Kevin Durant‘s clutch performance, including a game-tying three-pointer and critical points in overtime, powered the Phoenix Suns to a 117-107 win over the Denver Nuggets during Tuesday’s NBA action.
Despite a significant lead loss, the Suns showcased resilience, led by Durant’s 35 points and Grayson Allen‘s sharpshooting, to halt the Nuggets’ winning streak and secure a much-needed victory.
“I knew coming across half-court, ‘This is do-or-die right here, I’ve got make this shot or it might be game,’” said Durant. “My fundamentals were right on that one. It felt good leaving my hands. … I just love hearing the crowd go silent. That’s always a good feeling on the road.”
After leading by 22 points, the Suns saw their advantage slip away as the Nuggets mounted a comeback. However, Durant’s late-game heroics and Allen’s three-point accuracy ensured Phoenix would not leave empty-handed. The Suns’ victory was especially impressive given their list of absentees, including Devin Booker and Nassir Little.
“They all felt good leaving my hands,” Allen said. “Saw a few go in early and got more aggressive with the ones I was taking and they kept going in.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Updates
Despite the loss, the Nuggets received strong performances from Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. Jokic nearly won the game with a last-second shot, which narrowly missed, pushing the game into overtime where the Suns took control.
“I’ve seen (Jokic) make that 95 out of 100 times,” Murray said. “We all thought it was going in.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Updates
The defeat was a hard pill for Denver to swallow, ending their six-game win streak and prompting reflection on missed opportunities. The Suns’ win reinforces their position in the standings, avoiding the play-in tournament as they continue to aim for playoff success.
“You look at the totality of the season, obviously the end result is always important, playing in the playoffs, trying to win a championship, those are important,” Durant said. “But you celebrate little moments.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns, Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Updates
The game also featured a memorable moment from Jokic, who nailed a buzzer-beater to conclude the first quarter, keeping the energy high in a tightly contested matchup. Both teams are looking ahead to their next games, with the Suns hosting Toronto and the Nuggets welcoming Boston.
