Suns at Nuggets
The Phoenix Suns hope to match a promising performance in their season opener at home, but they will have to do it without a key player when they visit the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Second-year center Deandre Ayton, who had 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks in the 124-95 win over Sacramento on Wednesday, was suspended 25 games Thursday for violating the terms of the NBA/NBPA Anti-Drug Program by testing positive for a diuretic.
The Suns have not made the playoffs since 2009-10 and averaged 22 wins the past four seasons, but received 22 points along with 10 assists from Devin Booker as they forced 27 turnovers overall and outscored the Kings 70-36 in the second half for first-year coach Monty Williams. “We have a lot of potential, but it’s just one game,” Suns new point guard Ricky Rubio told reporters after recording 11 points and 11 assists in the victory. “We have to show it every night. (Thursday) we come back, go to practice and get better.” Denver had its highest win total (54) since 2012-13 before losing in Game 7 of the second round in the Western Conference playoffs last season against Portland, but got a bit of revenge by spoiling the Trail Blazers’ home opener Wednesday as All-Star Nikola Jokic scored 16 of his 20 points in the fourth quarter of a 108-100 win. “Nikola in the fourth quarter was phenomenal, showed everybody why he’s an MVP-caliber player,” Nuggets coach Mike Malone told reporters after his team drained 18-of-32 from 3-point range.
TV: 9 p.m. ET, FS Arizona (Phoenix), Altitude, KTVD (Denver)
ABOUT THE SUNS (1-0): Ayton was impressed with Rubio’s vision in the opener, telling the Arizona Republic: “You don’t know when that pass is coming. It’s fun. Running around. He wants to pass. You’re just looking for that first look or have the first chance to give the team a bucket.” Forward Kelly Oubre Jr., who averaged 16.9 points in 40 games after coming over from Washington last season, scored 21 and grabbed nine rebounds in the opener. Tyler Johnson had 10 of the 45 points off the bench for Phoenix on Wednesday and is 22 shy of 3,000 for his career while fellow reserve guard Jevon Carter contributed 11 points.
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (1-0): Guard Will Barton was limited to just 43 games in an injury-plagued 2018-19 season, but looked healthy Wednesday while pouring in 19 points and grabbing five rebounds in 31 minutes. “I’m very excited, anxious,” Barton told the Denver Post after the victory. “I just love the game. Start a new season, I missed a lot of last season so it’s here, and I’m ready to rock and roll.” Seven different players connected on multiple 3-pointers for Denver in the opener as veteran forward Paul Millsap (11 points, two blocks), Jokic and guard Jamal Murray (14 points, six assists) each drained three to lead the way.
BUZZER BEATERS
1. Denver SF Torrey Craig had 10 points and six rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench Wednesday.
2. Phoenix rookie Gs Ty Jerome (ankle sprain) and Cameron Johnson (calf soreness) are questionable after missing the opener.
3. The Nuggets won three of four meetings last season, beating the Suns by a combined 65 points in the two at home.