cavaliers visit the Atlanta Hawks on March 6, while the Celtics take on the defending-champion Nuggets in Denver on March 7.
Coming into Tuesday’s contest riding an 11-game winning streak, the Celtics (48-13) continued their momentum as they steadily built their lead to 10 points heading into halftime. It looked like Boston was headed towards their 12th-straight win after leading by as many as 22 points, but the Cavaliers (40-21) had other plans. A furious comeback effort was mounted, led by Dean Wade off the bench as Cleveland went on a 29-6 run to take its first lead since the first quarter. The two teams exchanged buckets down the stretch, before a foul shot for Jayson Tatum with 0.7 seconds left to play was overturned, giving the Cavaliers their 21st win at home while the Celtics dropped to 19-10 on the road.
Tatum led the Celtics with 26 points, 13 rebounds and two assists for his 22nd double-double of the season. Kristaps Porzingis filled up the stat sheet with 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. Jaylen Brown chipped in 21 points, three rebounds and four assists, while Jrue Holiday finished with 12 points, four rebounds, five assists and two steals. Derrick White had just three points but added six rebounds, seven assists and four blocks.
Wade led the Cavaliers off the bench with 23 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Jarrett Allen tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds and two assists for his 29th double-double of the season. Darius Garland added 16 points, 11 assists and two steals for his second double-double of the year. Isaac Okoro added 16 points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Caris LeVert contributed 10 points, four rebounds, give assists and three steals in reserve.
Next up, the Cavaliers visit the Atlanta Hawks on March 6, while the Celtics take on the defending-champion Nuggets in Denver on March 7.
Magic Hold On To Secure Win Over Pistons
The Miami Heat defeated the Detroit Pistons, 118-110, at Kaseya Center on Wednesday.
The Heat (35-26) are inching closer to a playoff berth, while the Pistons (9-52) have yet to reach double-digit wins. Under those circumstances, and with the game being played in Miami, it’s not surprising to see Miami coming away with the win. The Pistons put up a good fight, but they fell short, as has been the case throughout the season. Miami established its terms in the first quarter and raced to a 36-26 lead, but Detroit responded with a 34-25 score in the second quarter, shrinking the differential to just one point. Miami never let go of the game, though. A 32-28 score in the third quarter boosted their advantage to five points, and while the Pistons competed hard all game long, the Heat would close it out with a 25-22 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Heat moved to 17-13 at home, while the Pistons fell to 5-27 on the road.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Bam Adebayo finished with 18 points and seven boards. Terry Rozier delivered 17 points, seven assists and two rebounds. Duncan Robinson posted 18 points, four assists and three rebounds. Cody Martin had 15 points and six rebounds. Jaime Jaquez Jr. ended with 11 points off the bench. The Heat shot 49.4 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 23 points and eight assists. Jalen Duren finished with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Isaiah Stewart posted 13 points and six rebounds, while Jaden Ivey notched 16 points and four assists. Simone Fontecchio posted 22 points coming off the bench. The Pistons shot 43.8 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.
The Heat (35-26) are inching closer to a playoff berth, while the Pistons (9-52) have yet to reach double-digit wins. Under those circumstances, and with the game being played in Miami, it’s not surprising to see Miami coming away with the win. The Pistons put up a good fight, but they fell short, as has been the case throughout the season. Miami established its terms in the first quarter and raced to a 36-26 lead, but Detroit responded with a 34-25 score in the second quarter, shrinking the differential to just one point. Miami never let go of the game, though. A 32-28 score in the third quarter boosted their advantage to five points, and while the Pistons competed hard all game long, the Heat would close it out with a 25-22 score in the final 12 minutes. With the win, the Heat moved to 17-13 at home, while the Pistons fell to 5-27 on the road.
Jimmy Butler paced the Heat with 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds. Bam Adebayo finished with 18 points and seven boards. Terry Rozier delivered 17 points, seven assists and two rebounds. Duncan Robinson posted 18 points, four assists and three rebounds. Cody Martin had 15 points and six rebounds. Jaime Jaquez Jr. ended with 11 points off the bench. The Heat shot 49.4 percent from the field and 45.2 percent from three-point range.
Cade Cunningham led the way for the Pistons with 23 points and eight assists. Jalen Duren finished with a 14-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included three assists. Isaiah Stewart posted 13 points and six rebounds, while Jaden Ivey notched 16 points and four assists. Simone Fontecchio posted 22 points coming off the bench. The Pistons shot 43.8 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range.
Nets Upend 76ers, 112-107
The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers, 112-107, at Barclays Center on Tuesday night.
The 76ers (35-26) wasted no time making an early statement over the underdog hosts, jumping out to a 30-23 lead through one. However, the Nets (25-37) responded with a strong second-quarter performance that saw them eliminate their deficit and take a one-point edge into halftime. Philadelphia had extended its advantage back out to three points going into the final period, but Brooklyn managed to go ahead for good with 5:44 remaining and held the visitors off the rest of the way despite several close calls.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 30 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris followed with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Cameron Payne furnished 15 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Kyle Lowry offered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield registered 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith co-led the Nets with 20 points while adding eight assists and eight rebounds, respectively. Lonnie Walker turned in 19 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Nic Claxton generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and four blocks. Mikal Bridges delivered 15 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The 76ers return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, while the Nets visit the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.
The 76ers (35-26) wasted no time making an early statement over the underdog hosts, jumping out to a 30-23 lead through one. However, the Nets (25-37) responded with a strong second-quarter performance that saw them eliminate their deficit and take a one-point edge into halftime. Philadelphia had extended its advantage back out to three points going into the final period, but Brooklyn managed to go ahead for good with 5:44 remaining and held the visitors off the rest of the way despite several close calls.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led the 76ers with 30 points, adding six rebounds and four assists. Tobias Harris followed with 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Cameron Payne furnished 15 points, three boards, one assist and one steal. Kyle Lowry offered 14 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Buddy Hield registered 13 points, four assists, three rebounds and one steal.
Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith co-led the Nets with 20 points while adding eight assists and eight rebounds, respectively. Lonnie Walker turned in 19 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. Nic Claxton generated a 17-point, 10-rebound double-double that included two assists and four blocks. Mikal Bridges delivered 15 points, six rebounds and four assists.
The 76ers return home to host the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night, while the Nets visit the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.
Hawks Top Knicks, 116-100
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the New York Knicks, 116-100, at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.
The Hawks (27-34), still missing Trae Young (finger), understandably came in as road underdogs, but they quickly dispelled that label by jumping out to a 33-15 lead through one. The Knicks (36-26) were much more competitive in the second quarter while compiling 35 points, and they'd knocked a total of 13 points from their deficit by the time the final period rolled around. However, Atlanta ultimately regained its footing in the fourth quarter, outscoring New York by a 33-22 margin over the last 12 minutes for the double-digit victory.
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter followed with 22 points, three boards and one steal. Dejounte Murray delivered 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey collected 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Clint Capela registered 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block.
Donte DiVincenzo paced the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 19 points and three rebounds. Precious Achiuwa tallied 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Miles McBride and Alec Burks generated matching 11-point, two-rebound, one-steal efforts, with McBride also dishing out nine assists.
The Hawks host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Knicks host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
The Hawks (27-34), still missing Trae Young (finger), understandably came in as road underdogs, but they quickly dispelled that label by jumping out to a 33-15 lead through one. The Knicks (36-26) were much more competitive in the second quarter while compiling 35 points, and they'd knocked a total of 13 points from their deficit by the time the final period rolled around. However, Atlanta ultimately regained its footing in the fourth quarter, outscoring New York by a 33-22 margin over the last 12 minutes for the double-digit victory.
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 26 points, adding nine rebounds, seven assists and one steal. De'Andre Hunter followed with 22 points, three boards and one steal. Dejounte Murray delivered 21 points, nine rebounds, six assists and one steal. Saddiq Bey collected 17 points, nine rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Clint Capela registered 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one block.
Donte DiVincenzo paced the Knicks with 21 points, complementing them with six assists, four rebounds and two steals. Bojan Bogdanovic supplied 19 points and three rebounds. Precious Achiuwa tallied 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Josh Hart recorded 14 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and one steal. Miles McBride and Alec Burks generated matching 11-point, two-rebound, one-steal efforts, with McBride also dishing out nine assists.
The Hawks host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night, while the Knicks host the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Pelicans Roll Over Shorthanded Raptors
By Dan Bruno
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the host Toronto Raptors, 139-98, at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday evening.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start against the shorthanded Raptors and led by 14 points after one quarter. The visitors stayed in control through the second and managed to build a 23-point cushion by halftime. The Raptors gave a solid effort in the third quarter but were outscored, 38-31, while the Pelicans added another seven points to their advantage. The Pelicans had no trouble in the fourth and charged to their second consecutive win. This also marks the third loss in four games for the Raptors.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 34 points, six rebounds and a steal, in 29 minutes off the bench. Herbert Jones followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Zion Williamson tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 17 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 16 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Kelly Olynyk logged 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Raptors (23-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Thursday. The Pelicans (37-25) clash with the 76ers in Philly on Friday.
The Pelicans jumped out to a great start against the shorthanded Raptors and led by 14 points after one quarter. The visitors stayed in control through the second and managed to build a 23-point cushion by halftime. The Raptors gave a solid effort in the third quarter but were outscored, 38-31, while the Pelicans added another seven points to their advantage. The Pelicans had no trouble in the fourth and charged to their second consecutive win. This also marks the third loss in four games for the Raptors.
Trey Murphy led the Pelicans with 34 points, six rebounds and a steal, in 29 minutes off the bench. Herbert Jones followed up with 17 points, two rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Zion Williamson tallied 16 points, eight rebounds, nine assists, a steal and two blocks.
Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 17 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and a steal, in 33 minutes. Gary Trent followed up with 16 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Kelly Olynyk logged 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Raptors (23-39) will look to bounce back as they take on the Suns in Phoenix on Thursday. The Pelicans (37-25) clash with the 76ers in Philly on Friday.
Sengun Powers Rockets At Home
By Dan Bruno
The Houston Rockets defeated the visiting San Antonio Spurs, 114-101, at Toyota Center on Tuesday evening.
Alperen Sengun put on a masterclass with 45 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, five steals and a block, to lead the Rockets to a hard-fought home win. The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led by five points after one quarter, and the Spurs fought back to take a six-point lead at the break. The hosts jumped out to a quick start in the third and led through the quarter, hanging on to a three-point edge entering the final frame. Powered by Sengun, the Rockets picked up momentum through the fourth and rallied to secure their second straight win.
The Rockets also got impressive contributions from Jalen Green, who totaled 23 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, along Fred VanVleet, who totaled 21 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Cam Whitmore added 19 points, eight rebounds and a steal, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block, in 40 minutes. Malaki Branham followed up with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, while Keldon Johnson logged 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Victor Wembanyama did not have a big scoring night, with only 10 points, but he added 11 rebounds, three assists and seven blocks.
The Spurs (13-49) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Thursday. The Rockets (27-34) play host to the Clippers on Wednesday.
Alperen Sengun put on a masterclass with 45 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, five steals and a block, to lead the Rockets to a hard-fought home win. The game got out to a competitive start as the Rockets led by five points after one quarter, and the Spurs fought back to take a six-point lead at the break. The hosts jumped out to a quick start in the third and led through the quarter, hanging on to a three-point edge entering the final frame. Powered by Sengun, the Rockets picked up momentum through the fourth and rallied to secure their second straight win.
The Rockets also got impressive contributions from Jalen Green, who totaled 23 points, two rebounds, three assists and a steal, along Fred VanVleet, who totaled 21 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and four steals. Cam Whitmore added 19 points, eight rebounds and a steal, off the bench.
Meanwhile, Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a block, in 40 minutes. Malaki Branham followed up with 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, while Keldon Johnson logged 18 points, six rebounds and two assists. Victor Wembanyama did not have a big scoring night, with only 10 points, but he added 11 rebounds, three assists and seven blocks.
The Spurs (13-49) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Thursday. The Rockets (27-34) play host to the Clippers on Wednesday.
Pacers Defeat Mavericks, 137-120
The Indiana Pacers defeated the host Dallas Mavericks, 137-120, at American Airlines Center on Tuesday.
While there were seven ties and seven lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Indiana never gave up the lead after the first quarter. They only led by four points at the half, but a 32-18 third quarter carried them to this blowout victory. The Pacers shot 54 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Indiana also out-assisted Dallas, 34-23, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 20-10.
The Pacers (35-28) were led by Myles Turner, tallying 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton had 19 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Pascal Siakam amassed 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while Bennedict Mathurin led the bench with 19 points. TJ McConnell also had 13 points, two rebounds and seven assists off the pine as well.
The Mavericks (34-28) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 39 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Kyrie Irving compiled 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. PJ Washington provided 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Daniel Gafford led the bench with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
These teams return to action on Thursday, with Dallas remaining home to play the Miami Heat and Indiana returning home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While there were seven ties and seven lead changes through the opening 20 minutes, Indiana never gave up the lead after the first quarter. They only led by four points at the half, but a 32-18 third quarter carried them to this blowout victory. The Pacers shot 54 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range while holding the Mavericks to 48 percent from the field and 33 percent from long range. Indiana also out-assisted Dallas, 34-23, while doubling them up in second-chance points, 20-10.
The Pacers (35-28) were led by Myles Turner, tallying 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. Tyrese Haliburton had 19 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Pascal Siakam amassed 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, while Bennedict Mathurin led the bench with 19 points. TJ McConnell also had 13 points, two rebounds and seven assists off the pine as well.
The Mavericks (34-28) were led by Luka Doncic, collecting 39 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists. Kyrie Irving compiled 23 points, seven rebounds and three assists. PJ Washington provided 20 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Daniel Gafford led the bench with 16 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and three blocks.
These teams return to action on Thursday, with Dallas remaining home to play the Miami Heat and Indiana returning home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Suns Defeat Nuggets in OT, 117-107
The Phoenix Suns defeated the host Denver Nuggets in OT, 117-107, at Ball Arena on Thursday.
There were 14 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. With that said, Phoenix got out to a 22-point lead in the third quarter, but Denver forced an overtime behind a 21-12 fourth quarter. The Suns shot 5-of-24 in that fourth quarter. They did respond by outscoring the Nuggets in the extra frame, 15-5. The Suns shot 44 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line while the Nuggets shot 43 percent form the field, 37 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. They also recorded 32 assists to nine turnovers, while Denver had 25 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Suns (36-26) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 35 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Grayson Allen amassed 28 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bradley Beal accrued 16 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic had seven points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nuggets (42-20) were led by Jamal Murray, finishing with 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Nikola Jokic tallied 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and seven turnovers. Michael Porter Jr provided 20 points and seven rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amassed 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Thursday. As for Phoenix, they play host to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday as well.
There were 14 lead changes in this game, taking an overtime session to determine a winner. With that said, Phoenix got out to a 22-point lead in the third quarter, but Denver forced an overtime behind a 21-12 fourth quarter. The Suns shot 5-of-24 in that fourth quarter. They did respond by outscoring the Nuggets in the extra frame, 15-5. The Suns shot 44 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range and 82 percent from the free-throw line while the Nuggets shot 43 percent form the field, 37 percent from long range and 71 percent from the charity stripe. They also recorded 32 assists to nine turnovers, while Denver had 25 assists to 14 turnovers.
The Suns (36-26) were led by Kevin Durant, collecting 35 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Grayson Allen amassed 28 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. Bradley Beal accrued 16 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals, while Jusuf Nurkic had seven points, 12 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.
The Nuggets (42-20) were led by Jamal Murray, finishing with 28 points, seven rebounds and nine assists. Nikola Jokic tallied 25 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and seven turnovers. Michael Porter Jr provided 20 points and seven rebounds, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope amassed 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and two blocks.
On deck for Denver is a home matchup with the Boston Celtics on Thursday. As for Phoenix, they play host to the Toronto Raptors on Thursday as well.