The Denver Nuggets are 15-2 since the All-Star break and have moved into first place in the Western Conference.
One of those two losses came at home against the Phoenix Suns three weeks ago, ending a six-game winning streak. Phoenix (42-30) has a chance to end another streak by the defending champions – this time a four-game streak – when it visits Denver (51-21) on Wednesday night.
The Suns are coming off a disappointing 104-102 loss Monday in San Antonio, without Victor Wembanyama, and saw a three-game winning streak snapped. It was a missed opportunity to move closer to the top six seeds in the Western Conference.
With the Suns’ last 10 games against teams currently in playoff position, this was a tough loss for Phoenix.
“It’s unacceptable to lose this game for our guys,” coach Frank Vogel said. “We all said the right things, we all did the right preparation to go in, but we didn’t play with the concentration and the disposition needed throughout the first half, I would say. You give the life to a team like that and that’s how the NBA works.”
Things won’t get any easier for the Suns either. Center Jusuf Nurkic left Monday’s game late in the third quarter with a right ankle injury and did not return. He apparently did not practice Tuesday. Additionally, Bradley Beal is out with a sprained right ring finger and is listed as a game decision for Wednesday.
Nurkic was one of the few centers who defended well against two-time MVP Nikola Jokic. The two are good friends and broke into the league with the Nuggets. They competed together for a few years, which helped when Nurkic plays Jokic. If he can’t go, Bol Bol might have some time to defend Jokic.
Denver also struggled with injuries but continued to roll. Jokic (lower back pain, left hip inflammation) and Jamal Murray (left ankle sprain) missed Saturday’s win at Portland, and Murray, Aaron Gordon (right plantar fasciitis) and Zeke Nnaji (adductor tendonitis ) did not play in a resounding victory. Memphis Monday evening.
Nnaji has been ruled out for Wednesday, while Murray and Gordon are game-time decisions. If they can’t go, their backups get extra minutes. Reggie Jackson recovered from a slump and played well replacing Murray. Christian Braun, who started for Gordon on Monday, turned a corner after his poor play early in the season. Reggie Jackson recovered from a slump and played well replacing Murray. Christian Braun, who started for Gordon on Monday, turned a corner after his poor play early in the season.
Braun was a key player off the bench during last year’s title run, but struggled early this season. He’s come through tough times, scoring 17 points in each of the last two games and doing the little things that helped him play a valuable role in last year’s rotation.
“There’s been no change, I’m just playing basketball the right way, showing up for work, doing the same thing that I’ve been doing every day since I’ve been here,” Braun said after the Monday’s 128-103 victory. the Grizzlies. “Just keep hungry, keep working, do what I do, stick to my routine. I knew it would happen. I had confidence in my abilities.”
