The Phoenix Suns appeared understandably fatigued after a demanding schedule and short rotation, culminating in a 119–111 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night at Ball Arena. The defeat marked another setback in a stretch where Phoenix played without key contributors including Bradley Beal and Nassir Little.
Devin Booker continued to face shooting troubles, finishing with 24 points but shooting just 9-for-26 from the field. His recent offensive inconsistency has become a concern as the Suns struggle to find rhythm without Beal’s scoring support. Coach Frank Vogel noted that Booker is “doing everything he can to lead this team through a tough stretch.”
Kevin Durant carried much of the offensive load again, scoring 30 points while also contributing six rebounds and five assists. Despite Durant’s strong play, the Suns’ defense faltered in the fourth quarter as Denver pulled ahead. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with a triple-double, exploiting defensive mismatches and fatigue in Phoenix’s front line.
Phoenix, now sitting at 12–10, wraps up a grueling road trip with hopes of regaining health and cohesion before their next home stretch. Vogel emphasized focusing on recovery:
“We’ve been battling through injuries and fatigue, but it’s about getting back to full strength and playing Suns basketball again.”
Author’s Summary: The Suns’ short-handed lineup and Booker’s poor shooting night allowed Denver to outlast them, underscoring Phoenix’s need for rest and roster stability.