The Lakers and the Nuggets had some intense playoff battles this decade. First, the Lakers beat them in the bubble on their way to their NBA championship. Then the Nuggets beat them in back-to-back seasons, including in 2023 when they won it all.

The Suns lost all five of those without Beal and Durant, who was also in his second game back after missing seven, also with a left calf strain. He grabbed at his left ankle in the fourth quarter after Nets forward Ben Simmons stepped on it in transition, but Durant said after the game he’s fine.

The event featured representatives from 120 countries. Nadeen Ayoub became the first woman to represent Palestinian people at the pageant, and made it to the final 30 semifinalists before she was eliminated. Friday’s finale was hosted by American comedian Steve Byrne and opened with a performance by Thai singer Jeff Satur.