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Suns React to Jusuf Nurkic's Historic Performance

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Suns
By Donnie Druin | Last updated 3/4/24

It was a losing effort for the Phoenix Suns, though the play of Jusuf Nurkic will go down in history books.

Against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Suns fell in 118-110 fashion without Devin Booker, who was out due to a sprained ankle.

In Booker's absence, the Suns asked others to step up. Some - like Royce O'Neale and his nine points on 3-10 shooting - didn't quite answer the bell. Others such as Bradley Beal (team-high 31 points with six assists) and Eric Gordon (15 points off the bench with three assists) certainly did.

Nurkic tallied 14 points on 7-16 shooting but managed to have raise eyebrows on the glass, grabbing 31 rebounds on the night.

All while fighting through neck spasms that forced him out of action the game prior.

It wasn't just quite the night - it was a historic one.

It was a career high in rebounds for Nurkic while also establishing a Suns franchise record. It was the most rebounds by any player since the 2010-11 season.

Last 4 players with over 30 boards in a game:

Jusuf Nurkic (tonight)
Kevin Love (2010)
Charles Barkley (1996)
Dikembe Mutombo (1996) pic.twitter.com/X6IyRHxlve
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 4, 2024

"It's just an incredible performance, obviously one the best in Phoenix Suns history. He is a beast on the defensive boards. I think he's the best defensive rebounder in the game," Suns coach Frank Vogel said after the game.

"When he gets a lot of offensive rebounds like he did tonight - the [Chet] Holmgren matchup is one that's very challenging to me to defend because of his offensive skillset. ... he [Nurkic] was exceptional there."

Nurkic himself was more focused on the loss:

"They told me when I had like, 28. I think I saw it on the screens. It doesn't really matter. I mean, it's great but we lost the game. ... I think we all agreed in the locker room that's got to change," he said.

"I'm just trying to do my job the best I can."

Nurkic grabbed 13 offensive rebounds but was upset he didn't make a trip to the line once in the loss.

"It's kind of really messed up when you have 13 offensive rebounds, 16 shot attempts and zero free throws. As hard as I worked, I feel like I'm getting fouled as [much as] anybody in the league. ... At least one? Not even one," Nurkic said.

The Suns are back in action on Tuesday when the Denver Nuggets play host.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Suns and was syndicated with permission.

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