Nuggets overcome Jokic suspension to beat Suns 132-95

When the NBA handed down Nikola Jokic's one-game suspension Friday afternoon, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone called for two things: an explanation from the league and a second shootaround from his players.

He appreciated the first and was satisfied with the second after the Nuggets rallied around their star center's absence in routing the Phoenix Suns 132-95 on Friday night.

"The league was great, and I mean this," Malone said, adding the NBA apologized for not informing him of Jokic's suspension before the Nuggets' noon shootaround.

"They were just busting my chops in there because we brought them back in the afternoon just to walk through the plays once we knew who was in, who was out," Malone said after emerging from his victorious locker room. "But, whatever it takes for a win."

Mason Plumlee laughed about the extra pre-game practice.

"I don't think anyone was happy" about it, he said. "Did we need it? I don't know. He can say it was the right move now because we played well."

Paul Millsap had 20 points to lead eight Nuggets in double figures, and Denver held the Suns to 40 second-half points in handing Phoenix is seventh straight loss.

Jokic, the Nuggets' leader in points, rebounds and assists, was banished for a night by the NBA for leaving the bench during an altercation in Utah two nights earlier.

Although the suspension forced him to juggle his lineup and rotations, Malone said it didn't "change our focus at all because that should not change no matter who's playing in uniform. Obviously, when you are down your best player and an All-Star, other guys have to step up."

That, they did.

Plumlee got the start in Jokic's absence and had 16 points, six assists and seven rebounds in 25 minutes.

"People forget, Mason Plumlee was a starter on a playoff team" in Portland, Malone said. "So, as much as we love Nikola, with Nikola not being here tonight, Mase is more than capable of taking those minutes and playing like Nikola."

All five starters reached double digits and so did reserves Malik Beasley (19 points), Monte Morris (17) and Trey Lyles (12).

"That's what good teams do," Malone said. "When somebody's not here, somebody else steps up."

Jokic's absence sure didn't turn into a blessing for Phoenix.

"They didn't need him the way they played -- or the way we played," Suns coach Igor Kokoskov said.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points. They were without their own big man with DeAndre Ayton missing the game with a sprained left ankle.

"We know we didn't play well tonight," Booker said. "It was kind of embarrassing."

(ESPN)