According to Varzesh 3, while trailing by as many as 23 points against New Orleans, the Denver Nuggets turned the tide of the match with the collaboration of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, securing a dramatic win in overtime. Jokic narrowed the gap on Russell Westbrook's record with the 199th triple-double of his professional career, making Jamal Mosley's squad's bitter start even heavier with three consecutive losses. Meanwhile in Phoenix, the Suns bounced back from a heavy opening game defeat to overcome Golden State, relying on Devin Booker's extraordinary efficiency. Playing their third game in four days, and without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors could not handle the host's fast pace, starting the season with three straight losses for the first time in nineteen years.
Nuggets' Historic Comeback from a 23-Point Deficit in Overtime
Denver Nuggets 141 - 135 New Orleans Pelicans
On a night when they lacked several key players including Cam Johnson, Alpha Diallo, Julian Strawther, and Spencer Jones due to injury, the Denver Nuggets staged one of the most exciting comebacks of the season. New Orleans stretched the lead to 23 points by shooting a staggering 65.9 percent in the first half, and entered the final period with a 19-point advantage at the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, long-range shots from Murray and Jokic, alongside Aaron Gordon's reverse dunk, erased the deficit. With 17 seconds remaining, Murray tied the game by converting two free throws, sending the match into a five-minute overtime.
In overtime, Nikola Jokic scored eight of his 35 points, celebrating the 199th regular-season triple-double of his career alongside 15 rebounds and 10 assists. Jamal Murray appeared unstoppable with 42 points, and Denver rookie Trevon Brazile clinched the hosts' victory by scoring seven points in overtime, including a key corner three-pointer with 85 seconds left. For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy scored 26 points, Dejounte Murray 22, and Zion Williamson 17, though Yves Missi's knee injury—which the medical staff announced is just a simple bruise—was the only positive news for Jamal Mosley's winless team.
Booker's Fireworks and the Warriors' Worst Start in 19 Years
Phoenix Suns 131 - 122 Golden State Warriors
Following a 41-point blowout loss to Portland in their opener, the Phoenix Suns stepped onto their home court with a completely transformed look to secure their fifth consecutive home opening win. Devin Booker put up a rare performance with 43 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists, bringing the opposing defense to its knees by converting 17 of 25 shots. Booker scored 17 of his points in the third quarter, and Jordan Goodwin's buzzer-beating shot at the end of that quarter sent Phoenix into the fourth with a 10-point safety margin.
Playing their third game in four days, Golden State rested key figures Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Al Horford due to extreme fatigue. In the absence of the big names, Yaxel Lendeborg—with 26 points and 6 successful three-pointers—alongside De'Anthony Melton with 25 points, carried the Warriors' offensive load. Steve Kerr's side resisted until the middle of the final quarter, but Luke Kennard's three-pointer pushed the margin to 15 points, handing Golden State their first three-game losing streak to start a season in 19 years.
Source: Varzesh 3
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