Nikola Jokic delivers 17 assists and turn out the light vs the Suns

Nikola Jokic once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the best players in the league. Against the Phoenix Suns, the Serbian center compiled 23 points, 17 rebounds and 17 assists, tying his season high in the latter category, to lead the Denver Nuggets to a tight 125-123 victory.

A championship-caliber clutch performance from Jokic

The most crucial moment of the game came in the final seconds. With the score tight, Jokic took responsibility by hitting a mid-range shot with 11.5 seconds left on the clock, giving the Nuggets the definitive lead. Phoenix had one last opportunity with Devin Booker, who got a good 3-point look, but his attempt bounced off the rim.

This performance gave Jokic another triple-double this season. The three-time MVP reached this mark early in the third quarter, shooting 9 of 16 from the field and distributing several remarkable passes, including a full-court pass for a Christian Braun layup.

Nikola Jokic with the casual mid-air bounce pass to Braun for the layup.

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A spectacular comeback from the Suns falls short

The Suns showed character late in the game. Trailing 117-109 with 3 minutes 19 seconds remaining, they methodically fought their way back. Devin Booker, who finished with 22 points and 8 assists, tied the game at 123 with a difficult shot in the paint with 30.2 seconds left.

Denver, which has struggled with injuries for much of the season, is gradually getting its roster back to full strength. Jamal Murray contributed 21 points while Tim Hardaway Jr added 18 points off the bench. The Nuggets led by 10 points at halftime, but Jordan Goodwin and Grayson Allen hit consecutive 3-pointers late in the third quarter to bring Phoenix within 97-95 heading into the final period.

This victory allows the Nuggets to win six of their last eight games and move within 1.5 games of the Lakers for third place in the Western Conference. Conversely, the Suns continue their free fall with six losses in their last seven games, currently occupying seventh place in the West and risking having to go through the play-in tournament.

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