Jamal Murray scored 39 points and Christian Braun added 31 as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 127–120 on Friday, October 30.
The NBA’s official final box score confirms the result and the two players’ combined 70 points. The Associated Press separately reported Denver’s victory in the NBA Cup group-stage game.
Phoenix led 37–32 after the opening quarter, but Denver won the second period 39–30 to take a 71–67 halftime advantage. The Nuggets then outscored the Suns 32–26 in the third, extending their lead to 103–93.
Phoenix won the fourth quarter 27–24, reducing the final margin to seven points. Denver’s scoring advantage across the middle two periods had provided the cushion it needed to finish ahead.
Murray added eight rebounds and five assists to his 39 points. Braun finished with three rebounds and one assist. Both players made seven three-pointers, according to the league’s completed individual statistics.
Nikola Jokić contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists for Denver. Aaron Gordon scored 15 points with four rebounds and five assists, while Cameron Johnson added 12 points. All five Nuggets starters reached double figures.
Miles Bridges led Phoenix with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Dillon Brooks scored 22, Devin Booker had 20 and Collin Gillespie recorded 16 points and 10 assists.
Denver made 20 three-pointers, compared with Phoenix’s 18. The Nuggets converted 23 free throws, while the Suns made 10. Denver finished with 30 assists; Phoenix recorded 34.
The Nuggets next host Portland on Monday night. Phoenix visits Golden State that night, according to AP’s game report.
Sources NBA — Official Final Box Score: https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-phx-0022600024/box-score Associated Press via ESPN — Final Game Report: https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401909286