The Phoenix Suns head to Denver and surprise fans and pundits alike by reaching deep into the experimental chamber and shaking up their starting lineup and key rotations for this showdown in the Mile High City.

The opening quarter

With successful 3-point throws at the beginning and often with determination, the Suns set the pace right from the start. The first quarter was characterized by a strong Suns team that went back on defense, showed active hands and increased the tempo.

The first quarter ended with the Suns hanging on and keeping the box score pretty close:

SUNS 26 | NUGGETS 33

The second quarter

Royce went deeper into the bench to start the second quarter while TyTy Washington stayed in the game. The Nuggets were on the bench for extended minutes here. Julian Strawther made key perimeter shots and the Nuggets looked like they were pulling away.

Surprisingly, that wasn't the case.

The Suns continued to score – with Bol Bol scoring a few timely baskets – and continued to increase the tempo, leading to a brief period that led to a 12-4 Phoenix run and a Nuggets timeout midway through the second period.

At that point, Michael Malone calls a timeout, gets the starters back on the court, and steadies the ship heading into halftime.

SUNS 51 | NUGGETS 60

The third quarter

The Suns' theme in this game was established in the third quarter:serenity. Defensively, Ryan Dunn and Royce O'Neale set the tone. Aided by some excellent heads-up play from Monte Morris, the Suns gained ground as the Nuggets returned to their backup lineups.

Collin Gillespie surprises with good work, some baskets and ball movement, and then the head count begins:

Bol Bol

Monte Morris

Collin Gillespie

Mason Plumlee

Suddenly the penny drops…Mike Budenholzer is out here playing chess and making sure all the former Nuggets players are playing seriously on the court. And it works. Do the Suns have a death row?

SUN 88 | NUGGETS 90

The fourth quarter

When the Suns lined up until the 3rd, they were almost dominant until the 4th. Ryan Dunn continued to do everything he could to play physical and effective defense. The offense continued through standard situations and voluminous three-point throws. Both teams went to the bench in the fourth quarter, and Ryan Dunn continued his impressive rookie season, making 6-of-11 three-pointers – capped by the shot of the night – and sealed the game with a huge three-pointer with 18 seconds left on the clock .

Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Suns win gold in Denver, crowning a solid victory based on team strength and composure:

SUNS WIN 118-114 in Denver

Stars of the game!

• Ryan Dunn 20pts 4 Rebs 4ast 3blks 2stls
• Monte Morris 20 points 7ast 2stls
• Bol Bol 14 points 7 vines
• Royce O'Neale 17 pts 4 Rebs 4ast 2stls
• Collin Gillespie 12 pts. 6 ast

Great job here for Phoenix. This is the kind of game that raises high hopes for the upcoming season. The tempo, the pressing defense, the three-point volume (the team took 50 threes and hit 23, a staggering 46%!). You love watching it!

And how nice it is when seven players sit out for Phoenix. At least for one night in Denver — during preseason — the Suns have a lineup of death.