The Denver Nuggets made a powerful statement in their NBA Cup debut, dismantling the short-handed Golden State Warriors 129-104 at Ball Arena. With Stephen Curry sidelined by illness, the Warriors struggled to find rhythm on either end of the floor, while Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray orchestrated a clinic in teamwork and precision.
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A Night Without Curry — and Without Answers
The energy in Denver was high, but the buzz felt different without the Warriors’ superstar on the court. Curry’s absence left Golden State looking for direction and offensive spark. Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler tried to keep the team afloat, but the Nuggets quickly took control, surging to an early double-digit lead that never faded.
Green showed flashes of leadership, knocking down five three-pointers and finishing with 16 points, while Butler led the team with 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists in 26 minutes. The Warriors’ bench contributed solid efforts — Quinten Post, Pat Spencer, and rookie Will Richard all scored in double figures, with Richard continuing his strong start to the season with 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
Despite their effort, the Warriors’ offensive flow appeared flat and predictable. Without Curry’s signature playmaking and gravity, Denver’s defense anticipated every move, closing passing lanes and forcing contested shots.
WARRIORS VS NUGGETS
Jokić and Murray Lead a Masterclass
At the center of Denver’s dominance stood Nikola Jokić — calm, methodical, and unstoppable. The reigning MVP flirted with yet another triple-double, tallying 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists in just 28 minutes. His efficiency was unmatched, hitting 12 of 15 shots from the field without a single free throw attempt.
Jokić’s ability to dictate the tempo and create scoring opportunities for his teammates showcased why Denver remains one of the most balanced and dangerous teams in the league. His control of the floor turned what could have been a competitive matchup into a showcase of brilliance.
Beside him, Jamal Murray fueled the Nuggets’ attack with 23 points and eight assists. His two back-to-back three-pointers in the second quarter halted a potential Warriors comeback, igniting a decisive 34–18 run that buried Golden State before halftime. By the break, Denver led 66–49 and never looked back.
Depth, Defense, and Dominance
Denver’s strength wasn’t just in its stars — it was in its depth. Aaron Gordon added 18 points with relentless energy, while Jonas Valančiūnas chipped in 16 points off the bench. The Nuggets’ second unit, often a weak spot in past seasons, was spectacular, maintaining the team’s energy and pace during Jokić’s rest minutes.
Assistant coach David Adelman, filling in on the sideline, praised the group’s performance: “That group that came in when they went on the 10-0 run... they were the reason why we won the game.”
The Nuggets improved to 6-2 on the season and a perfect 5-0 at home, reinforcing their dominance in the Mile High City. For Golden State, the loss marked their second straight defeat, dropping them to 5-5 overall and 0-1 in NBA Cup Group C play with a -25 point differential.
What’s Next for the Warriors
Golden State will look to bounce back in Texas next week, where they’ll face the San Antonio Spurs in their second NBA Cup matchup. Coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic that Curry will return soon, sharing that the star guard was “feeling a little better” and could rejoin the lineup by Sunday.
For now, the Warriors are reminded of a hard truth — without Curry, their offense lacks its heartbeat. The team will need more than flashes of brilliance from Green and Butler if they hope to compete in a deep Western Conference field.
An Early Season Message from the Champions
For Denver, this win was more than just another victory. It was a reminder to the league that the road to Western supremacy still runs through Ball Arena. With Jokić conducting and Murray igniting, the Nuggets are proving that their championship pedigree is no fluke.
Their control, chemistry, and confidence sent a clear message: even against a dynasty, the defending champions won’t yield an inch of their home court.
Conclusion
The Nuggets’ blowout win wasn’t just a box-score triumph — it was a reflection of their maturity, teamwork, and balance. Jokić’s effortless excellence, Murray’s fire, and the bench’s resilience made it clear that Denver isn’t just defending a title; they’re defining how champions play.
For the Warriors, the lesson is equally clear. Even dynasties must adapt. With Curry’s return on the horizon, Golden State’s next challenge lies in rediscovering its identity — one built on trust, movement, and belief that their story isn’t done yet.
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