Live stream: Suns 104, Nuggets 97

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
I asked Michael Porter Jr. about his brother Jontay being investigated by the NBA for irregular activity regarding prop bets.
MPJ said Jontay’s super excited to have the opportunity he’s got with Toronto:
“I highly doubt he would do anything to put that in jeopardy,” MPJ said. – 1:12 AM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Tonight is in the running for the Suns’ best win of the season, a game they must use as a building block to establish consistency and urgency before the postseason: arizonasports.com/story/3545129/… – 1:10 AM

Tom Orsborn @tom_orsborn
Vassell has been outstanding the last two games, with 26 vs. Phoenix and 31 tonight for his sixth 30-plus game of the season. It was also the four time in his last six outings he’s had 25-plus.
“It’s wonderful to see him develop like this…We all trust in him,” Wembanyama said. – 1:08 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk about the Suns’ bounce-back win and what to make of it! Come hang out with us:
youtube.com/watch?v=JMskw1… pic.twitter.com/wSULUd9pcm – 12:40 AM

Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
KD was COOKING vs. the Nuggets 😤
30 PTS
13 REB
5 BLK
The Suns secure the W on the road pic.twitter.com/dtQ1qd00wD – 12:37 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
Kevin Durant tonight:
— More blocks than the Nuggets
— Nuggets 2-10 when guarded by KD
Clamps. pic.twitter.com/IyXSTWmxa8 – 12:36 AM

Jon Krawczynski @JonKrawczynski
DEN 51-22
MIN 50-22
OKC 50-22
With Minnesota’s win tonight and losses by the Nuggets and Thunder, the Wolves are just a 1/2-game out of first in the West with a game at Denver on Friday night. – 12:34 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
West 1-3 seeds loss column:
22 — Nuggets
22 — Wolves
22 — Thunder pic.twitter.com/ycf5PXucnT – 12:34 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Final Rotations for the Nuggets as they lose to the Suns 104-97.
Nikola Jokic: 22-9-10, 9/16 FG, 1/5 3P, played a bunch of minutes
Aaron Gordon: 18-6-2
KCP: +11 in 36 minutes in a 7-point loss
This game was lost on the bench units, tho the starters weren’t great. pic.twitter.com/diBz7elueq – 12:33 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
KD tonight:
30 PTS
13 REB
5 BLK (!)
The first Sun to reach those numbers in a game since Amar’e Stoudemire. statmuse.com/nba/player/kev… – 12:32 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Final: PHX 104, DEN 97
Durant: 30 Pts, 13 Reb, 5 Blk, 12-19 FG
Booker: 17 Pts, 9 Ast, 5 Reb, 5-17 FG
Beal: 10 Pts, 7 Ast, 3-12 FG
Jokic: 22 Pts, 10 Ast, 9 Reb, 9-16 FG
Suns improve to 27-7 when they beat or tie their opponent in made 3s – 12:32 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
KD tonight:
30 PTS
12 REB
5 BLK (!)
The first Sun to reach those numbers in a game since Amar’e Stoudemire. statmuse.com/nba/player/kev… – 12:32 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 104 #Nuggets 97 Final. – 12:32 AM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Phoenix wanted to make Denver a 3-point shooting team, and Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets obliged tonight. Denver shoots 10-40 from 3. That’s not who this team is, but they were cool playing that way in this one. – 12:31 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
Phoenix Suns last two games:
— Lost to the 15 seed
— Beat the 1 seed
Wild Wild West. pic.twitter.com/i73oOxHpbp – 12:25 AM

StatMuse @statmuse
Phoenix Suns last two games:
— Lost to the 16 seed
— Beat the 1 seed
Wild Wild West. pic.twitter.com/4l0Wg0ryYe – 12:23 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nikola Jokic got the 3-shot foul, but it’s probably too little too late. – 12:19 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Offensive foul on Gordon.
Durant took charge. #Suns up 102-89 with 2:02 left in game. – 12:19 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Joker passing up the open three so Aaron Gordon can try and iso Kevin Durant. – 12:18 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
The Suns following up their worst loss of the season to the Wemby-less Spurs with a performance like this against the defending NBA champs is objectively hilarious. Good luck figuring this team out – 12:18 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Grayson Allen with a wild shot that somehow went in. Looked like he nearly had his back to the basket before turning midair and flinging it up one-handed.
#Suns up 102-89 with 3:16 left. – 12:17 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Three games in a row that Michael Porter hasn’t made much of an impact. He’s dealing with illness, but I also wonder if he’s a bit tired. – 12:17 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
A few fans started leaving after that last Durant 3.
#Suns up 98-85 with 4:33 left in game. – 12:13 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Are we going to ignore Devin Booker with a team-high 9 assists or are we still mad because he’s been missing shots tonight – 12:12 AM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Biggest reason why Denver’s not in the game right now is scoring 2 points thru the first 4+ minutes of the second quarter, then 8 points thru the first 5+ minutes of the fourth. – 12:08 AM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant back in. #Suns up 12. – 12:03 AM

Vivek Jacob @vivekmjacob
Thad Young just snatched a rebound away from Aaron Gordon from the TOP, crazy effort. Given the Suns some good minutes tonight with Nurkic out. – 12:02 AM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
9 rebounds (including 4 offensive boards) in 15 minutes off the bench for Thad Young. He’s been solid all night on both ends – 12:02 AM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
If Nurk comes back and Thad isn’t the backup 5 this website might burn to the ground – 11:59 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets have taken 34 3-pointers through three quarters. They average 31 per game this season. Suns have made Denver a 3-point shooting team tonight, which the Nuggets would rather not be. – 11:57 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Nuggets are only down 10 and I can’t believe it.
The Suns aren’t exactly a great 4th quarter team, but it’s gonna need to be more than that to get Denver into this again. – 11:56 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant checks out late in 3rd quarter with under a minute left in it.
He usually comes out with 4 or 3 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. See how long he sits in the 4th.
Has played 30 minutes. #Suns up 10 after 3.
Durant 25 points, 11 rebounds, five blocks. #Nuggets – 11:55 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Suns up 10 entering the fourth quarter.
The first few minutes will likely decide the game. Jokic will rest and the Suns can use that as opportunity to remain stabilized instead of what usually happens. – 11:54 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 3Q: PHX 83, DEN 73
Durant: 25 Pts, 11 Reb, 5 Blk, 10-14 FG
Booker: 15-6-5, 5-15 FG
Beal: 10 Pts, 5 Ast, 3-10 FG
Jokic: 16 Pts, 9 Ast, 7 Reb, 7-12 FG – 11:54 PM

Dane Moore @DaneMooreNBA
Naz Reid on Jaden McDaniels’ play of late:
“I told him after the Denver game, that was huge for him to step up at that point. Ever since then, I think each and every game he’s been stepping up a step higher each time.”
McDaniels’ last 4 games…
17.3 points
48% from 3
68% from… – 11:47 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
It shouldn’t have taken this long to see Thaddeus Young minutes – 11:47 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Denver played well for a stretch there, but this lack of three-point shotmaking is going to be their death tonight. – 11:46 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Gordon 3 off Allen drive and kick. #Suns back up double digits, 79-68, with 2:42 left in 3rd. – 11:46 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker transition 3 off Allen find. #Suns up 76-68 – 11:45 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Nuggets are currently on a 12-0 run after the Suns led by 15. Nikola Jokic starting to take over, and it’s been a rough stretch for Book – 11:43 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Turnovers showing up. Suns have 11 that have turned into 13 Denver points.
Nikola Jokic 3-point play after Allen turnover. #Suns lead down to three after being up 15 points. #Nuggets – 11:43 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Devin Booker started 4-of-6, but he’s gone 0-for-6 since then. KD has been terrific, but they’ll need him to get out of his funk here soon – 11:38 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jokic looking for paint touches for the first time all night. Danger zone here before the fourth quarter. Nuggets back within 9. – 11:37 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Denver’s now 7-of-27 from 3. The Suns are giving them mostly open jumpers and winning that battle. – 11:37 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker forces Porter Jr. turnover in corner. #Suns – 11:30 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Kevin Durant looking like the best player in the world tonight. He’s up to 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 assists on 8-of-12 shooting as the Suns are up 13 now – 11:30 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Eubanks 3-point play off feed from Durant, who just turned the ball over on previous trip.
Durant 3. Has 21 and 8 boards and 4 blocks in 21 minutes. #Suns up 71-56 with 9:14 left in 3rd. – 11:30 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Just a phenomenal KD game so far. – 11:30 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bradley Beal’s dramatic, exaggerated laying down the floor whenever he gets hit makes me laugh. Great charge he just took from Aaron Gordon – 11:27 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
It’s too late in the season now, but it would be interesting to see how Jalen Pickett would have looked in the backup PG role on nights like tonight. – 11:22 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
At the half: Suns 59, Nuggets 52
Not an aggressive half for Jokic as he finished with 6 points on 3/5 shooting. Does have 7 asts. Expect him to pick it up in the 2nd half.
MPJ has 14 pts & AG/KCP have 10 apiece.
If you’re Malone, what’s your message to the team? – 11:22 PM

Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Thunder fall to 50-22.
Tied for #2 in the West.
Tough OT loss on a B2B w/o SGA. Gotta tip the hat to Jalen Green.
OKC highlights:
Giddey 30 point game
Hayward’s best OKC game
Giddey sit shot
JDub clutch 3 to send it to OT
Isaiah Joe DOTY
Next up: KD in OKC on Friday. – 11:21 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns 59 #Nuggets 52 Half. pic.twitter.com/EKaK48aGlC – 11:15 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
At the half: Suns 59, Nuggets 52
Not an aggressive half for Jokic as he finished with 6 points on 3/5 shooting. Does have 7 asts. Expect him to pick it up in the 2nd half.
MPJ has 14 pts & AG/Reggie Jackson have 10 apiece.
If you’re Malone, what’s your message to the team? – 11:12 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime Rotations for the Nuggets as they trail the Suns 59-52.
For whatever reason, Jokic doesn’t want to battle for post position tonight and play the back down game. He’s waiting for the double to come so he can make the pass.
The Nuggets are 7-of-23 from 3. They don’t have… pic.twitter.com/fWbLOxNaq8 – 11:11 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Halftime: PHX 59, DEN 52
Durant: 14 Pts, 7 Reb, 4 Blk, 5-9 FG
Booker: 10 Pts, 3 Ast, 4-10 FG
Beal: 10 Pts, 5 Ast, 3-8 FG
Porter: 14 Pts, 4 Reb, 5-10 FG
Suns with 8 turnovers but are 10-for-19 from 3 – 11:10 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant over shorter Gillespie.
Young buzzer beater after offensive rebound. #Suns up 59-52 at half. 10-of-19 from 3 for Phoenix. – 11:10 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Four blocks for KD in the first half. He’s been flying around. – 11:07 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jokic did his work on Eubanks to get post position before the ball even got to his side of the floor.
Has 4 points. #Suns lead down to three. Timeout Phoenix with 2:26.
Big 2:26 left here. Phoenix had 11 point lead. – 11:05 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
KCP’s passing has been really really good tonight. Making some great decisions with the ball. Set up Joker under the rim after Jokic sealed Eubanks in half transition. – 11:05 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Jokic has hardly had a downhill mentality with really attacking his matchup when he has the ball but then he makes these ridiculous passes anyway and that makes me kinda get it. He’s incredible. – 11:04 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bol Bol’s up to 8 points in 7 minutes on 3-of-3 shooting. Really impactful minutes off the bench against his former team – 11:04 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bol with the dribble pull up over Gordon. #Suns up five. – 11:03 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bol 3. #Suns 10-of-17 from 3, but #Nuggets down eight.
So two questions?
1. Can Phoenix stay this hot from 3?
2. Jokic has just two points. How much longer will it be before he starts getting his? – 11:01 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
This Jokic defensive effort is simply what’s going to happen for every single first half in the final 10 games of the year. – 11:00 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Booker checking in. #Suns up 10 as Allen answers his airball 3 on previous trip with made 3. – 10:59 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Beal penetration with his right hand, finds Bol, who finds Gordon for open wing 3.
#Suns 8-of-14 from 3. Up 44-33 with 7:09 left in half.
Previous 5 games:
at Bucks 14-of-33
vs. 76ers 19-of-39
vs. Hawks 22-of-41
at Spurs 11-of-24
at Spurs 10-of-28. – 10:57 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Michael Malone takes a rage timeout to yell at Michael Porter Jr. for not helping over defensively. – 10:56 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns up 8 as they’re 7-for-13 from 3. Really great energy from this group so far, Big 3 have 29 of their 39 points – 10:52 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
The drives! The pressure on the defense!
(The Suns have also made seven 3s in the half) – 10:52 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Durant gets into the paint again, looked like a blocked layup, but it’s being called a turnover/steal by Holiday.
Beal gets into the paint, gets his shot blocked by Braun.
Suns up 34-31. #Suns challenging foul called on Durant, who has just one foul. – 10:47 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
So, the Nuggets are using the Peyton Watson at 5 lineup to match up with the Kevin Durant at 5 lineup.
It’s not really going well, but I’m glad they’re trying it. Keep experimenting. Gets some Strawther minutes. – 10:47 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
It’ll be some Bol/Durant frontcourt minutes sprinkled in as well. This is what Vogel did when Azubuike was playing earlier in the season. Little turbo shifts for him and looks like that’ll be the same for Young. – 10:45 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bol Bol checks in. Young out. So Bol is at the 5, but Jokic is on the bench. #Nuggets are small-ball. #Suns up one. – 10:44 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
First time we’ve seen this bench unit look from the Nuggets this season. No backup center. Peyton Watson is currently at the five. I thought for sure we’d get DeAndre Jordan with how much Denver has struggled to rebound as of late. – 10:44 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
First quarter box. #Suns #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/AVXqnOvHw0 – 10:43 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
1st Durant, now Booker dribbled deep into paint only to kick the ball out.
That was a layup Booker passed up to find Beal for a corner 3. Granted, Beal’s 3-of-5 from 3, but passing up a layup?
Call me old school, but that’s crazy. #Suns #Nuggets tied 29-29 after one (7 ties). – 10:40 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
These are the types of quarters the Suns need to be putting together consistently (and are fully capable of).
Yes, there were mistakes on both ends and that’s why they aren’t up a few buckets. Those will persist. But the energy and execution was much better. That matters. – 10:40 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
End of 1Q: PHX 29, DEN 29
Booker: 10 Pts, 2 Ast, 4-6 FG
Beal: 9 Pts, 3-6 FG
Durant: 5 Pts, 3 Reb, 1-3 FG
Caldwell-Pope: 9 Pts, 3-5 3P
Suns shot 6-for-10 from 3, Nuggets were 5-for-12. Very solid Thad Young minutes in his first stint in a while – 10:39 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
These are the types of quarters the Suns need to be putting together consistently (and are fully capable of).
Yes, there were mistakes on both ends and that’s why they aren’t up a few bukets. Those will persist. But the energy and execution was much better. That matters. – 10:39 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Sometimes the Nuggets make it so difficult on themselves. If you’re the second unit, why wouldn’t you give Nikola Jokic a touch and play through him every time down the floor. Thad Young’s trying to guard him. – 10:38 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
A lot of missed layups and open threes generated by Jokic in this quarter. He’s been great setting the table. – 10:38 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Thad’s passing is money as expected. – 10:36 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Beal 3. He’s 3-of-4 from 3, but the Suns can’t get consecutive stops.
Gillespie 3 answer. #Suns #Nuggets tied again. – 10:36 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Fellas are movin’ 🔄 pic.twitter.com/dYE0N8wD6Z – 10:35 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns had ball movement on last trip, but #Nuggets great rotation. – 10:33 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Book goes up and under 🔄
@efirstbank | #ComingInHot pic.twitter.com/TP5P0QgnJd – 10:32 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Not a good return on the first Eubanks shift. A few mental goofs.
Thad Young has checked in for Eubanks. – 10:32 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant drove deep into the paint on Gordon and kicked it out to Allen, who made a one-handed catch and then went to the basket and hit a tough one hander.
Thaddeus Young checks in for Eubanks. #Suns – 10:31 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Beal slipped and fell out of bounds on baseline.
Area cleaned up. Beal’s fine, checks out, Gordon in. #Suns #Nuggets tied as Porter Jr. hits 3. – 10:30 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Grayson from D33P 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/Wx6PnGPZFg – 10:27 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
THE DISH AND DUNK pic.twitter.com/zWNUfnL58Q – 10:27 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Suns are 5-for-6 from 3-point range to start. Still a long way to go, but good to see them so locked in like Vogel said they would be – 10:25 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Lazy boxout from Jokic. Eubanks bats out the offensive rebound and gets Grayson Allen an open three. Timeout Denver. – 10:25 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Great pace in the half-court so far for the Suns. We’ve seen glimpses of it all year. Consistency and keeping turnovers down within it are the two keys. – 10:24 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
#Suns turnover count with 7:28 left in 1st quarter: One.
Points allowed off turnovers: Zero.
#Nuggets 0 turnovers. Reggie Jackson getting start for Jamal Murray. – 10:23 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Corner pocket. pic.twitter.com/eGzXkJDF3m – 10:22 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
AG startin’ early 💥 pic.twitter.com/4j53k0Vfji – 10:21 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
The Suns are dangerous. Shooters everywhere. Any team in the playoffs is going to be frustrated by how few players there are to leave open this year. Think they did a good job with that. – 10:20 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Gordon bully ball spin on Allen.
Durant 3 answer. #Suns up one. – 10:19 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nice start from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope against Phoenix. He’s 2-3 from 3. He rebounded the one he missed and found Aaron Gordon for a dunk. Gordon’s second bucket puts Denver up 2 four minutes in. – 10:19 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns in zone. Caldwell-Pope 3. #Suns #Nuggets tied at 10-10. – 10:18 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Knock down.
Two early triples for Brad 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Zenet3YyHo – 10:18 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
Bradley Beal knocking down his first two 3s with that sprained finger is hopefully a good sign – 10:17 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
Finger looks good for Beal so far. Knocks down his first two 3s with the injury on his shooting hand. – 10:16 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
🚨 NO HEADBAND BOOK TONIGHT?? 🚨 – 10:15 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Like pregame, not dribbling with right hand, but knocking down shots. Beal 3. #Suns up 3. – 10:15 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Beal going left on 1st possession, no dribble with his right. Missed shot. #Suns – 10:14 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Suns vs Nuggets injury report: Bradley Beal (finger) in, Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) out #Suns #Nuggets azcentral.com/story/sports/n… via @azcentral pic.twitter.com/dzeWLPHeAP – 10:13 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Alright Nuggets fans, it’s time for Game 73 of the season vs the Phoenix Suns. No Jamal Murray, but Aaron Gordon is back. As is Devin Booker.
Let’s Basketball. – 10:12 PM

Kellan Olson @KellanOlson
With Nurkic out, curious to see 1) The coverages the Suns attempt on Jokic 2) How long they go with Eubanks if it doesn’t go well and 3) how many of those minutes without Eubanks are Young or small-ball – 10:10 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
It’s time.
#Suns #Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/SRq73Ei2k2 – 10:05 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Deuce McBride is just the second Knick in franchise history with at least 9 made three-pointers and 7 assists in a single game.
The other is Jalen Brunson who had 9 treys and 9 dimes in his 50-point masterpiece at Phoenix in December. – 9:59 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“I’m going to continue to lead, continue to make an impact each and every day because that’s just who I am. And then playing is just a cherry on top.”
Isaiah Thomas doing work in pickup games, says he’s “ready to go” if called upon. (w/videos) #Suns tinyurl.com/4n5cezpz – 9:58 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Drew Eubanks getting start for Jusuf Nurkic (ankle).
#Suns 0-4 w/o Nurkic this season. #Nuggets – 9:46 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Drew Eubanks getting start for Jusuf Nurkic (ankle).
#Suns 4-0 w/o Nurkic this season. #Nuggets – 9:42 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Aaron Gordon (plantar fascia) IN. #Suns #Nuggets – 9:34 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets starters vs. Suns:
Reggie Jackson
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Michael Porter Jr.
Aaron Gordon
Nikola Jokic – 9:32 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Bradley Beal will play tonight for Phoenix. Jusuf Nurkic will not play. – 9:32 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Starting 🖐 pic.twitter.com/Uh0DlA5Bod – 9:32 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Jamal Murray is out tonight but just went through a lengthy shooting routine pregame. He looked pretty good. – 9:31 PM

Law Murray @LawMurrayTheNU
Good free throw shooters are missing free throws
Norm just got Philadelphia chicken nuggets – 9:30 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Starters in Denver pic.twitter.com/PCXCa7U3mO – 9:30 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Pregaming with the fellas. Come join.
Jokic respect rising?
Murray out again
Could the Nuggets make the best 3×3 team?
Suns-Nuggets revenge game
📺 youtube.com/live/xvN5eRaa4… – 9:29 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
We’re going live on @PHNX_Suns to talk about Suns-Nuggets! No Nurkic means this might be rough, but we’re gonna have fun anyway, get in here:
youtube.com/watch?v=lc4gMx… – 9:27 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
Almost that time pic.twitter.com/fXaFQq6rvV – 9:26 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
5⃣0⃣ getting warm pic.twitter.com/iVTbAsNo5q – 9:26 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Official: Jusuf Nurkic is out tonight vs. Nuggets. – 9:20 PM

Rod Boone @rodboone
Free Chick-fil-A nuggets courtesy of Jarrett Allen clanking two free throws and a possible #Hornets win on the same night? What are the chances? – 9:17 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Aaron Gordon is available to play tonight.
I asked Michael Malone pregame on the differences between him and Michael Porter starting at power forward for Denver. His message was this:
“We’re definitely at our best when Aaron Gordon is out there. What he brings on both ends of… – 9:15 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bradley Beal (finger) IN, Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) OUT. #Suns – 9:12 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. are all available tonight, the Nuggets announce.
Jamal Murray is out. – 9:09 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bradley Beal (finger) isn’t handling the ball with his right hand much, but he’s knocking down shots. #Suns pic.twitter.com/MLN7259J4j – 9:03 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bradley Beal (finger) getting up shots. #Suns pic.twitter.com/Y3kcLJrxCy – 8:58 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal (finger) pregame.
Check how Beal is shaking his finger. Has black wrap on it. #Suns #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/yTNTG5gu7Q – 8:51 PM

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix
The free fall of the Clippers has been astonishing. The defense has collapsed and there’s no urgency to how they play. A month ago they looked like the most serious threat to Denver in the WC. Now they could be a couple losses from the play-in. – 8:48 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“Our guys will be ready.”
Suns coach Frank Vogel as #Suns coming off “unacceptable” loss to Spurs.
Face defending #NBA champion Denver.
“Our guys will be locked in tonight.” pic.twitter.com/1NUacYiZl3 – 8:47 PM

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Notable names that have reached the 65-game criteria, are on pace or ineligible/not on pace:
Reached the criteria
Jarrett Allen
Jayson Tatum
Derrick White
DeMar DeRozan
Coby White
Jarrett Allen
Nikola Jokic
Stephen Curry
Pascal Siakam
Paul George
James Harden
Kawhi Leonard… – 8:43 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nikola Jokic is out for his pregame warmup in a new flavor of his 361s. pic.twitter.com/T5kL5u0nlD – 8:39 PM

Bobby Marks @BobbyMarks42
Notable names that have reached the 65-game criteria, are on pace or ineligible/not on pace:
Reached the criteria
Jarrett Allen
Jayson Tatum
Derrick White
DeMar DeRozan
Coby White
Jarrett Allen
Nikola Jokic
Stephen Curry
Pascal Siakam
Paul George
James Harden
Kawhi Leonard… – 8:38 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Cam Thomas has more 30-point games this season than
Poole
Zion
Paolo
Kyrie
Siakam
Ingram
DeMar
Sengun
PG13
Jimmy
Haliburton
KAT
Beal
Lauri
Only 22 years old. pic.twitter.com/SqVYLIdi6j – 8:35 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Bradley Beal (finger), Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) game-time decision, says Frank Vogel.
Said if Beal can’t go, he’ll active Saben Lee. #Suns #Nuggets – 8:34 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Jamal Murray is out tonight. Aaron Gordon is a game time decision. – 8:29 PM

Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears
Bradley Beal Diary #6 talking Joker and Nuggets, “all hands on deck” for the #Phoenix #Suns, March Madness, sacrificing and much more. Diary in written and video form in @andscape #nba bit.ly/43wIqsZ – 8:27 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Jamal Murray is out tonight for the Nuggets. Aaron Gordon is a game time decision. – 8:22 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Jamal Murray is ruled OUT on Wednesday against the Phoenix Suns with a knee injury. – 8:21 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Jamal Murray (knee) OUT, says #Nuggets coach Michael Malone.
He wasn’t sure about Aaron Gordon (plantar) status. #Suns – 8:18 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Jamal Murray is out for tonight’s game, Michael Malone says. Sounds like Aaron Gordon will be a game-time decision. – 8:16 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
A full breakdown of all 1,015 Suns turnovers and where they can actually improve on their greatest Achilles heel – bit.ly/49c7lmS via @PHNX_Suns – 8:02 PM

DeAndre Jordan @DeAndre
#35 @TobiOye… – 7:29 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Here’s what I’m watching for tonight vs. Suns:
– This feels like a game the Nuggets will get up for
Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. are expected to play tonight. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are listed as questionable, but I think they play. It’s one of Denver’s final… – 7:08 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Here’s what I’m watching for tonight vs. Suns:
– This feels like a game the Nuggets will get up for
Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. are expected to play tonight. Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon are listed as questionable, but I think they play. It’s one of Denver’s final… – 7:07 PM

David Hardisty @clutchfans
Ime Udoka said he “got a good glimpse” of the advantages of Jabari Smith Jr at center in summer league: “As long as it’s not a Jokic, Embiid, one of those true back-to-the-basket bigs, we feel really confident with him guarding them better than they can guard him.” – 6:45 PM

Kurt Helin @basketballtalk
PBT’s Week 22 NBA Power Rankings: Denver, Boston, OKC continue to lock down top spots
nbcsports.com/nba/news/pbts-… – 6:19 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
On today’s TDSP: New Broncos uniforms, Caitlin Clark vs. Colorado, Denver has good pizza?
With @HenryChisholm and @theduanebrown
📺 Tune in at 3:30: youtube.com/watch?v=PlXw80… – 5:22 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
“As long as they stay healthy and stay hungry, they’ll have a chance to win it all.” Nassir Little.
Tar Heels in Sweet 16. Little one of two #Suns whose school is still alive.
Grayson Allen’s Blue Devils other. UNC 2-0 vs. Duke.
“He’s already had to pay me a couple 100 bucks.” pic.twitter.com/h0An573pyn – 5:13 PM

Ball Don’t Lie @Balldontlie
“I think they’re gonna miss the playoffs.”
@tomhaberstroh on the Phoenix Suns 👀 pic.twitter.com/HvqYFNhMVJ – 5:12 PM

StatMuse @statmuse
Top 4 defensive ratings this season:
104.4 — Gobert
106.9 — Wemby
108.3 — KAT
108.7 — Jokic pic.twitter.com/1MOUCLsLy8 – 5:04 PM

Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguet
We played “Good Stat, Bad Stat” on the latest @PHNX_Suns pod, and this stood out: Out of 200 3-man lineups that have played 600 minutes together, the Suns’ Big 3 ranks 70th in Net Rating, 182nd in minutes and 198th in games played. Need more reps!
Listen: link.chtbl.com/PHNXSuns pic.twitter.com/oJMc4QoH8e – 5:02 PM

Phoenix Suns @Suns
In honor of Sustainability Night on April 5th, join in on @PlanetFootprint Sustainability Night Trivia for a chance to win an autographed Devin Booker jersey!
Let’s all do our part on and off the court 💚
Play now: bit.ly/3VyK1fK pic.twitter.com/MQtXvngb7j – 4:59 PM

Duane Rankin @DuaneRankin
Phoenix Suns optional morning shootaround: Nassir Little, Josh Okogie, David Roddy, Thaddeus Young, Bol Bol, Eric Gordon, Ish Wainright, Udoka Azubuike, Saben Lee and Isaiah Thomas.
Bradley Beal (finger), Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) remain questionable. Didn’t practice Tuesday. #Suns – 4:58 PM