Serbian NBA superstar Nikola Jokic recorded 18 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 127-120 on Friday night, October 30, opening their NBA Cup campaign with a road victory.
Although Jokic did not lead Denver in scoring, his playmaking helped the Nuggets secure their second consecutive win of the season.
Jamal Murray delivered a standout performance with 39 points, while Christian Braun added a career-high 31, giving Denver a decisive offensive advantage.
Murray and Braun Lead Denver’s Three-Point Attack
The Nuggets produced an impressive shooting performance, making 20 three-pointers and converting more than half of their attempts from beyond the arc.
Murray scored 28 of his 39 points in the second half, finishing with seven three-pointers.
Braun matched Murray with seven three-pointers of his own, including six in the first half.
Together, the two guards scored 70 points and became the first pair of Nuggets teammates to make seven three-pointers each in the same game.
Denver led 71-67 at halftime before extending its advantage to 103-93 after three quarters.
Phoenix remained competitive throughout the game but could not overcome Denver’s offensive efficiency in the final period.
Jokic Continues to Direct Denver’s Offense
Jokic, the three-time NBA Most Valuable Player, contributed across several statistical categories.
The Serbian center finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, 10 assists and three steals, narrowly missing another triple-double.
All five Denver starters scored in double figures, reflecting the team’s balanced offensive performance.
For Phoenix, Miles Bridges led the scoring with 24 points, while Devin Booker added 20 on his 30th birthday.
The game also featured a controversial third-quarter incident when Suns forward Dillon Brooks was ejected after kicking Murray during a shooting play.
Brooks had scored 22 points before leaving the game.
Denver’s victory extended its winning streak against Phoenix to six games, dating back to December 2024.
The Nuggets will return home to face the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, November 2, while the Suns travel to face the Golden State Warriors.
For Serbian basketball fans in the United States and around the world, Jokic remains a central figure in Denver’s pursuit of another successful NBA season.
