In their 2025-26 season home opener, the Denver Nuggets delivered a statement win, defeating the Phoenix Suns 133-111 behind a masterful performance from center Nikola Jokić. Jokić registered his second consecutive triple-double to open the campaign, notching 14 points, 15 assists and 14 rebounds while taking just eight shot attempts.
Even though his scoring was modest, his all-around impact was unmistakable. He made five of eight field goals, didn’t attempt a shot until late in the second quarter and still exerted control by facilitating the offense and dominating the glass.
Complementing Jokić’s performance was a balanced supporting cast. Jamal Murray chimed in with 23 points, while Christian Braun added 20 and Aaron Gordon contributed 17. The Nuggets had a total of seven players finish in double figures and shot an efficient 51.2% from the field.
From the outset, Denver set the tone. They led 71-54 at halftime and extended the advantage to 20 in the third quarter, keeping the Suns at bay despite some Phoenix runs. For Phoenix, Devin Booker led with 31 points, but the team collectively struggled, shooting just 43.2% from the field.
What stands out about this game is how Denver’s win was more than just Jokić’s brilliance—it was a demonstration of a structured team effort built around him. While he commanded the paint and orchestrated the offense, the Nuggets’ rotation offered timely scoring, strong shooting and defensive consistency. This is the sort of performance that underscores their aspirations of contending deep into the season.
The implications are also worth noting. For Jokić, beginning the season with back-to-back triple-doubles reinforces his status as one of the NBA’s most versatile and dominant big men. For the Nuggets, this kind of home-court energy and scoring depth could be the foundation they build upon as they chase postseason success.
In summary, the Nuggets’ home opener was a textbook display of synergy between superstar excellence and supporting contributions. Jokić’s triple-double grabbed the headlines, but the win was earned by a team firing on multiple cylinders. As the season unfolds, Denver will look to maintain this momentum and show that this wasn’t just an opening-night surge—but the start of something sustainable.
