The Phoenix Suns were never in this game as they handed the Denver Nuggets their first win in Phoenix since 2004. By "handed them the win" we are referring to the 32 points the Nuggets scored off the 19 Suns' turnovers. Denver was more athletic and active on both ends of the floor as they over-powered the Suns in a wire-to-wire rout.
The Suns defense which had shown signs of improvement in recent weeks reverted back to early season form as they allowed the Nuggets to shoot 67 percent in the first quarter and score 24 of their 30 points in the paint. Alvin Gentry responded with a lot of zone defense but that didn't help much either as the Nuggets attacked the baseline and still found ways to score at the rim.
"If you look at the points in the pain, which was 66, and if you look at their (points off turnovers), 32, I mean that's almost 100 of their points. You will have no chance to beat this team if you have those kinds of stats," Gentry said after the game.
The banged up Steve Nash looked particularly sloppy and slow as turned the ball over six times and only record seven assists and seven points in 27 minutes of play. His backup, and the guy the Suns trade Goran Dragic and a first round pick, wasn't very effective either despite the nine points he put up in garbage time.
The only bright spot for Phoenix was Marcin Gortat's 18 rebounds. For the first time since arriving in Phoenix, he started the second half in place of Robin Lopez who continues to baffle and disappoint with his performances of late.
The Nuggets were led by Nene's 22 points but got the balanced scoring and defense that coach George Karl lauded before the game.
"Are we an offensive or defensive team?...I don't know. They both were pretty good. I probably think tonight we were more dominating defensively," Nuggets coach George Karl said.
For postgame videos of the press conference and locker room videos, visit SB Nation Arizona's YouTube page. Postgame fan reaction at Bright Side of the Sun.