In an impressive display during their home opener, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 133-111 on October 28, 2023. This victory marked the Nuggets’ second consecutive win of the season, fueled by strong performances from key players including Nikola Jokic, who recorded his second straight triple-double, and Jamal Murray, who contributed 23 points.
Jokic concluded the game with 14 points, 15 assists, and 14 rebounds. His shooting was efficient, as he made five of his eight attempts. Notably, he did not take a field goal until a goaltending call on Phoenix with 2:26 remaining in the second quarter. This highlighted his unique ability to impact the game through playmaking rather than scoring alone.
Alongside Jokic, rookie Christian Braun added 20 points, while Aaron Gordon provided 17 points just two nights after scoring a career-high 50 points. The Nuggets showcased their depth with seven players reaching double figures and shooting 51.2% (43 of 84) from the floor.
Despite the loss, the Suns had standout performances as well. Devin Booker led his team with 31 points, while Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks contributed 17 and 15 points, respectively. However, Phoenix struggled offensively, shooting only 43.2% (38 of 88) from the field.
Thunder Stay Undefeated with Holmgren’s Double-Double
In a separate matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder maintained their unbeaten start to the season by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 117-100. Chet Holmgren, who had been dealing with back soreness, overcame his discomfort to deliver a stellar performance, scoring a season-high 31 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His shooting was particularly impressive, as he went 8-for-12 from the floor, including 6-for-8 from beyond the arc.
Teammate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also shone in the game, scoring 30 points with 17 of those coming in the third quarter. For the Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the scoring with 17 points, while Trae Young added 15 points and 10 assists, marking his league-best 22nd consecutive game with at least 15 points and five assists.
Strong Performances Across the League
The Chicago Bulls secured a 110-98 victory against the Orlando Magic, with Josh Giddey leading the team with 21 points. The Bulls demonstrated their depth as five reserves combined for an impressive 58 points. Despite a challenging shooting night, Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 24 points for the Magic, who struggled with their long-range shooting, finishing just 3-for-24 from three-point territory.
In Philadelphia, the 76ers edged out the Charlotte Hornets 125-121. Quentin Grimes played a crucial role off the bench, scoring 24 points and hitting a pivotal three-pointer with 15 seconds remaining. The 76ers, who had been trailing by 10 points late in the game, finished strong with a 23-9 run. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points, while Joel Embiid contributed 20.
Finally, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a commanding 128-103 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Rookie Cedric Coward delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 27 points and hitting all six of his three-point attempts. Ja Morant supported the effort with 19 points and eight assists, showcasing an efficient offensive game with only four turnovers.
As the NBA season progresses, these early performances highlight the potential and talent across the league, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.
