Nuggets Face Suns in Crucial Playoff Push Showdown

DENVER, Colo. — The Denver Nuggets will host the Phoenix Suns on March 7, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET in a pivotal Western Conference matchup. The Nuggets, with a record of 40-22, seek to maintain their position near the top of the standings against a Suns team (29-33) desperate to secure a playoff spot.

Denver enters the game following a mixed stretch, alternating between wins and losses over the past six games. Their latest performance was a thrilling 116-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings, in which they rallied from a nine-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. Star guards Russell Westbrook and Jamal Murray played a crucial role, contributing a combined 21 points in the final quarter.

In contrast, the Suns have struggled lately, winning just four of their last 15 games and currently find themselves outside the playoff picture in 11th place in the Western Conference. However, they showed resilience in their last outing, edging past the Los Angeles Clippers in a nail-biting 119-117 finish that saw Kevin Durant and Collin Gillespie tally a combined 29 points.

This matchup marks the final meeting of the season between the two teams, with Denver winning two of the previous three encounters. The Nuggets’ recent form sees them leading the NBA in both scoring and points in the paint at an average of 59.1 points per game.

The Suns, while ranked sixth in scoring in the Western Conference with an average of 113.8 points per game, have faced challenges in their defensive consistency. Phoenix head coach Frank Vogel acknowledged the team’s uphill battle, stating, “We can’t afford to let our past performances dictate our future outcomes. Every game is an opportunity to turn things around.”

As both teams prepare to clash, attention will be on key players. Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with averages of 28.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.4 assists, while Jamal Murray has been in fine form, averaging 27.2 points over his last ten games. For the Suns, Devin Booker, crucial to their success, will need to deliver alongside Durant to keep playoff hopes alive.

Injury reports indicate both teams might be missing key players; with Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon day-to-day due to an ankle injury, and Bradley Beal of the Suns also listed as day-to-day with a calf issue. Defensive performance will play a crucial role, especially for the Suns, who are focusing on tightening their game in both aspects as the playoffs loom.

Fans can stream the game live on platforms including ESPN or through various cable providers. This matchup not only carries significant playoff implications but also features standout performances expected from both star-studded lineups.