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00:00:00ДИНАМИЧНАЯ МУЗЫКА
00:00:30This is the first time that I feel like he feels very confident and very comfortable with being the leader
00:00:36of the team and leading those guys.
00:00:38There was a lot of talk when KD and Chris Paul and all of those guys was there.
00:00:42Now he's in a situation where it's his team and he's got supporting cast around him.
00:00:47And those supporting cast guys are actually helping Devin Booker out, the Dylan Brooks of the leagues.
00:00:54Gillespie.
00:00:55Gillespie and all of them. You got Jalen Green who came back off an injury, who's been playing well.
00:01:00So Devin Booker to me feels like, it looks like he's just very confident at that position right now.
00:01:06Can they win a series?
00:01:07Can they win a series?
00:01:09Can they win a series?
00:01:10Depends on the matchup.
00:01:12And who is that matchup?
00:01:14I don't know.
00:01:14Who that could beat?
00:01:15That's what I'm getting at.
00:01:16Oh, you want him to say it?
00:01:17That's not the question.
00:01:17You want him to say who they could beat?
00:01:19Who's the matchup, BC?
00:01:20Just pick one. Pick one.
00:01:21I don't know.
00:01:22Okay.
00:01:22Do you think they could win a series?
00:01:26I think they need to get healthy.
00:01:28Dylan Brooks is out.
00:01:29What's the answer?
00:01:30What do you mean?
00:01:30I don't know if Dylan Brooks is coming back.
00:01:32I don't know.
00:01:33He'll be back.
00:01:34So if he's back and he's healthy.
00:01:36Because you didn't say that.
00:01:42But I...
00:01:42Here we go.
00:01:44I think if they're a healthy team, Dylan Brooks would get back.
00:01:47They could be OKC or the Spurs.
00:01:49And where they place.
00:01:51OKC or the Spurs.
00:01:52That's what we're looking at right now.
00:01:53They can't win a series.
00:01:54Okay.
00:01:54All right.
00:01:56Well, you started this, just so you know.
00:01:58Just so you know, you started this conversation.
00:02:00And you finished it.
00:02:02Hey, guess what?
00:02:03We wanted to give a shout out to some of our teammates.
00:02:06Take a look.
00:02:07It's our stage manager, Alex.
00:02:09Our utility desk.
00:02:10They got married over the weekend in Cancun.
00:02:13Congratulations.
00:02:13We love y'all.
00:02:14We appreciate y'all.
00:02:16Oh, my gosh.
00:02:16Y'all look great.
00:02:18Beautiful.
00:02:19Celebrations.
00:02:20Celebrations.
00:02:21Up for you guys.
00:02:22All right, guys.
00:02:23If you're on NBC, why don't you flip over to Peacock to watch the Nuggets and Suns.
00:02:27Except in Denver, you can actually just stay with us.
00:02:29If you're watching on Peacock, you can find the next game on a completely separate stream.
00:02:34Enjoy the game, and we'll see you at halftime.
00:02:36We'll be back to the NBA on NBC.
00:02:44This is out of here.
00:02:45A lot of stars for you on Sunday Night Football.
00:03:01In an era of constant roster turnover, both Denver and Phoenix have held on to their homegrown talent.
00:03:09Devin Booker stamped his place in Suns history, becoming the all-time leading scorer.
00:03:15Suns' scoring history has been built 10 years in the making.
00:03:20Now in year 11, the five-time All-Star has guided his team well beyond expectations, and in the Valley,
00:03:28the sun is far from set.
00:03:30There's definitely a sense of urgency.
00:03:35In Denver, the dynamic duo has been a decade in the making.
00:03:39There's a lot of communication with no words, just with the basketball and with our eyes.
00:03:43Three-time MVP, Nikoli Jokic, is putting together another master class, leading the league in total rebounds and assists.
00:03:51Oh, what a beautiful find!
00:03:53And Jamal Murray is delivering a career year, and was finally rewarded with an All-Star selection.
00:04:00Two teams driven by their own drafted superstars.
00:04:04Two teams determined not to be denied.
00:04:07It's the Nuggets and the Suns, next on NBC.
00:04:25This is the NBA on NBC.
00:04:36Tonight, the Denver Nuggets visit the Phoenix Suns.
00:04:39It's Coast to Coast Tuesday, presented by Kia.
00:04:45With a heat wave rolling through the desert, we welcome you to Phoenix and the Mortgage Matchup Center.
00:04:52Playoff implications every time out right now in the final three weeks of the NBA's regular season.
00:04:59The Nuggets getting healthy at the right time, and the Suns trying to do the same.
00:05:04In a very crowded Western Conference, the standings right now so bunched.
00:05:10The Nuggets currently the 4th seed, but only a couple of games behind the Lakers.
00:05:14Look at 4, 5, and 6, how close that is.
00:05:17And the Suns, in that 7th spot right now, would be in the playoffs, the playing tournament.
00:05:23Terry Gannon, along with five-time NBA champ Derek Fisher.
00:05:26Grant Liffin with us as well.
00:05:28If you're a Nuggets fan, you're feeling pretty good about where you are right now.
00:05:32Yes, you always feel good about Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray being out there,
00:05:35but all the pieces starting to come together at just the right time.
00:05:39Yes, this Nuggets team was retooled to get back to championship-level accomplishments,
00:05:45and they waited a long time this season to figure out if they could do it.
00:05:49They're starting to look like a championship team.
00:05:50Got that starting lineup back together.
00:05:52They've only been together 17 games, the original one this season.
00:05:56For the Suns, they were making a push at that 6th spot.
00:05:59Still are, but they lost five in a row.
00:06:01Bounced back with a win at home the other night against Toronto.
00:06:03Have some injuries, but big picture-wise, they have been competitive.
00:06:07I mean, think about it.
00:06:08A season ago, the Phoenix Suns were a mess.
00:06:12And to turn this thing around, ownership, front office, Jordan Ott, head coach,
00:06:17and their players, they deserve a lot of credit.
00:06:19They're not worried about playing playoffs.
00:06:21They're just playing hard and competing on the defensive end every night.
00:06:24Devin Booker, the star, no doubt about that.
00:06:26But Jalen Green has been big as of late.
00:06:28A few minutes ago, Grant caught up with him.
00:06:32Jalen, you missed a lot of time this year due to injury.
00:06:35As you work your way back into form, is there a specific part of your game
00:06:40that you feel needs to reach a higher level of consistency?
00:06:44Everything.
00:06:45Everything.
00:06:45There's never not.
00:06:46I mean, I feel like that's what everybody's game,
00:06:49when you know it's how I reach a certain level.
00:06:51There's nothing that you don't need to work on.
00:06:53So I feel like everything can reach a higher consistency, defense, offense.
00:06:58And, yeah.
00:07:00After going through a brief losing streak, you guys bounced back with a big win.
00:07:03What are the keys tonight to stay in the win column?
00:07:06Come out aggressive.
00:07:08As we watched last game, we came out aggressive on the defensive side.
00:07:11And that's what sparked us offensively.
00:07:13We have the team that could get what we want offensively,
00:07:16but that defensive end is where we're going to separate it.
00:07:19So just come out, throw the first punch.
00:07:21Good luck tonight.
00:07:24All right, so it is the three-time MVP, Nikola Jokic,
00:07:29on the road against the five-time All-Star, Devin Booker.
00:07:32Two stars who've led their franchises for some time.
00:07:36Nugget Suns from Phoenix next.
00:07:41Exactly cooled down, nearly 90 degrees, game time.
00:07:44Take a look at tonight's DraftKings King of the Court tracker,
00:07:47Nikola Jokic and Devin Booker.
00:07:50DraftKings, your home for King of the Court.
00:07:53To get in on the action, download the app,
00:07:55and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
00:08:00Getting closer to tip-off, 44-28 Nuggets taking on the 40 and 32 Suns
00:08:06as we check out the Kia starting lineups and start with the visitors.
00:08:10Jolens Marps.
00:08:14Jamal Murray, University of Kentucky.
00:08:17Christian Brown, University of Kansas.
00:08:20Cam Johnson, North Carolina.
00:08:23Aaron Gordon, Arizona.
00:08:25Nikola Jokic, Serbian.
00:08:33ДИНАМИЧНАЯ МУЗЫКА
00:09:09Sons of Suns fans, you know what time it is with the P.H.X.
00:09:14It's go time, and it's time to get on your feet.
00:09:18Tell me tonight's starting five for your Phoenix Suns.
00:09:24Come on, the 6'1 guard from Villanova, rocket number 12, Colin Gillespie.
00:09:35At center from Marquette University, 6'11", wearing 11, Oso Iguodoro.
00:09:45A 6'6 forward from Baylor in the double-zero, Roy Zoney.
00:09:56On the wing from Fresno, California, 6'4", wearing number four, Jalen Green.
00:10:05And in the backcourt, a 6'5 guard from the University of Kentucky, number one, Kevin Booker.
00:10:13Booker.
00:10:14The head coach of the Phoenix Suns is joining us.
00:10:18It's time to get loud and valley-proud for your Phoenix Suns.
00:10:27So Royce O'Neal back after missing the last three games with knee soreness,
00:10:32back in the starting lineup for first-year head coach Jordan Ott.
00:10:36Done a tremendous job keeping things together with all the injuries this year.
00:10:40David Adelman in his first full year as the head coach for Denver.
00:10:44It is the Nuggets and the Suns from Phoenix.
00:10:48Opening tip comes your way next.
00:10:53Mortgage matchup center and two teams out last.
00:10:56Phoenix Suns, Terry Gannon, Derek Fisher back with you.
00:10:59Grant Liffman as well.
00:11:01Dealing with the injuries.
00:11:02Every NBA team does it, but especially the Suns as of late.
00:11:06Mark Williams is out.
00:11:07Dylan Brooks out as well.
00:11:09That's been big for them.
00:11:10Yeah, it's like the Suns have another roster of guys that aren't even suited up tonight
00:11:14that they can add to their lineup, hopefully, as the season winds down.
00:11:19But the roster was put together to accomplish things by committee.
00:11:23And so I'm not sure if they've been as affected by some of the injuries
00:11:26because they were going to have to do it as one from the beginning.
00:11:30Grayson Allen questionable.
00:11:31He has missed six of the last nine games because of knee management
00:11:35and game-time decision we will see.
00:11:38We almost got underway here.
00:11:40Officials tonight, Nick Booker, Gerenice-Metredis, and Danica Berubey.
00:11:45Jump the tip.
00:11:47So Nikola Jokic has stolen.
00:11:49Yeah, I think he did that last week in the game.
00:11:54He doesn't let the ball get to the peak, and he's still in it early.
00:11:58Smart player.
00:11:59Gets away with it sometimes.
00:12:00Yes, he does.
00:12:01So the Suns control.
00:12:03It's their defense which has carried them this far in that record 40-32.
00:12:09And that man, as well, Colin Gillespie, is having a big time here, especially beyond the arc.
00:12:16Irrational belief and confidence in himself.
00:12:18You see there with the pull-up three, a former Denver Nuggets player
00:12:22that is highly respected, but he feels comfortable tonight against his former team.
00:12:27Jokic high-low down to Gordon.
00:12:30He is so strong, just would not give up on that.
00:12:32And the Nuggets, they start several games per season with the high look from Jokic to Aaron Gordon
00:12:40to go ahead and establish themselves in terms of dominating the points in the paint.
00:12:46Gillespie not shot with the midsack at the other end.
00:12:48Murray tries to be on the arc.
00:12:50No, also Iguodaro, second-year man out of Marquette, going to bring it up and control for the Suns.
00:12:5823-14 at home this year.
00:13:01We're really pressing for that sixth spot, the final secure spot in the playoffs,
00:13:05but had that five-game losing streak, which they broke a couple of nights ago here at home.
00:13:10Two on the shot clock.
00:13:12Lesby's got a fade and fired.
00:13:13Got another one.
00:13:15It's great.
00:13:17He's a combo guard.
00:13:19He's capable of scoring and facilitating.
00:13:22Gordon could make us the issue, and O'Neal picks up his first.
00:13:25He's taking it half and off the dribble.
00:13:27They're tearing the multiple dribble combination move in and out, left to right, between the legs,
00:13:33pull up, jump, and the shot clock running down.
00:13:35You used the phrase a moment ago, irrationally confident.
00:13:38Explain that and why it's a good thing.
00:13:40Well, confidence, of course, is belief in self, but to be at this level,
00:13:46many of these guys have an irrational level of confidence,
00:13:49meaning sometimes you've got to think they're a little bit crazy and insane with the decisions that they make.
00:13:54But how many players have you played with in your career that were more successful because of that belief
00:14:00than they maybe should have been or could have been?
00:14:02I mean, they're great ones all had.
00:14:05They really do.
00:14:06That's what makes them special.
00:14:07But when players like Gillespie also carry him,
00:14:10that's why he's so respected in that Nuggets locker room.
00:14:12Screaming, Roy, Booker, Iguodala on the finish.
00:14:16Nice movement offensively for the Suns.
00:14:19Joker, who leaves it for Brown.
00:14:21Yep, easy lay-in.
00:14:22How many times have we seen that from Jokic?
00:14:25Watch his different Nuggets team play.
00:14:27They come off that mile-high city.
00:14:29It's like they're running downhill when they're on the road.
00:14:32Roy Stone-Neal, deep corner threes at 190 of those.
00:14:36Big threat beyond the arc.
00:14:37Gordon, just a strong finish at the other.
00:14:43One-handed Jalen Green who had the injury really lost most of the first half of the year.
00:14:53But right now, being pressed into action offensively coming through,
00:14:58O'Neal with the corner three.
00:15:00And that's the part of Jalen Green's game that's going to be really important for him to continue to focus
00:15:04on.
00:15:05He's so dynamic, he can make plays for himself but also creating for other teammates.
00:15:09Quick swing of the basketball over the ball movement for Denver.
00:15:13Brown, who's been more productive as of late, missed a lot of time with an ankle injury.
00:15:17Jokic, he easy lay-in off the glass.
00:15:20The Nuggets are almost seamless in how they float from fast-break secondary type of offense
00:15:26into just attacking you, whether it's early in the clock or not.
00:15:29They play seamless basketball, ball doesn't stick as often.
00:15:33Green in and out, and here comes Denver on the offensive end
00:15:37where they are the highest scoring team in the NBA.
00:15:40Nearly 121 points a game.
00:15:42Cam Johnson gave it up, got it back, kicks it out.
00:15:45Murray, yes.
00:15:49206-3 of the year.
00:15:51Denver studied five of eight from the floor.
00:16:04Booker, who's yet to be aggressive offensively.
00:16:08Gillespie steps back.
00:16:10Got another one.
00:16:11Red hot to start.
00:16:12The third-year man out of Villanova, who was with the Nuggets,
00:16:16was a part of that championship team.
00:16:18Although he was injured, the Suns are five of eight to start.
00:16:22Cam Johnson with the miss.
00:16:24Here comes Green.
00:16:25If you're watching this Phoenix Suns team for the first time.
00:16:29Oh, Booker was aggressive that time, Dave.
00:16:31He's missed a lot of that for the last 11 seasons.
00:16:34Yes.
00:16:36Leading scorer at nearly 26 points per game,
00:16:40the Suns' all-time leading scorer.
00:16:44Joker on the road.
00:16:45Had to strip O'Neal off the leg of Jokic.
00:16:50And back to the Suns.
00:16:52Royce O'Neal has good hands.
00:16:54He was obviously physically outsized in terms of guard.
00:16:57Jokic, but was able to get to the basketball before he was able to get it up.
00:17:02Green kicks it to the corner.
00:17:04Gillespie finds a little space with the bounce.
00:17:09He has been such a big part of this offense, Gillespie.
00:17:13Especially without Grayson Allen.
00:17:15Missing time because of that need.
00:17:18Jokic double down low and gets it back.
00:17:21He wanted to call.
00:17:23He just forces the defenders to really make difficult decisions.
00:17:30Whistle on a foul on the rink and Jokic right after the official.
00:17:37And he just got teed up.
00:17:40Manica Burruti had enough.
00:17:42He wanted that.
00:17:44He wanted to establish right away that he normally doesn't react strongly,
00:17:50but he wanted that.
00:17:55Brown picked up the foul and eventually Jokic the tee.
00:18:06And now Royce O'Neal having words with the official out here near midcourt as well.
00:18:12So you're going to get it from both teams to set up the evening.
00:18:16Yeah, and this is what we should expect in a matchup like this tonight.
00:18:21Two teams that have postseason plans.
00:18:25Jordan Ike talking before the game.
00:18:27The Nuggets smacked him around and bullied him the last time he's two teams played.
00:18:30Yeah, he made a point of saying that.
00:18:32Yeah, good guy.
00:18:33Easy lay-in.
00:18:34Nice little movement offensively again for Phoenix.
00:18:372-0 is the third matchup of the season.
00:18:40And Devlin's beating him four in a row overall.
00:18:42But, yeah, he made a point of saying, look, our guy's got some pride.
00:18:46They didn't just beat us.
00:18:47It wasn't close.
00:18:50Inside out from Jokic.
00:18:52Cam Johnson, the air ball.
00:18:55Strip.
00:18:56Three on the shot clock.
00:18:57Got to go.
00:18:58Does he realize it?
00:19:00He does not.
00:19:01Shot clock violation.
00:19:04Phoenix Suns defense.
00:19:08So, some active offense from the Suns, out to that lead, up by five here at home.
00:19:17On NBC and Peacock, to lead off the Pirates, take on the Mets, and then in primetime, it's the Diamondbacks
00:19:24against the World Series champs, the Dodgers.
00:19:26Thursday on NBC and Peacock.
00:19:30Getting ready for that?
00:19:32Yeah, man.
00:19:33Dodgers going for the three-peat this season.
00:19:35I know.
00:19:36See what they've done beyond the arc here.
00:19:38My model watch, the 7-1, 19-year-old rookie out of Duke.
00:19:42Shifts come on.
00:19:43Jordan Goodwin also for the Suns.
00:19:46Quick swing.
00:19:47Jalen Green.
00:19:48Nope.
00:19:49Goodwin high into the air.
00:19:51Off the leg on the Nuggets, it'll say here.
00:19:54Jordan Goodwin.
00:19:55Talk about winning margins.
00:19:57The Suns, they have to win the possession game.
00:20:00He's one of the best offensive rebounding guards in the NBA.
00:20:03Crashes almost every time when he's off the ball.
00:20:06Fifth-year man out of St. Louis who was in the starting lineup, and they got Royce O'Neal back
00:20:10tonight.
00:20:12Booker has only taken one shot so far.
00:20:15Tipped out of bounds with six on the shot clock.
00:20:18That's what makes Devin Booker so lethal, is his willingness to not force offense.
00:20:23See, he's calling Gillespie.
00:20:25How's it going?
00:20:25He'll settle in.
00:20:26He'll get his looks as the game goes on.
00:20:30He's always really important, obviously.
00:20:32He barely brought it down that time.
00:20:33In and out.
00:20:34Cleared by Jokic, but especially with the changing lineups this year.
00:20:38Brown swatters by Mowalek.
00:20:40Taken away up top.
00:20:42Gordon then drew the foul.
00:20:44They'll go to the free throw line.
00:20:46So Neil did a good job of not fouling in the transition defensive situation.
00:20:52A lot of players would have fouled here.
00:20:54Go straight up.
00:20:55Forces Christian Brown to change the shot.
00:20:58And then Mowalek was able to come and put the ball to the glass.
00:21:02You talk to the Suns organization, and they love that man.
00:21:06He's still learning the game as he played that long.
00:21:10He sounds through then.
00:21:11Went to Duke for one season.
00:21:13He's only 19 years old.
00:21:15So much potential.
00:21:17And we see there, the ability to block shots and protect the rim.
00:21:21But the speed and the athleticism to spread the floor back in transition defense.
00:21:26And then also, he can shoot the ball from the perimeter more so than we may see in his first
00:21:31couple years.
00:21:32But he really has good shot mechanics for a guy with his size.
00:21:36By the way, Aaron Gordon is now 1 for 4 from the line to start this game.
00:21:43Man who missed 41 games because of that hamstring injury.
00:21:47And is still out of minutes restriction.
00:21:50Green quickly to the hoop.
00:21:52He beat Tim Hardaway Jr. who just came on the floor.
00:21:56You see how fast the Nuggets right back into the front court within 3 or 4 seconds of having possession
00:22:02of the basketball.
00:22:03Booker trying to stay with Gordon.
00:22:04He was awfully physical in a tough matchup.
00:22:06Just lost it out of bounds.
00:22:08Turnover gives it back to Phoenix.
00:22:10Yeah, there was probably contact there.
00:22:12But I think NBA officials are trying to, maybe as the postseason is approaching,
00:22:16kind of get away from the situation where the offensive player is initiating all of the contact
00:22:21and then still wanting the whistle.
00:22:23I hear players talk about it all the time.
00:22:25How different the playoffs are than the regular season.
00:22:29And it's many different elements to that.
00:22:32And how the game is called perhaps not on purpose, but just how it develops.
00:22:38Hardaway with the rebound up ahead.
00:22:42Murray controlled it.
00:22:45Well, I think as players, too, sometimes we also don't realize.
00:22:51How do you match up with that?
00:22:53You don't.
00:22:54That's why it's been the MVP three times.
00:22:56I mean, how?
00:22:57You get the switch and then there's no chance.
00:23:00Twelve points in the paint already for the Nuggets.
00:23:03But as players, the game is played differently in the postseason.
00:23:07And so then how it's officiated and other things will also follow that dream.
00:23:11Nice fadeaway.
00:23:12Booker over Brown from just outside the free throw line.
00:23:17And maybe the bench shorter as well.
00:23:19The rotation different once you get into the playoffs.
00:23:24Brown was way off.
00:23:26Shot it better the last couple of weeks.
00:23:28But still 30% from beyond the arc.
00:23:31O'Neal rattles it home.
00:23:34Time out, Denver.
00:23:39Brought the energy tonight here in Phoenix.
00:23:42And at nine-point lead.
00:23:47Of the court tracker and Jokic and Booker so far.
00:23:52DraftKings, the number one sportsbook for live betting.
00:23:54To get in on the action, download the app and use promo code DUNK when you sign up.
00:23:59So the difference right now, beyond the arc, four of ten for Phoenix.
00:24:03Royce O'Neal, Colin Gillespie, each with a couple of three-pointers.
00:24:07One of six the Nuggets at this point.
00:24:09Both teams going to their bench.
00:24:11Rashear Fleming coming off the bench.
00:24:12And Grayson Allen, who's missed time with that knee injury and the knee management,
00:24:18in for the Suns.
00:24:22Spencer Jones on the floor for the Nuggets.
00:24:25Murray after the inside out from Jokic.
00:24:30Just great vision by Jokic, which we're accustomed to, but to get to the middle of the floor that way
00:24:37and then make a pass behind him, basically, out to Jamal Murray.
00:24:41Just awareness of the double team coming and being able to kick it out.
00:24:44There's a delay of game warning last time.
00:24:47So here come the Suns.
00:24:48Not available for the Nuggets is Peyton Watson.
00:24:52Missed 19 games with a hamstring injury.
00:24:56Did come back and play against Portland Sunday night, but this is the first of a back-to-back for
00:25:01Denver.
00:25:01Got the roll.
00:25:03Good one at the end of the shot clock.
00:25:06Good patience by the Suns.
00:25:08Devin Booker's being double teamed whenever he's in pick-and-roll or ball screen.
00:25:12So they're going to have to continue to trust the ball movement.
00:25:15You see Jordan Goodwin finish in the possession.
00:25:18Murray off the heel.
00:25:20Good sight for the Suns.
00:25:22Having Grayson Allen back on the floor for this final push last couple of the weeks before the playoffs.
00:25:28Going to let one go over Jokic.
00:25:30He got his first one of the night.
00:25:32Terry, I always feel like it felt like when players that have been out for a while with injuries,
00:25:38they spend so much time shooting the basketball, working their way back.
00:25:42And so Grayson Allen, he feels like there's no hesitation from 30 feet out because he's been shooting the ball
00:25:48so many times.
00:25:49This man's not shy either, whether he's healthy or not.
00:25:52Tim Hardaway lets it go beyond the arc.
00:25:55Second-leading three-point shooter for the Nuggets this year.
00:25:58And there are timely threes that are almost more valuable than others.
00:26:02Down 11 for Hardaway to knock that down to cut it back to eight was really important.
00:26:06Because the Suns had really started to take control of this.
00:26:10Booker, five on the shot clock.
00:26:12Hardaway trying to stay with him.
00:26:14May have changed that shot a bit.
00:26:16Jokic with the clear.
00:26:18The outlet.
00:26:19Hardaway.
00:26:20The finish.
00:26:21And the foul on Goodwin.
00:26:23Hit the deck hard.
00:26:25Okay, Timmy.
00:26:30Straight finish by Tim Hardaway.
00:26:32But Jokic, eyes up every time.
00:26:35As soon as he gets the possession of the ball, his eyes up, he's looking for a teammate.
00:26:39Makes a great pass and a harder way, finishing through the contact.
00:26:43Might have got hit on the head a little bit is what kept him down.
00:26:47But you said that like you weren't expecting that finish.
00:26:50No, I wasn't.
00:26:51Like, Tim can get up, but he uses it sparingly.
00:26:55He doesn't just try to throw it down any time he's near the rim.
00:26:59Bruce Brown now in on the floor for Denver, part of that NBA championship in 2023.
00:27:08Jokic, by the way, already five assists and eight rebounds for the man who leads the league in both of
00:27:15those categories.
00:27:17But they trail by five.
00:27:21Allen looking for help.
00:27:25Goodwin.
00:27:26Strong drive.
00:27:27And the floater in the lane.
00:27:31We're going to talk a lot tonight.
00:27:33Colin Gillespie, great example.
00:27:34Jordan Goodwin, great example.
00:27:36Guys that have been on different teams, two-way contract guys that are just doing a fantastic job, taking advantage
00:27:43of opportunities.
00:27:45Got the bump.
00:27:46Goodwin's going to pick up another foul.
00:27:48As Hardaway was on the drive.
00:27:56So, he's got two.
00:28:00You know, you look at the score right now, 32 points in this first quarter for the Suns.
00:28:05You would expect that perhaps from the Nuggets, highest scoring team in the league, but it's 62% from the
00:28:11floor of the Suns so far.
00:28:14Scorching hot as it is and was in Phoenix today, but I didn't see.
00:28:18Had he picked the ball up and gathered it to go shoot the ball?
00:28:21I know.
00:28:22Exactly.
00:28:23That's the argument going on right now.
00:28:31BDL, Terry.
00:28:32That's what they say on that.
00:28:33BDL is heavy.
00:28:34So, look at the numbers here.
00:28:36The rest of the team and Jokic gets the second of two, and it's a six-point game.
00:28:46For those at home, BDL means ball don't lie.
00:28:50I didn't know I had explained it.
00:28:51Sorry about that.
00:28:52Well, you know, we're on NBC.
00:28:54You're right.
00:28:55You're right.
00:28:55We should.
00:28:56Quick hands, Jones, but he got a call for the foul on the reach.
00:29:03Denver Pound, everyone, Spencer Jones, his first person in the last two minutes.
00:29:08Yeah, Spencer Jones, good defender, active, probably got a little bit of the arm first,
00:29:15but those are calls that also don't always get the whistle, so you can understand the frustrations.
00:29:23First foul in the last two minutes, so side out.
00:29:29Allen way off.
00:29:30Go back to Denver.
00:29:32But you saw Jordan Goodwin there, again, crashing the offensive glass.
00:29:36That ball was off, but Jordan Goodwin was the first guy there to touch it,
00:29:39so watch that trend as this game goes on in terms of his offensive rebounding from the guard position.
00:29:45Averages about 22 minutes per game, whether it's in or out of the starting lineup.
00:29:50Jones.
00:29:51Seen a few of those tonight.
00:29:57Run the weave out front.
00:29:59Allen leaves it.
00:30:00Iguodaro, guarded by Jokic.
00:30:05Out.
00:30:07Lost his footing on the sideline after he knocked down that three.
00:30:12And slowly getting back up the floor.
00:30:15Jokic has a size advantage.
00:30:17They got to switch back.
00:30:18Iguodaro back to Jokic.
00:30:21There's the double.
00:30:22They're swinging out top.
00:30:23Cam Johnson off the heel.
00:30:25Strong.
00:30:26There comes Gillespie.
00:30:28Forcing the issue.
00:30:29Left hand.
00:30:31Harder may have gotten a piece.
00:30:33Certainly defended well.
00:30:36It's a good two-for-one opportunity, though.
00:30:38Smart move by Gillespie to attack.
00:30:40Defenders backing up the transition as a guard.
00:30:43You always want to be in the attack position in that situation.
00:30:47Jokic looking for another call.
00:30:50Danica Burruti just shaking her head.
00:30:52Nope.
00:30:55And now with eight in the game.
00:30:58Jokic along with the rebounds and the assist.
00:31:01Allen left wide open off the bounce.
00:31:05Gillespie, and that'll do it here in the first.
00:31:08You expected a good one.
00:31:10We got a good one.
00:31:11We do have a good one going tonight, Terry, at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
00:31:1635-28.
00:31:17Suns with the lead.
00:31:18You're watching Coast to Coast Tuesday, presented by Gilles.
00:31:22Prince View.
00:31:22A whole new way to watch with real-time stats, live shot data, and player tracking.
00:31:28Dive deeper into the action of Peacock.
00:31:32So, we head to the second quarter, and the Suns up by seven.
00:31:36Efficient offense in that first quarter.
00:31:39Ten assists.
00:31:39They haven't turned it over yet.
00:31:41Yes, ten assists on 14.
00:31:43Main field goals.
00:31:44No turnovers.
00:31:45I mean, that's a coach's dream.
00:31:48If you value your possessions, take care of the basketball, get shots on goal,
00:31:52you give yourself a great chance to win.
00:31:54Hardaway, working on Gillespie, bounce back, and nails it.
00:31:59Baseline jumper.
00:32:00That was pretty work.
00:32:01He's got nine already.
00:32:03Is this a lineup, a rotation that we might see in the playoffs for Denver?
00:32:07Smaller lineup.
00:32:08It is, and it's a different look, right?
00:32:11Jonas Valanciunas, a big part of the rotation throughout the regular season,
00:32:14in particular with the injuries.
00:32:16But this is a group we might see in the postseason going small.
00:32:20Fleming with the miss for the Suns.
00:32:22Yeah, Valanciunas hasn't played the last two games.
00:32:25And talk to Adam, and it's not anything that he has done or has not done.
00:32:28It's just peeling out those rotations.
00:32:30Nice move and nice look.
00:32:32Spencer Jones with the bucket.
00:32:34Great pass from Jamal Murray in the pick-and-roll situation.
00:32:37And Spencer Jones is smaller than Valanciunas, but he's not a small.
00:32:41No.
00:32:41Very versatile defensively and can shoot the ball from the perimeter offensively as well.
00:32:46Got Allen and Gillespie, going with Iguodaro, Fleming.
00:32:51And Jalen Green and a bucket for the lesbians.
00:32:53Got double figures already.
00:33:07Murray on the move.
00:33:09He's got six so far in the game.
00:33:11Going to work on Fleming with four on the shot clock.
00:33:14Inside, found a way.
00:33:16Can't get it to go.
00:33:17Another offensive rebound for the Nuggets, though.
00:33:20Sets up Hardaway in a three.
00:33:23Spencer Jones immediately when he got possession of an offensive rebound, his eyes went out.
00:33:28Those are some of the best three-point opportunities.
00:33:30One more pass from Bruce Brown to Tim Hardaway Jr. knocks it down.
00:33:33Hardaway's got 12 in the game already.
00:33:3610-minute mark in the second quarter, and Green steps on the sideline, turns it over.
00:33:41First one tonight.
00:33:43Spencer Jones, talk about the offensive rebound, and the Nuggets have been dominating all night long.
00:33:48Spencer Jones on the pick-and-roll situation there.
00:33:51Great pass from Jamal Murray.
00:33:55At this end, though, it's been the offensive glass that has gotten it done for the Nuggets.
00:34:00Eight offensive rebounds producing nine points to this point.
00:34:04Murray trying to use his body against Gillespie to help his ground.
00:34:15Grayson Allen.
00:34:18Brown, I believe, called for the foul, trying to defend.
00:34:21Talking about this Nuggets, a smaller lineup.
00:34:25Defensive versatility, yes.
00:34:27But it also gives a few minutes, the non-Yokic minutes.
00:34:30Jamal Murray is the focal point of the offense.
00:34:33So, pick-and-roll leads to a Spencer Jones layup.
00:34:36Jamal Murray in the mid-post trying to attack Colin Gillespie.
00:34:39Heavy dose of Jamal Murray with Yoko top the floor with this deep arm.
00:34:42Talk about all the injuries, and then adjusting Green.
00:34:46Nice move.
00:34:46Can't finish.
00:34:47Here comes Johnson.
00:34:48Right now, final three weeks of the season, really, where David Edelman is trying things out
00:34:54with those rotations, looking ahead to the playoffs.
00:34:57Because he's basically at full strength.
00:35:00I know Peyton Watson, but other than that, players are back.
00:35:05And that's some of the positives of the long NBA season, is coaches and teams get a chance
00:35:11to learn some of those things about themselves, in terms of what works, what doesn't work,
00:35:16which guys fit well together, and which don't.
00:35:19And the Nuggets, late in this season, while still trying to push to slide up to three if they can,
00:35:25they're also going to be finding out who they really are.
00:35:28As you look at the standings, and the Nuggets certainly had not given up on that number three
00:35:33seed with the Lakers, who played so well as of late.
00:35:36However, they're right there, but four, five, and six really bunched together.
00:35:41As Allen said, you're not going to guard me.
00:35:45He had no other option but to shoot.
00:35:48Kicked ball and stays right here.
00:35:51But it is a long season.
00:35:52I mean, talking to Jordan Ott, and he was trying to remember the matchups with Denver.
00:35:58They're so long ago.
00:35:59Right?
00:35:59Yeah, I think their last matchup was late November.
00:36:02Yeah.
00:36:03Yes, the NBA season is long.
00:36:06Major League Baseball, obviously, as they get started, their game count is twice as many.
00:36:13But there are pros and cons, too.
00:36:15And that conversation, obviously, is evolving around, are there a certain number of games
00:36:20that are too many?
00:36:21Is it contributing to maybe lesser performance or injuries, et cetera?
00:36:26But we've got a great game going tonight.
00:36:28That's the one we're focused on most.
00:36:30Allen gives it back to Gillespie.
00:36:33Here comes Green.
00:36:34Green, and they swing you.
00:36:36Got a few shooters on the floor right now, if you're Phoenix.
00:36:42Green on the drive.
00:36:44Somehow, someway.
00:36:45They're going to step at the end.
00:36:48Left hand off the glass and in.
00:36:52It's also learning how to be an NBA player, isn't it, and dealing with that long season, because
00:36:58you're going to have peaks and valleys and injuries.
00:37:02Yes, it's about learning your body, how to take care of yourself, how to stay healthy, the things that you
00:37:11work on day in and day out to build the right habits, so that you can perform consistently over the
00:37:17course of the season.
00:37:17Just because you're talented, it doesn't mean you have it figured out, you got him right on the wrist, Jalen
00:37:23Green, that's his first, so Murray will go to the free throw line.
00:37:30And there is a challenge on that, so we'll see as we continue from Phoenix.
00:37:51Phoenix up four here at home over Denver, so the coaches challenge, and we'll see if we get an announcement.
00:38:02So you, you were talking about, as you took a look, that that high five rule.
00:38:11After review, Green raises the ball, but does not knock it out of Murray's hand.
00:38:16Then there's following contact onto the palm of Murray's hand.
00:38:19This is still a foul.
00:38:20The challenge is unsuccessful.
00:38:22Phoenix has charged the timeout, and they will not have a challenge later in game.
00:38:27All right, so we get our answer.
00:38:29You're raising your eyebrows, though.
00:38:32Yeah, I mean, I am.
00:38:34To me, it does feel more like a high five rule, but the secondary action is a part of the
00:38:43dialogue now, and so if they feel like, yes, he blocked the ball, but there's a secondary hit on secondary
00:38:51hand, then point of emphasis, yeah.
00:38:53Technically, I get it.
00:38:56Julian Stronger, third-year man out of Gonzaga, on the floor now for the Nuggets.
00:39:03So it's a two-point game, and unsuccessful on the challenge.
00:39:09See if that comes into play further in the game.
00:39:14Oh, Neil, coming over, has just clipped.
00:39:17So Spencer Jones is going to pick up the foul.
00:39:20That's his second.
00:39:21So as we watch this game tonight, when players are sprinting up to set on ball screens or picking roles,
00:39:27defensively, you're taught to kind of steer and try not to allow him to set as effective of a screen.
00:39:34And sometimes that steering kind of ends up being a push, and that's what got called there on Spencer Jones.
00:39:40Jamari Bouye, the fourth-year player out of San Francisco, on the floor now for the Suns.
00:39:48We've gone cold beyond the arc, but still really efficient from two-point range.
00:39:52Five on the shot clock.
00:39:55And going to get a defense of three seconds called.
00:40:03So Gillespie to the line.
00:40:06Yeah, whenever an offensive player has the ball in that outer third side area, teams basically get into a zone
00:40:14defense behind it.
00:40:16And Julian Stronger there just kind of got caught ball watching and didn't get out of the lane.
00:40:21But you could almost stop it, and it looks like a 2-3 zone hook when players have that ball
00:40:26in isolation on the side.
00:40:31Green didn't want the screen.
00:40:33Hey!
00:40:33Moon Rising!
00:40:34Challenged at the rim, and a whistle and a foul.
00:40:38He just kept going.
00:40:41Yeah, no, that...
00:40:43There's some different air in his Nikes on that one, Terry.
00:40:46That was explosive.
00:40:48That was so sick.
00:40:50My goodness.
00:40:53Strother the foul.
00:40:54There's ooze and odds in here as they replay it on the big screen.
00:41:01It was like he was still going up.
00:41:04Yes.
00:41:05And then Strother was going down, and so he was like, I have to foul him at this point.
00:41:12Phenomenal athleticism by Jayden Green.
00:41:14And you think about in-the-game situations which the Suns have struggled with in recent weeks.
00:41:20Having a guy this dynamic next to Devin Booker in some fourth quarters is going to be really important.
00:41:26Trying to get him to be more efficient at this point is the final piece of that puzzle.
00:41:32But it's been big.
00:41:33Had that hamstring and hip injury.
00:41:36First half of the season, Murray fades away in and out.
00:41:41So it's a four-point lead.
00:41:44As Green controls, runs right in the Strother and loses it.
00:41:49Brown.
00:41:55And the Suns doing a good job.
00:41:58Both teams doing a good job not turning the basketball over.
00:42:01What a live ball turnover there by Jayden Green leads to a Denver Nuggets bucket.
00:42:09Gillespie may have gotten away with a push.
00:42:11Strother thought so, but in and out anyway.
00:42:14Do the Suns have to turn over the Nuggets in order to win tonight, though?
00:42:18My answer is yes, Terry.
00:42:20The Nuggets are too efficient offensively.
00:42:22They move the ball too well.
00:42:24They average the most points in the league.
00:42:26If you do not take away possessions from them and force them to turn the ball over, it's hard to
00:42:31win.
00:42:32Cold shooting continues, though, at this end.
00:42:35Each team only two turnovers in the game at this point.
00:42:38And Murray just two of eight from the floor.
00:42:44Luye trying to create some space.
00:42:48Green floats, fades, nope.
00:42:51Here comes Brown.
00:42:56Spins in the lane on Gillespie.
00:42:58Can't find, gets it back.
00:43:00Another offensive rebound and efficient again.
00:43:03The hard work on the glass.
00:43:05Give the Nuggets credit.
00:43:06That's where they're finding their offense,
00:43:08even though they aren't shooting the ball well percentage-wise.
00:43:11That was a long three for Gillespie, as we are tied up at 41.
00:43:23Brown, mismatched quickness-wise on Fleming.
00:43:27And another try.
00:43:29Jones couldn't buy it.
00:43:32Green in the lane with strength.
00:43:35And the foul's going to be called on Jamal Murray.
00:43:40That's what he does, though.
00:43:41He will force the issue.
00:43:42He's going to be aggressive, aggressive offensively.
00:43:45And in transition, again, defensive players are backpedaling.
00:43:49And so, leaving for a guy that wasn't as fast and as athletic as Jalen Green,
00:43:55when I saw players backpedaling on defense,
00:43:59that's the time to step on the gas and find a way to get to the front of the back.
00:44:03That's when you go.
00:44:04He gets the first one.
00:44:05As we take a look at the upcoming national TV schedule tomorrow on ESPN,
00:44:09and the Hawks take on the Pistons, Rockets, and the Timberwolves.
00:44:12And then Thursday on NBA TV, it's the Knicks and the Hornets at 7 Eastern.
00:44:18For more on these games, go to NBA.com or visit the NBA app.
00:44:23Nicole Jokic back on the floor for the Nuggets.
00:44:28Green gets the second one as well.
00:44:35Jokic, eight points, eight rebounds, five assists in the game already.
00:44:40And most importantly, Terry, the minutes is off the floor, six minutes-ish.
00:44:47The Nuggets didn't lose contact in this game.
00:44:50They've struggled.
00:44:51Actually came back?
00:44:52Yes, they've struggled in the past in the non-Jokic minutes.
00:44:55This team has more depth and more ability to play well without him on the floor.
00:44:59Green, got it.
00:45:01Impressive jumper on the step back in the bounce.
00:45:05At this end, it's just about keeping the Nuggets off the offensive glass.
00:45:09They've got 11 offensive rebounds and keeping that man from dishing out assists.
00:45:14Jokic to Brown.
00:45:16The second part might be harder to do.
00:45:19Yeah, just a tad.
00:45:23Green's got another one.
00:45:26It's what he can do in spurts.
00:45:3113 in the game for Jalen Green.
00:45:37Stroudo got hit.
00:45:39O'Neal, I believe, on the reach.
00:45:43His second.
00:45:46Terry, any time you're big can navigate with decision-making and passing,
00:45:51really difficult to contain his job we've seen Jokic do it for years.
00:45:55And Jalen Green talking about finding that consistency and efficiency,
00:46:00doing a really good job knocking down the three there.
00:46:03And then Royce O'Neal probably got basketball,
00:46:06but any time you swat down that aggressively,
00:46:09even if you got more basketball than Arn,
00:46:12it's an easier whistle for the referees to blow.
00:46:15Back to Jokic for a moment, though.
00:46:16I mean, we had them last week in a game against the Sixers.
00:46:19He had 10 assists before.
00:46:20I think he had a point.
00:46:22He might have had two points.
00:46:24That's it.
00:46:24But 10 assists, just like before you even get settled in to watch the game.
00:46:28And it's a recognition of, you know, each game.
00:46:32He shows up willing to play that game.
00:46:36He's not predetermining statistically what he's going to do that night.
00:46:41Just trying to play the game the right way every time he touches the floor.
00:46:45O'Neal.
00:46:48Jokic outlet.
00:46:49Hurley came down with it, and Brown had the ball.
00:46:56Two-man game out front.
00:46:58To Brown in the corner over Booker.
00:47:01Got it.
00:47:02Just Jokic just making it all happen, though.
00:47:05Christian Brown kind of giving go back to Jokic.
00:47:09DHO a dribble handoff towards.
00:47:12And the ball just goes out to Bruce Brown with no hesitation.
00:47:15Right in rhythm, right in the shooting pocket.
00:47:17Brown back to Jokic.
00:47:20Sees the defense in.
00:47:22Ball goes out to his teammate in the corner.
00:47:24No hesitation from Bruce Brown.
00:47:27Corner three in the pocket.
00:47:30Seven assists already.
00:47:31He's got nine rebounds in the game.
00:47:33They go along with the eight points.
00:47:35Bruce Brown picked up his second moment ago.
00:47:38So green to the free throw line.
00:47:41As they're over the limit.
00:47:43Where was the pass?
00:47:44What do you think?
00:47:48You talk about Jalen Green's efficiency.
00:47:50I think even if he doesn't become a percentage-wise higher shooter,
00:47:56his ability to put pressure on the rim is where his efficiency can go up.
00:48:00Because he can get himself to the free throw line.
00:48:02And now that the Suns are in the bonus for the last four minutes of this quarter,
00:48:06the efficiency goes up when you can get free throw attempts.
00:48:10Thanks to the defense and how you can defend.
00:48:13Stronger.
00:48:13They get the switch.
00:48:15Jokic signs advantage to say the least over green.
00:48:18They recognize.
00:48:20So he's in double figures in terms of points.
00:48:23And he's already approaching a triple-double, which he averages on the season.
00:48:28When he woke up this morning, he knew he was going to get a triple-double, Terry.
00:48:32Jokic in the paint.
00:48:33Over the left shoulder.
00:48:35Easy money.
00:48:36Nikola.
00:48:42Denver's taking the lead.
00:48:43And forget whether Nikola Jokic is going to have a triple-double tonight.
00:48:46Will he have it by halftime?
00:48:49Yes.
00:48:50He will.
00:48:51He will.
00:48:54He will.
00:48:54So they've taken the lead and have owned the glass.
00:48:5727-15.
00:48:58They've out-rebounded Phoenix by 12 at this point.
00:49:01And doing the work on the offensive end.
00:49:04Well, they missed some shots early.
00:49:06That led to some offensive rebound opportunities.
00:49:09But the effort and the intent was there to get to the offensive glass.
00:49:14Now their offense is starting to heat up some.
00:49:16The percentage is going up.
00:49:18You see Julius' father there with the three.
00:49:20His 42nd three of the year.
00:49:22Shoots about 35% beyond the arc.
00:49:26And it's not what they were earlier in the year.
00:49:28But that's because of all the injuries that they had sustained.
00:49:31Allen tipped out, stays at this end.
00:49:36It's a 10-1 Denver run-winding right now.
00:49:41Fleming comes back in.
00:49:43Replacing Royce O'Neal.
00:49:45We got 3.9 on the shot clock.
00:49:49Important 251 here for the Suns to finish this half out and not allow the Nuggets to continue to stretch
00:49:56this lead.
00:49:58Nice little move off the inbounds.
00:50:00And Allen with the bucket.
00:50:03Yeah, those last couple of minutes before halftime, certainly always important.
00:50:07First two coming back out the other side.
00:50:09But especially right now, the way this game's going.
00:50:12Good win.
00:50:13Nuggets thought he got away with a kick.
00:50:15Put the steal.
00:50:16Out of bounds.
00:50:17It'll be back to Denver.
00:50:23Bruce Brown still talking to the official about that.
00:50:27Yeah, it looked like the leg went out.
00:50:29I don't know if the ball hit the shoe or hit his leg.
00:50:34Goddaro had Jokic's left arm.
00:50:36He's still got that shot off the glass.
00:50:39The third team foul on the first time.
00:50:42Also.
00:50:43So difficult.
00:50:44You hear.
00:50:45You see the screen roll.
00:50:46But Jokic is handling Christian Brown, setting the on-ball screen.
00:50:50Again, when you're big, can initiate that type of action, you can't switch the guard onto the big.
00:50:57And so Jokic ends up having his choice on how he wants to make the play, depending on how he's
00:51:02being defended.
00:51:04Now it's a matchup problem for any team in the league.
00:51:07And talking to the coaches for the Suns tonight, obviously, you think about that matchup problem.
00:51:13But that's true just about any night that he's on the floor.
00:51:17Every team nightmares and trying to figure out the best way to defend the Kola Jokic.
00:51:26But, I mean, the Suns defensively are a disruptive group.
00:51:29So they have to lean on throwing different looks at it.
00:51:32At times, they're going to double-team him on the post.
00:51:35Second look for the Suns.
00:51:37They've been few and far between.
00:51:39And a third.
00:51:39Tick-tock won't go.
00:51:42Here come the Nuggets.
00:51:42Just couldn't get it to fall.
00:51:45Strother got Booker on the reach.
00:51:49In the fourth team foul.
00:51:56Yeah, it's the age-old question that every coach has got to answer before the game.
00:52:01All right, how do you defend him?
00:52:02Do you make Jokic a passer?
00:52:04And you take, you can't really take away any of what he decides he wants to do on any given
00:52:09night.
00:52:09He can try.
00:52:10He can try.
00:52:12What makes it really difficult with him is that he's actually reading the game.
00:52:17Yeah.
00:52:18So many players in the same situations have decided what they're going to do before they get to the decision
00:52:25-making point.
00:52:26And Jokic's ability to get to the moment of truth and when the decision should be made and make the
00:52:32right one is as good as anybody in the world.
00:52:35It's how that game is being played.
00:52:36And he's being defended on that given night.
00:52:39Round.
00:52:40Yep.
00:52:41Over Booker.
00:52:42They've taken control.
00:52:43That looked incredibly simple.
00:52:45But it isn't.
00:52:46He literally is sitting there reading the defense.
00:52:49And makes that direct pass to the corner instead of to the guy right next to another wing.
00:52:55Sun shooting 28% this second quarter.
00:52:58Least ball foul.
00:53:00Going to go against Denver.
00:53:02And so you see what Jokic like.
00:53:05He's watching the player.
00:53:06So he's watching Devin Booker.
00:53:08And so you can tell he's watched video and tape on the Phoenix Suns and on his opponent.
00:53:14And he knows that that secondary defender on the baseline is far in to try and provide that shell.
00:53:21So he's gone to the corner pass multiple times in this game already because he knows that's the read.
00:53:28And reading his split second.
00:53:31Bruce Brown picked up his third so he goes to the bench.
00:53:35I need him to get two more assists though.
00:53:37I know right.
00:53:37Double down.
00:53:38I know.
00:53:39You predicted it.
00:53:47So it's a six-point Denver lead.
00:53:51Remember the Nuggets started cold beyond the arc.
00:53:54They were one of six to start, but they've made six of the last nine.
00:53:58Spin by Jokic.
00:53:59And one!
00:54:01Faves, cross, in, chance for three.
00:54:03Wow.
00:54:06Patience, footwork, pivots,
00:54:09allows the game to come to him.
00:54:12Going down the lane, Iguodoro just with a forearm into the side.
00:54:17He embellishes the contact a little bit, but his ability to finish those plays off balance.
00:54:23Kisses soft off the glass.
00:54:25And one.
00:54:29And it's an 8-0 run.
00:54:34First six, seven minutes of this game totally belong to Phoenix.
00:54:38Had the energy knocking down threes.
00:54:40Game is turned.
00:54:42Allen trying to change it back.
00:54:46Jokic clears.
00:54:49Add another one to the total.
00:54:5311 now.
00:54:56Directed traffic.
00:54:59Trying to get the floor balanced.
00:55:02Down to the mid, pick and roll.
00:55:05Kick.
00:55:05Gordon.
00:55:07In the lane.
00:55:09Got fouled.
00:55:10Doesn't get the roll.
00:55:13But good defense all the way down to the last two seconds of the shot clock.
00:55:16Number 20.
00:55:18And percentage-wise, I mean, you know, through our Peacock performance view or whatever data you want to look at,
00:55:24that's a low percentage shot Aaron Gordon is shooting.
00:55:28And you foul him, and you make it a higher percentage shot.
00:55:31So you look at the names and the triple-doubles in the first half since 2000.
00:55:36There's a theme there with Westbrook.
00:55:39New average triple-double, obviously.
00:55:41Jokic trying to join him as a player to do it in more than one season.
00:55:49We've talked about this a little bit already, Terry.
00:55:53The Phoenix Suns pride themselves on being disruptive defensively,
00:55:56but they haven't been able to turn the Nuggets over.
00:55:59And so at some point, their ability is to create efficient offensive shots and possessions,
00:56:05it catches up to you on top of the offensive rebounding that they've established in this first half.
00:56:10You lose the glass battle as well.
00:56:12Quick swing.
00:56:14Shot beyond the yard.
00:56:15Good.
00:56:16Grayson Allen.
00:56:17Much needed.
00:56:19It ended up a 10-0 run.
00:56:23And the lead is 8.
00:56:29About a five-second difference, shot clock, game clock.
00:56:32Here's the pressure from Gillespie on Murray.
00:56:34But they relieve it with the pass.
00:56:37Jokic right back to him.
00:56:39Got another assist.
00:56:41The best pressure release valves in the lead.
00:56:43You can get the ball to Jokic.
00:56:45And you can cut and pass and play from there.
00:56:48He's one away, by the way.
00:56:50You're not going to get it in the first.
00:56:51To the corner, Allen tipped up no, and that'll do it, dude, in the first half.
00:56:59So, Nikola Jokic, 15 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists.
00:57:05Yeah.
00:57:06I hope nobody went and put a bet down when I said that.
00:57:10I don't think so.
00:57:12We're good.
00:57:13Double digits to lead here at half when it looks so promising in that first quarter.
00:57:18For Phoenix, get our walk-off interview brought to you by Metro by T-Mobile and join Grant.
00:57:24All right, Tim.
00:57:27First, let's talk with you.
00:57:29You know, 12 points in just 10 minutes of action.
00:57:32It was your second unit that really got this team going again.
00:57:36What was working so well for that group?
00:57:38I think just getting stops, limiting them to one-shot opportunities on the end of the floor.
00:57:43And our switching on defense and just keeping guys in front of us, making them take tough shots,
00:57:47I think that's what helped us get back into the game.
00:57:50Can we talk about Nikola Jokic here for a second?
00:57:52Yeah.
00:57:5315 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, and this is just the first half.
00:57:57Does it ever get old to you?
00:57:59Do you ever get used to those stat lines?
00:58:02Now it's getting a little bit old.
00:58:04But it's great to be on the receiving end on a lot of those.
00:58:06So just happy to be a part of this team, a part of this team, a part of his, you
00:58:12know, assists.
00:58:13We hope we continue to get that still going in the second half.
00:58:16All right, I really appreciate it.
00:58:17Thank you.
00:58:17Okay, let's go back to Maria Taylor in the studio.
00:58:20Appreciate it, Grant.
00:58:21Yeah, it never gets old.
00:58:22In fact, coming up on American Express at the half, we're going to talk about the Joker
00:58:25and his impact one assist away from a triple-double in the first half.
00:58:29Yeah, we're going to talk about it.
00:58:30Pat Boyd.
00:58:38So it's a 10-point lead for the Denver Nuggets against the Phoenix Suns.
00:58:42Okay, we'll take that one with us into our halftime.
00:58:46It's time for The Game You Can Trust, presented by American Express.
00:58:49No shocker here, it's the Joker, because he's one assist away from his 29th triple-double of the season.
00:58:56I mean, it seems like it's impossible to stop him.
00:58:59He's impacting the game in every single way.
00:59:02Welcome back inside the studio.
00:59:03Maria Taylor, the Hall of Famers, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, and Carmelo Anthony.
00:59:08Let's get into the tape.
00:59:09Run it back right quick for us, VC.
00:59:11Well, let's run it back.
00:59:12You said almost a triple-double.
00:59:13They're shooting 46% from three, and a lot of it's because of this guy by the name of Jokic.
00:59:18His ability to not only rebound the ball, but they know once Jokic gets the ball, get out and run.
00:59:27Easy baskets are to be had.
00:59:30You see, again, you just know that...
00:59:31Look, as soon as he gets the rebound, everybody takes off running.
00:59:35I mean, I don't know if that's an assist or what, but nevertheless.
00:59:38That's a Jokic assist.
00:59:40Here, he's an unselfish player.
00:59:42I feel the double team coming.
00:59:43I'm fine.
00:59:44No problem.
00:59:44Someone open, make the right play, get guys open.
00:59:47I mean, it's just...
00:59:47That's why they're so hard to guard, and once they get into the playoffs, you know,
00:59:53they're just gonna...
00:59:53You know, they have all the shooting they want.
00:59:55You know, and listening to Hardaway Jr., he's like,
00:59:58yeah, I'm on the receiving ends of this.
01:00:00Like, this is a dream come true.
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