The Denver Nuggets welcomed the Phoenix Suns to Ball Arena for their first home game of the 2025-26 season, and the early returns look promising for the defending Western Conference contenders. In a Saturday night clash that featured contrasting team fortunes, Denver established dominance early against a struggling Suns squad.
Game Context: Two Teams Seeking Momentum
Both franchises entered this matchup looking to find their rhythm. The Phoenix Suns started their campaign impressively with a comeback victory over Sacramento but stumbled in their first road test against the LA Clippers. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets were still smarting from an overtime loss to Golden State in their season opener.
| Team Stats | Suns | Nuggets |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 Points | 28 | 34 |
| Field Goal % | 45.0% (9-20) | 45.8% (11-24) |
| 3-Point % | 36.4% (4-11) | 27.3% (3-11) |
| Free Throws | 6-6 (100%) | 9-10 (90%) |
| Rebounds | 15 | 8 |
| Assists | 6 | 9 |
First Quarter Breakdown: Nuggets Establish Control
Denver jumped out to a 34-28 first-quarter lead, showcasing the balanced offensive attack that’s become their trademark. Despite shooting just 27.3% from beyond the arc, the Nuggets found ways to score through ball movement and attacking the basket.
Top Performers – First Quarter
Denver Nuggets:
- Jamal Murray led all scorers with 9 points on efficient 3-6 shooting
- Nikola Jokic orchestrated the offense with 7 assists despite taking zero shots—a classic Joker stat line
- Cameron Johnson contributed 7 points on perfect 2-3 shooting
Phoenix Suns:
- Devin Booker paced Phoenix with 7 points in limited minutes
- Grayson Allen knocked down two triples for 6 points
- Dillon Brooks struggled with 5 points on 2-6 shooting
Jokic’s Playmaking Masterclass
The reigning MVP frontrunner reminded everyone why he’s special. Nikola Jokic recorded 7 assists without attempting a single field goal in the opening quarter—a testament to his unselfish play and court vision. He also added 3 rebounds and 2 steals, impacting winning despite not scoring.
For insights on NBA player analysis and game strategies, Jokic’s ability to dominate without scoring exemplifies modern basketball excellence.
Suns’ Starting Lineup Concerns
Phoenix coach Jordan Ott deployed an unconventional starting five featuring Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro. This lineup struggled collectively, with all five starters posting negative plus-minus ratings.
The absence of consistent scoring beyond Booker raised questions about Phoenix’s offensive identity. The Suns shot a respectable 45% from the field but managed just 28 points—a concerning output for a team with championship aspirations.
Bench Contributions Tell Different Stories
Denver’s second unit provided solid minutes, with Jonas Valanciunas and Tim Hardaway Jr. offering veteran stability. Phoenix’s bench showed flashes but couldn’t generate significant momentum, managing minimal scoring impact.
For more on basketball bench depth and rotation strategies, both teams demonstrated the importance of quality reserve players in maintaining competitive edges.
What This Means Going Forward
Denver’s ball movement (9 assists in the first quarter) and defensive pressure (4 steals) suggest they’ve already found their championship rhythm. Phoenix, however, faces questions about offensive consistency and lineup chemistry as they continue their road trip.
As this Western Conference battle continues, both teams will look to impose their identity. Denver seeks to build on their early momentum, while Phoenix needs answers on both ends of the floor.
FAQs
Q: Who led the Nuggets in scoring during the first quarter against the Suns?
A: Jamal Murray led Denver with 9 points on 3-6 shooting from the field, including 1-4 from three-point range and a perfect 2-2 from the free-throw line in just 9 minutes of action.
Q: How many assists did Nikola Jokic record without taking a shot?
A: Nikola Jokic recorded an impressive 7 assists in the first quarter without attempting a single field goal, showcasing his elite playmaking ability and unselfish approach. He also contributed 3 rebounds and 2 steals during his 9 minutes of play.
