Kevin Durant’s OT Heroics Propels Suns Past Nuggets 117-107 Despite Losing Large Lead – Sky Bulletin
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On the road in Denver, Kevin Durant demonstrated clutch performance in overtime, potting 35 points, with eight of those in OT, to lead a Phoenix Suns team missing several key players to a victory over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 117-107 on Tuesday evening.
The Suns experienced a downturn in the fourth quarter, only scoring 12 points, but regained composure in overtime. Contributions came from Bradley Beal, with five of his 16 points coming in OT, but it was Durant’s key basket that stood out.
Facing a significant deficit from earlier in the game, Durant’s pivotal step-back three with just under 27 seconds left to play tied the game. This was despite his prior struggles from the field, missing 14 of his 17 shots before then. “My fundamentals were right on that one,” said a resolute Durant, embracing the quieting of the opposing crowd with his game-tying shot.
Grayson Allen provided hefty support by landing eight 3-pointers and amassing a total of 28 points, which halted the Suns’ losing streak at two.
The Nuggets staged a vigorous comeback in the second half, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jamal Murray hitting crucial shots towards the end. Nevertheless, their efforts were thwarted as Durant tied the game, and Jokic’s last-ditch floaters failed to connect as time expired, sending the contest into OT.
Both Murray, with 28 points, and Jokic, with a double-double of 25 points and 16 rebounds, shined for the Nuggets, despite the team’s winning streak coming to an end.
Amid their own struggle, the Suns dealt with absences from roster members such as Devin Booker and Josh Okogie, but managed a win that keeps them fighting for playoff positioning.
With the win over Denver, the Suns are maneuvering to avoid the play-in tournament with the playoffs in sight. Durant reflected on the accomplishment saying, “But you celebrate little moments.”
After a Suns’ scoring spree, Denver’s coach Michael Malone spurred his team to rally from behind. Nevertheless, the game remained a challenging one, with both teams preparing for their next matchups.
Jokic’s buzzer-beating “Sombor Shuffle” was a highlight of the night despite the eventual loss for Denver, with the Suns looking forward to welcoming Toronto and the Nuggets preparing to take on Boston in their upcoming games.
The NBA community remains engaged with the latest updates available at AP NBA’s official online presence.
FAQs About the Suns-Nuggets Overtime Game
Q: How many points did Kevin Durant score in overtime?
A: Kevin Durant scored eight points in overtime.
Q: Who contributed significantly to the Suns’ victory other than Durant?
A: Grayson Allen added 28 points with eight 3-pointers, and Bradley Beal scored five of his 16 points in overtime.
Q: Did the Nuggets have a chance to win the game at the end of regulation?
A: Yes, Nikola Jokic took a floater as the clock ran down, but it missed, leading to overtime.
Q: Which key players were the Suns missing in this game?
A: The Suns were without Devin Booker, Nassir Little, Damion Lee, and Josh Okogie.
Q: What was at stake for the Suns in this game?
A: The Suns are aiming to secure a spot in the playoffs and avoid the play-in tournament.
Conclusion
In an extraordinary showcase of resilience, the Phoenix Suns, led by Kevin Durant’s late-game heroics and strong contributions from teammates like Grayson Allen and Bradley Beal, overcame a Denver Nuggets comeback and a significant loss of their initial lead to snatch a crucial overtime win on the road. As the regular season winds down, this game highlighted the importance of veteran experience and clutch performance for teams with playoff ambitions, with each side now looking ahead to their respective next challenges in the ever-competitive NBA landscape.
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