The Denver Nuggets sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA on Saturday night, dismantling the Phoenix Suns 133-111 in a game that exposed glaring weaknesses in Phoenix’s roster and showcased Nikola Jokic’s MVP-caliber dominance.
Jokic Towers Over Suns in Denver
Playing at Ball Arena, the Nuggets took full advantage of their home court—and the notorious Denver altitude—to run the Suns ragged. Nikola Jokic, Denver’s superstar center, was the undisputed star of the night, orchestrating the offense and punishing Phoenix in the paint and on the glass. The Suns, coming off a back-to-back, looked fatigued and outmatched from the opening tip.
Suns’ Roster Issues on Full Display
Phoenix’s struggles were evident throughout the game. The team was missing two key players: Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Mark Williams (right knee injury management), both sidelined for the matchup. Without their full complement of talent, the Suns’ offense sputtered, lacking the steady hand of a true point guard to control the tempo and limit mistakes. The absence of a floor general left Phoenix unable to keep pace with Denver’s relentless attack.
The Suns’ record now stands at 1-2, with this loss marking their second consecutive defeat to open the season. The lack of depth and playmaking was especially apparent as Denver’s defense forced turnovers and capitalized on fast-break opportunities.
Nuggets’ Statement Win
For Denver, this victory was more than just another notch in the win column. The Nuggets, now 1-1, looked every bit the defending champions, with Jokic leading a balanced attack and the supporting cast stepping up on both ends of the floor. The game’s highlight reels are already circulating online, with Jokic’s dazzling passes and clutch baskets drawing praise from analysts and fans alike.
What’s Next for Phoenix?
The Suns face tough questions as they look to regroup. With injuries piling up and the point guard position still unsettled, Phoenix’s coaching staff will need to find answers quickly if they hope to compete in the loaded Western Conference. The team’s next games will be critical in determining whether they can right the ship or if deeper changes are needed.
Takeaways and Implications
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Nikola Jokic remains one of the NBA’s most dominant forces, capable of taking over games against even top-tier opponents.
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Phoenix’s lack of a true point guard and mounting injuries are major concerns that could derail their season if not addressed soon.
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Denver’s depth and home-court advantage make them a formidable opponent, especially early in the season when teams are still finding their rhythm.
As the NBA season heats up, all eyes will be on Phoenix to see how they respond to this early adversity—and on Denver to see if they can maintain their championship form.
Sources
1. SUNS at NUGGETS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | October 25, 2025
2. Phoenix Suns: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights - Yardbarker
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