Phoenix shot just 39.8 percent from the field and was out-rebounded 39-46. In the paint, the Suns were outscored 50-24. Nurkic, who has been starting at center ahead of Mason Plumlee and rookie Oso Ighodaro, managed just four points, four rebounds and four assists while collecting four fouls.

Nurkic is averaging 9.1 points and 9.6 rebounds in his second season with the Suns. Phoenix acquired him in a three-team deal right before the start of the 2023-24 season that sent Deandre Ayton from the Suns to the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard from the Blazers to the Milwaukee Bucks.