Denver Nuggets Edge Phoenix Suns 127-120 in High-Scoring Contest

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 127-120 on October 31, 2026, at Footprint Center, closing the game with a late 12-2 run to secure a valuable road win. Nikola Jokic delivered another dominant performance, and Denver’s half-court execution proved too much for Phoenix in the final minutes.

The game featured 247 combined points and multiple lead changes, but the Nuggets made the decisive plays on both ends down the stretch. Phoenix fought back from an early deficit to take a fourth-quarter lead, but Denver’s experience and poise won out.

Game Overview

Denver led 35-29 after the first quarter, but Phoenix responded to take a 65-63 halftime lead. The Nuggets regained control in the third quarter and entered the fourth ahead 98-92. The Suns tied the game at 118-118 with just over two minutes remaining before Denver closed with a game-deciding run.

• Final score: Denver Nuggets 127, Phoenix Suns 120
• Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix
• Key run: Denver’s 12-2 closing surge in the final two minutes
• Stat edge: The Nuggets grabbed 14 offensive rebounds and scored 22 second-chance points

Jokic Controls the Game

Nikola Jokic posted a triple-double with 32 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, repeatedly finding cutters and shooters out of the pick-and-roll. Jamal Murray added 27 points, including a critical three-pointer in the final minute, while Aaron Gordon contributed 19 points and eight rebounds. Christian Braun gave Denver a lift with 16 points off the bench.

Denver’s offense was efficient throughout, but its rebounding advantage proved especially important. The Nuggets turned 14 offensive boards into 22 second-chance points, repeatedly extending possessions when Phoenix’s defense appeared to have forced a stop.

Suns’ Comeback Falls Short

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 36 points and six assists, while Jalen Green added 25 points. Mark Williams posted 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Dillon Brooks chipped in 13 points. The Suns shot well from the field for long stretches but went cold in the final two minutes, missing three consecutive three-point attempts after tying the game.

Phoenix’s defense struggled to contain Jokic in the paint, and the Suns were outscored 22-12 in second-chance points. The late-game execution also hurt Phoenix, with two turnovers in the final 90 seconds proving costly.

Key Moments

With the score tied at 118-118, Jokic found Gordon for a layup and then hit Murray for a three-pointer on Denver’s next possession. Phoenix missed on the other end, and Braun sealed the win with two free throws. The sequence capped a composed closing stretch from the Nuggets.

Standout Performers

• Nikola Jokic, Denver: 32 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists
• Jamal Murray, Denver: 27 points, 6 assists
• Aaron Gordon, Denver: 19 points, 8 rebounds
• Devin Booker, Phoenix: 36 points, 6 assists
• Jalen Green, Phoenix: 25 points

What It Means

Denver improved to 4-1 and reinforced its status as a top contender in the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets’ ability to execute in close games remains one of their defining traits. Phoenix fell to 2-3 and will need to tighten its late-game defense and rebounding to turn competitive losses into wins.