The Golden State Warriors suffered a surprising 105-114 defeat at home to the Denver Nuggets on Monday night, a loss made more striking by the absence of key Nuggets starters Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun. Despite the depleted Denver lineup, the Warriors were unable to capitalize, snapping their seven-game winning streak and raising concerns as the regular season nears its conclusion.
The Warriors struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting just 8-for-33 from beyond the arc. Stephen Curry had an off night, scoring 20 points on 6-for-21 shooting, including 4-for-14 from three-point range. His seven turnovers further compounded the team’s woes, as Denver’s defense effectively disrupted Golden State’s flow.
Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 23 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, while Gary Payton II provided a spark off the bench with 18 points on 8-for-10 shooting. However, the team’s overall lack of cohesion and defensive lapses proved costly.
The Nuggets, meanwhile, were propelled by standout performances from Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook. Gordon delivered a season-high 38 points, dominating the paint and exploiting mismatches throughout the game. Westbrook recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds, showcasing his playmaking ability and leadership in the absence of Denver’s usual stars.
Denver’s bench also stepped up, with key contributions from Peyton Watson and Vlatko Čančar, who combined for crucial baskets in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Golden State’s defense, typically a strength, faltered against Denver’s relentless attack. The Warriors allowed 58 points in the paint and struggled to contain Gordon’s physicality. Draymond Green, who reached a career milestone with his 6,000th rebound, contributed defensively with five blocks and three steals but was unable to anchor the team effectively against Denver’s balanced offense.
The loss drops the Warriors to 39-29 on the season, while the Nuggets improve to 44-25, solidifying their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. With the Milwaukee Bucks visiting Chase Center on Tuesday, the Warriors will need to regroup quickly to avoid a potential slide as the playoff race intensifies.
For Golden State, the defeat serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need for consistency and focus, especially against undermanned opponents. As the postseason approaches, the Warriors will look to address their shortcomings and rediscover the form that has made them perennial contenders.
