The Denver Nuggets (1-1) secured their first win of the season with a commanding 133-111 win against the Phoenix Suns (1-3) on October 26.
Here are the key stats and the top performers from the game.
BEST PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Nikola Jokic DEN C 14 PTS | 15 REB | 14 AST | 57.3 FPS
The Joker finished with his second consecutive triple-double despite limited field goal attempts. Defensively, he was also tied with the most steals in the team.
BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE:
Devin Booker PHX SG 31 PTS | 9-9 FT | 7 AST | 36.1 FPS
Booker finished with his second 30-point performance in his first three games. He was outstanding at the free-throw line and is a flawless 16-of-16 over his last two games. The only downside is his turnovers, as he’s averaging six per game.
SCORING LEADERS:
Jamal Murray DEN PG 23 PTS | 8-17 FG | 3-8 3PT | 38.7 FPS
Murray is on fire to start the year, shooting 60% from two to record his second consecutive 20-point game.
Grayson Allen PHX SG 17 PTS | 6-12 FG | 5-10 3PT | 32.3 FPS
Allen continues his hot start, posting averages of 15.6 points and 5.6 assists while hitting 42% from deep through three games.
STAT SPECIALIST:
Ryan Dunn PHX SF 9 PTS | 7 REB | 2 BLK | 26.4 FPS
Dunn is a big part of the Suns’ defense, averaging 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks as a starter in his first three games.
DEFENSIVE STANDOUT:
Dilon Brooks PHX SF 3 REB | 4 STL | 1 BLK | 35.6 FPS
Brooks continues to have problems on offense and has gone 9-for-31 from three-point range. But he continues to shine on the defensive end, averaging 3.3 stocks.
THE SHARPSHOOTER:
Bruce Brown DEN PG 11 PTS | 4-6 FG | 2-4 3PT | 23.1 FPS
Brown stepped up on offense while also continuing to make his presence felt in other areas. Over the last three seasons, he has shot 34.3% from long range.
THE X-FACTOR:
Christian Braun DEN SG 20 PTS | 3 REB | 2 STL | 33.1 FPS
Braun bounced back from a subpar outing in their loss against Golden State, hitting 6-of-10 shots from two and making all 8 of his attempts at the foul line. Last season, he scored 20 or more points in 18 games.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
Aaron Gordon DEN PF 17 PTS | 2 REB | 3 STL | 29.9 FPS
Gordon has shot 22-for-32 from two and a perfect 12-for-12 at the line in his first two games.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT OF THE GAME:
Tim Hardaway Jr. DEN SG 4 PTS | 1 STL | 1 TO
Hardaway has been struggling from three, converting just 3 of 10 attempts in two games this conference.
