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Nuggets: Harris matches career high in win over Suns

By Mathew Huff

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 3: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets congratulates Jamal Murray #27 during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JANUARY 3: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets congratulates Jamal Murray #27 during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 3, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Thanks to a high scoring outing from Gary Harris, the Denver Nuggets were able to overpower the Phoenix Suns.

After a first half scare which saw the Denver Nuggets down by six points at half time, they were able to overcome the Phoenix Suns. Denver was able to win by a final score of 134-111.

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It was Gary Harris’ night as he began the game with a 20 point first quarter and eventually finished with 36 points tying his career high he set in a loss to Boston earlier this season. He did this in 32 minutes of play which is just incredible. On top of this, he finished with a 82.4% field goal percentage to go along with two steals and was a +23 on the floor. Gary was clearly the player of the game.

The Nuggets were able to overcome a slow first half and turn the jets on in the second half. A stark contrast from their last match up where the fell to the 76ers and collapsed in the third quarter.

They were able to out rebound the Suns which was a major key considering Phoenix came into this game ranked the sixth best in the league in rebounding. They were somewhat lucky in the fact Tyson Chandler did not play in this game, but they were still able to do what was needed which is the important part. The Nuggets came away with 48 total rebounds compared to the Suns’ 35 boards.

Another overlooked element in this win was how well Denver shot their free throws. The Nuggets have been one of the more inconsistent teams in terms of free throw shooting this year, but this game was different. They finished with a 90.9% free throw percentage as a team and guys like Kenneth Faried and Will Barton really stepped up at the charity stripe. Phoenix was not so lucky as their team free throw percentage was 71.4%.

It was a terrific bounce back game for the Denver Nuggets and a great way to kick off the new year.

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