Phoenix Suns

Lore & Background

On March 7, 2025, the Phoenix Suns hosted what will likely be remembered as one of the most statistically unique games in NBA history. In an overtime victory against Denver, Nikola Jokić posted 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists, becoming the first player ever to achieve a 30–20–20 line. This performance occurred just weeks before a surprising organizational shift for the Nuggets, making it one of the final bright spots before head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth were fired on April 8 due to reported internal conflicts. The Suns also played a crucial role in Denver's roster construction that summer. Although a second-round pick originally held by Denver was forfeited by Phoenix in a previous season due to tampering violations involving Drew Eubanks, the two teams executed a major trade on the first night of the draft. This deal saw the Suns acquire both of Denver's picks (28th and 56th), which became Ryan Dunn and Kevin McCullar Jr., alongside future second-round selections in exchange for the 22nd pick used to select DaRon Holmes II.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of the 2024–25 season took a sharp turn on March 7 when the Nuggets traveled to Phoenix. The game required overtime, but it ended with Nikola Jokić etching his name in the record books rather than just winning a game. His 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists created a singular moment of dominance against the Suns that no other player has matched. Later, on April 8, the tone shifted dramatically for Denver as they announced the firing of both Malone and Booth, citing their inability to get along behind the scenes. The story continued into the draft phase, where the Suns' front office navigated a complex situation involving a forfeited second-round pick from a prior tampering incident with Drew Eubanks. Despite this history, Phoenix and Denver struck a deal on the first night of the two-day draft. The Suns walked away with picks that selected Ryan Dunn and Kevin McCullar Jr., while Denver secured DaRon Holmes II at 22nd overall, reshaping the talent landscape for both franchises.

Reader's Guide

For observers tracking the Nuggets' 2024–25 campaign, the Phoenix Suns represent two distinct data points: a historical regular-season milestone and a complex draft partner. The March 7 game is essential viewing as it marks the only instance of a 30–20–20 performance in NBA history. Fans should note that this victory came during an overtime period, adding to its significance. Regarding roster management, the Suns are the team that acquired Denver's first-round (28th) and second-round (56th) picks in exchange for the 22nd pick. It is important to remember that Phoenix had previously forfeited a different second-round selection due to tampering violations involving Drew Eubanks, marking the third straight year such a forfeiture occurred. When analyzing Denver's path to their seventh straight playoff berth—clinched on April 13 against Houston—the Suns remain a key reference point for both individual achievement and front-office maneuvering.

Did You Know?

• Nikola Jokić became the first player in NBA history to record a 30–20–20 game during an overtime victory against the Suns on March 7, 2025.
• The Phoenix Suns acquired Denver's 28th and 56th draft picks (Ryan Dunn and Kevin McCullar Jr.) in exchange for the 22nd pick (DaRon Holmes II).
• A second-round pick originally held by Denver was forfeited by Phoenix due to tampering violations involving Drew Eubanks, marking the third straight year of such a forfeiture.
• The 2025 NBA draft was two days long instead of the traditional single day.
• Denver fired both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth on April 8, citing their inability to get along behind the scenes.