Shorthanded Suns Struggle Against Nuggets in Crucial Matchup

PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns faced off against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, February 10th, but fell short with a 122-105 loss, continuing to grapple with a shorthanded roster.

Despite stepping into the game with a recent overtime victory against the Utah Jazz, the Suns were unable to maintain momentum while missing key players, including Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Head coach Mike Budenholzer attributed the loss largely to the team’s struggle to generate consistent scoring against the Nuggets’ aggressive start.

“We showed some energy, but we need to improve on the defensive end,” Budenholzer said following the game. “It’s tough when you are battling teams like Denver, who can put points on the board quickly.”

Devin Booker played a grueling 49 minutes against the Jazz and had to step up again, but struggled with Denver’s defensive pressure, ending the game with 24 points. “They were all over me. It’s hard to find space to operate,” Booker commented. “We have to find a way to work through that.”

The Suns opened well offensively, but the Nuggets quickly answered, shooting 14-for-18 to start the game, establishing an early 11-point lead. The Suns managed to keep within striking distance, driven partly by Tyus Jones, who contributed significantly with 15 points and 10 assists.

Bol Bol also provided a spark off the bench, tallying 19 points and seven rebounds. “Bol brings a unique energy and size that we need right now,” Budenholzer said. “Every game he finds a way to impact the match-up.”

The team’s struggles were exacerbated by the absence of Grayson Allen, who played a critical role in the previous win but missed this game due to knee soreness.

On the defensive side, the Suns managed to win the battle for second-chance points, outscoring the Nuggets 23-15 in that category. However, their overall efforts were not enough to counter Denver’s offensive assault led by Jamal Murray, who scored 30 points.

The Nuggets have been on a roll, now winning six consecutive games, enhancing their competitiveness in the Western Conference standings as they have climbed to 34-19. In contrast, the Suns, now sitting at .500 with a 26-26 record, approach the All-Star break facing crucial decisions regarding their strategy moving forward.

“Right now, every game matters for us. We need to lock in and prepare for what’s ahead,” Booker stated. The Suns’ upcoming match against the Memphis Grizzlies will be critical in determining their path leading into the playoffs.