Murray scores 39 points, Braun adds 31 to lead Nuggets over the Suns 127-120 in NBA Cup

PHOENIX (AP) — Jamal Murray scored 39 points, Christian Braun added 31 and the Denver Nuggets rode a hot-shooting night to beat the Phoenix Suns 127-120 in an NBA Cup group stage game Friday night.

Murray scored 28 points in the second half and finished 10 of 18 from the floor, including 7 of 9 from 3-point range. The Nuggets made 20 3s and shot 52.6% from behind the arc.

Three-time MVP Nikola Jokic had 18 points and 10 assists and all five starters scored in double figures. The Nuggets took a 103-93 lead after three quarters and never trailed in the fourth, turning back the Suns, who could never get the game within one possession down the stretch.

Miles Bridges scored 24 points to lead the Suns, Devin Booker had 20 on his 30th birthday and Collin Gillespie added 16 points and 10 assists off the bench.

Suns forward Dillon Brooks was ejected in the third quarter after he kicked Murray in the groin on a turnaround jumper. Brooks was leading the team with 22 points at the time.

The Nuggets have a six-game winning streak in the series, dating to Christmas Day in 2024. Denver won consecutive games for the first time this season.

Braun poured in 22 points in the first half, shooting 8 of 10 from the field and hitting all six of his 3-pointers. The Nuggets made 13 of 20 (65%) from beyond the arc before the break to take a 71-67 lead into halftime.

Brooks helped the Suns stay close before the break, nearly matching Braun after scoring 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including 4 of 5 on 3s.

Nuggets: Host Portland on Monday night.

Suns: At Golden State on Monday night.

See AP’s full NBA coverage here

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, bottom, has the ball stolen from him by Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (0) and forward Cameron Johnson (23) during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Oct 30, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges, center, drives between Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Oct 30, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) drives around Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, left, during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Oct 30, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Phoenix Suns forward Miles Bridges, center, drives between Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) and center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Oct 30, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks, front right, passes the ball around Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game, Friday, Oct 30, 2026, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

COLOGNE, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct 31, 2026--

This week, amidst the international delegates gathered at Cologne Zoo for the 81st Annual Conference of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a historic moment unfolded, where for the first time in 30 years, Egypt’s historic Giza Zoo is participating in the global summit taking place from October 25 to 29, 2026, hosted by Cologne Zoo in Germany.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261031782229/en/

This long-awaited return marks a significant milestone in Giza Zoo’s ambitious transformation journey, as one of the world’s oldest zoological institutions works to reclaim its place within the international zoological community. More than a symbolic reconnection, the participation reflects a renewed commitment to international standards, animal welfare, and wildlife conservation, as the zoo progresses along a structured pathway toward global accreditation and membership.

At the heart of this new chapter is a comprehensive, multi-phase redevelopment project aimed at restoring Giza Zoo’s historic significance while transforming it into a modern, world-class destination for conservation, education, and research. Led by Egyptian developer Hadayieq under a 25-year concession agreement covering both Giza Zoo and the neighboring Orman Garden, the transformation brings together leading international zoo-planning specialists, veterinary experts, and Egyptian scientific leadership to revitalize the landmark institution.

The redevelopment goes far beyond physical restoration. From redesigning animal habitats and upgrading enclosures to modernizing life-support systems and operational practices, the project is guided by international benchmarks, drawing on African association for wildlife in human care standards alongside selected guidelines from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Animal welfare, environmental education, scientific research, and wildlife conservation remain central to the transformation, laying the foundations for a more sustainable future.

While embracing modern zoological practices, the project is equally committed to preserving the zoo’s remarkable heritage. Founded in 1891 on the historic royal grounds laid out by Khedive Ismail, Giza Zoo holds the distinction of being Africa’s first zoo and one of the oldest zoological gardens in the world. With its rare botanical collections, historic architecture, and iconic suspension bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, the zoo has long been an important part of Egypt’s cultural identity. The ongoing renovation seeks to honor this legacy while reimagining the experience for future generations.

The progress achieved through this transformation has drawn recognition from the international zoological community. Welcoming Giza Zoo’s historic return, David Field, WAZA President, emphasized the significance of the project, stating: “Reconnecting historic zoos like Giza Zoo with the global community is at the heart of our mission. As Africa’s first zoo, Giza Zoo carries a remarkable legacy, and its commitment to international standards and animal welfare is an encouraging step forward. Three years is an incredibly short time for a transformation of this scale. Revitalizing such a historic institution requires extensive research, meticulous planning, and a commitment to getting every detail right.”

He added: “The progress achieved in just three years is remarkable, but a transformation of this magnitude cannot happen overnight. What matters most is building a lasting legacy that prioritizes animal welfare, conservation, and meaningful visitor experiences. By taking the time to meet the highest international standards, Giza Zoo is laying the foundations for a world-class destination that serves its animals, inspires its visitors, and makes Egypt proud for generations to come.”

Beyond international recognition, Giza Zoo’s renewed engagement with WAZA opens opportunities for greater collaboration with leading zoological institutions worldwide. Through knowledge exchange and access to international expertise, the zoo aims to strengthen its capabilities in endangered species breeding, veterinary research, and conservation initiatives, supporting its long-term ambition to become an active contributor to global wildlife preservation.

As the transformation continues, Giza Zoo’s return to the international stage represents more than the revival of a historic landmark. It signals the beginning of a new era that brings together over 130 years of heritage with modern science, conservation, and animal welfare. With a clear vision for the future, the redevelopment aims to restore Giza Zoo as a leading conservation and educational destination, creating a lasting legacy for future generations of Egyptians while reaffirming its place on the global zoological map.

*Source:AETOSWire

Giza Zoo Delegation (Photo: AETOSWire)

Giza Zoo Delegation (Photo: AETOSWire)