The Phoenix Suns secured a remarkable 117-107 overtime victory on the road against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday, propelled by a stellar 35-point performance from former NBA MVP Kevin Durant.
Despite the Nuggets riding high on a six-game winning streak, the Suns managed to pull off the unexpected win after enduring a three-game losing streak earlier in February.
Nikola Jokić, a frontrunner for the MVP title, led the charge for the Nuggets with an impressive stat line of 25 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists, seemingly guiding his team toward a seventh consecutive victory. However, Durant’s clutch three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation tied the game, turning the tide in favor of the Suns.
Despite Durant’s struggles with his shooting earlier in the game, including a 1-for-8 performance in the fourth quarter, he rose to the occasion when it mattered most.
The Suns, missing star guard Devin Booker due to an ankle injury for the second consecutive game, received a significant boost from Grayson Allen, who contributed 28 points, including eight three-pointers.
Jokić, known for his exceptional playmaking skills, had an opportunity to seal the win for the Nuggets, but his last-second shot attempt fell short.
Jamal Murray also made a significant impact for the Nuggets with 28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 20 points and seven rebounds to the team’s effort.
For the Suns, the victory ended a two-game losing streak, positioning them in sixth place in the Western Conference standings as they strive to secure a spot in the playoffs and avoid the play-in tournament.
Reflecting on the win, Durant emphasized the importance of cherishing such moments amidst the broader context of the season and playoff aspirations.
