PHOENIX (AP) — Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal limped off the court in the fourth quarter of Wednesday night's 127-117 loss to the Brooklyn Nets in what could be another injury setback for the three-time All-Star.
Beal didn’t return to the game after tumbling to the ground midway through the fourth quarter. As he was leaving the arena, he was asked if it was his left ankle or calf bothering him, and he responded “both.”
Beal has played just two games since returning from a strained left calf that caused him to miss five straight games. The 31-year-old has struggled with various injuries over the past 3 1/2 seasons, never playing more than 53 out of 82 regular season games.
“He had a couple different times where he stepped on somebody's foot,” Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said. “We'll hope for the best, but I have no update right now.”
Beal was playing well before his injury, scoring 17 points on 8-of-14 shooting. The Suns have lost seven of their past nine games.
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Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal drives on Brooklyn Nets forward Ziaire Williams (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) drives between Brooklyn Nets guard Shake Milton, guard Keon Johnson (45), guard Dennis Schroder (17), and guard Tyrese Martin (13) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Phoenix. Brooklyn won 127-117. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Brooklyn Nets guard Dennis Schroder and Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) talk during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Phoenix. Brooklyn won 127-117. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Nikola Jokic had 30 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 122-103 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
Jokic scored 19 points on 8-of-10 shooting in the first quarter alone to rally Denver from an early 12-point deficit.
Jamal Murray added 22 points, eight assists and four steals for the Nuggets. Michael Porter Jr. had 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Christian Braun finished with 18 points and seven boards.
Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 26 points. Keyonte George scored 23, including five 3-pointers. Walker Kessler chipped in with 16 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.
Utah played without injured starters Lauri Markkanen and John Collins.
Denver broke open a close game behind a 21-4 run extending from the middle of the second quarter into the third. With three baskets apiece, Murray and Porter fueled the spurt, which gave the Nuggets a 70-53 lead.
Utah trailed by double digits the rest of the way.
Nuggets: Jokic proved too much for the shorthanded Jazz to handle. His efficient offense helped Denver turn a sluggish start into a blowout victory.
Jazz: Micah Potter and Svi Mykhailiuk made their first starts of the season. They combined for 16 points, and Potter grabbed a career-high 16 rebounds.
After George tied it on a 3-pointer midway through the second quarter, the Nuggets held the Jazz to two baskets during an eight-minute stretch spanning the second and third quarters.
Denver scored 28 points off 18 Utah turnovers. Takeaways also helped the Nuggets tally 33 fast-break points.
The Nuggets play at the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, while the Jazz host the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday.
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Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) shoots as Denver Nuggets center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Julian Strawther, right, defend, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) takes the ball to the basket against Jazz guard Keyonte George and Jazz forward Drew Eubanks during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Denver Nuggets forward Hunter Tyson (5) and Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, middle, go for a loose ball, as Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, middle, go for a loose ball, as Denver Nuggets guard Julian Strawther (3) looks on during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) shoots as Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun is guarded by, Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun looks to pass as Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton, middle, and Utah Jazz forward Drew Eubanks, right, defend during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) gets past Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (3) as he goes to the hoop, during the first half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Utah Jazz forward Brice Sensabaugh (28) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Egan)
