The Denver Nuggets leaned on a stellar performance from Nikola Jokic to overcome the Golden State Warriors, clinching a 119-115 victory on Tuesday night.
Jokic’s near triple-double effort fueled Denver’s comeback, extending their dominance over Golden State while handing the Warriors their fifth straight loss.
Jokic Delivers in Crunch Time
Jokic once again showcased why he’s a perennial MVP contender, racking up 38 points, 10 rebounds, and five steals. Though he fell just four assists short of recording his NBA-leading ninth triple-double of the season, his all-around brilliance was pivotal in the Nuggets’ triumph. With 138 career triple-doubles, Jokic remains tied with Magic Johnson for the third-most in NBA history—a milestone within reach as the season progresses.
Supporting Cast Steps Up for Denver
Michael Porter Jr. contributed 22 points, providing consistent scoring alongside Jokic, while Aaron Gordon delivered 15 points and nine rebounds. Gordon’s late-game heroics, including clutch free throws with 48 seconds left, helped secure the win for Denver, who rallied back from a 10-point deficit in the final quarter.
Warriors’ Woes Continue
Golden State’s struggles deepened with their fifth consecutive loss, dropping them to 12-8 after a blistering 12-3 start. Steph Curry led the Warriors with 24 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, but his shooting woes continued as he hit just 4-of-15 from beyond the arc. Jonathan Kuminga chipped in 19 points, showcasing his offensive potential, but it wasn’t enough to fend off Denver’s late surge.
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Fourth-Quarter Drama
Trailing 90-85 entering the fourth quarter, Golden State exploded for a 19-4 run to grab a 104-94 lead. However, the Nuggets responded with poise, chipping away at the deficit before Gordon’s free throws put Denver ahead for good. Jamal Murray’s crucial steal with 20 seconds remaining sealed the game, denying the Warriors a chance at a tying or go-ahead bucket.
Missing Draymond Green
The Warriors felt the absence of Draymond Green, who sat out with left calf tightness. Green’s defensive presence was sorely missed as Denver repeatedly found success in the paint during critical moments. His leadership on both ends of the court has been a stabilizing force for Golden State, and his return will be essential if they hope to reverse their recent skid.
Nuggets Maintain Dominance Over Warriors
Tuesday’s win marked Denver’s eighth consecutive regular-season victory against Golden State and their 11th in the past 12 meetings. The Nuggets have had the Warriors’ number in recent matchups, with their ability to close out tight games proving to be the difference.
Key Statistics Highlight Tight Battle
As has often been the case between these two teams, the contest was decided in the margins. Eight of the past 10 matchups have been settled by six points or fewer, underscoring the competitiveness of this budding rivalry.
Curry’s Struggles from Deep
Despite his double-double performance, Curry’s uncharacteristic struggles from three-point range were a glaring issue. Shooting just 27% from beyond the arc on the night, his inability to connect consistently allowed Denver to stay within striking distance.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
The Nuggets will head to Cleveland on Thursday night, looking to maintain their momentum against a surging Cavaliers team. Meanwhile, the Warriors will host the Houston Rockets on the same night in an NBA Cup quarterfinal clash. Golden State hopes to snap their losing streak and regain their early-season form.
Denver’s victory not only reinforced their position as a Western Conference powerhouse but also highlighted their ability to execute in high-pressure situations. For Golden State, the loss raised questions about their depth and defensive consistency, areas they’ll need to address moving forward.
