The Denver Nuggets put on a show Tuesday night, pulling off a thrilling comeback to defeat the Golden State Warriors 119-115. It was one of those matchups that kept you on the edge of your seat, with the Nuggets rallying impressively to take a commanding 15-point lead in the last six minutes of the game. This victory was not just a win for Denver; it also marked the continuation of tough times for the Warriors. Despite the loss, Golden State still managed to secure the top position in their group during the NBA Cup group stage, specifically in West Group C.
With this victory, the Nuggets improved their record to 11-8, which puts them firmly in eighth place in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Warriors sit at 12-8, now coping with a frustrating five-game losing streak that has landed them in sixth place in the standings. This defeat also extends the Warriors’ troubles against the Nuggets, as they’ve now lost eight straight matchups since their last win on November 23 against the New Orleans Pelicans, which was a nerve-wracking 112-108 affair.
Nikola Jokic was the star of the night, showcasing why he is considered one of the top players in the NBA. He turned in a historic performance with 38 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and five steals—a stat line that only a handful of legends can boast. This was the third time Jokic reached a game-record of 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists along with 5 steals, placing him in elite company with icons like Larry Bird and James Harden. His influence on the game was undeniable and was perfectly echoed by the jubilant response from fans and commentators alike.
Jokic’s teammates also stepped up to the plate, demonstrating the Nuggets’ team depth. Aaron Gordon added 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed significantly with 22 points and seven rebounds. Jamal Murray also played a crucial role in the win, notching 12 points and seven assists, while Christian Braun brought energy off the bench with 11 points and six assists. Their contributions highlight how basketball is very much a team sport, as each player played their part in securing this hard-fought victory.
On the other side of the court, the Warriors gave it their all, but it simply wasn’t enough to hold off the Nuggets’ late-game surge. Stephen Curry, always a force, ended the night with a solid 24 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s dynamics. Jonathan Kuminga emerged as the leading scorer for Golden State with 19 points and five rebounds in just 29 minutes. Andrew Wiggins contributed with 13 points, while Kevon Looney logged an impressive game on the boards with 11 rebounds along with five points and five assists. The bench also chipped in; Brandin Podziemski and Moses Moody each scored 13, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets will have a chance to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday. At the same time, the Warriors will look to break their losing streak when they head to Houston to take on the Rockets in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals on the same day. Clearly, the league’s relentless pace keeps everyone on their toes, and fans can only wonder what the next game will bring. With so much at stake, every game feels like a new chapter waiting to be written in the ongoing saga of this NBA season.
