Monday night at Chase Center was supposed to be an opportunity for the Golden State Warriors to extend their momentum, especially with the Denver Nuggets missing two of their biggest stars—two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the ever-reliable Jamal Murray. However, despite Denver being shorthanded, the Warriors couldn't capitalize, suffering a tough 114-105 loss at home in San Francisco.
Warriors Struggle from Deep
One of the biggest surprises of the night was the Warriors’ cold shooting from beyond the arc. Known for their lethal three-point shooting, they looked completely out of rhythm, managing just 8-of-33 from deep—a dismal 24.2%. That kind of performance is uncharacteristic for a team that thrives on perimeter scoring, and it played a crucial role in their inability to mount a serious comeback.
Turnovers and Missed Opportunities
Adding to their shooting woes, Golden State simply couldn’t take care of the ball. The Warriors turned the ball over 20 times, giving the Nuggets extra possessions that they converted into key buckets. Even Stephen Curry, usually the steadying force for this team, had an unusually sloppy night, leading the team with seven turnovers. His shooting struggles compounded the problem—he finished with 20 points but needed 21 shots to get there, hitting just 6-of-21 from the field.
A Glimmer of Hope, but Too Little, Too Late
Despite their struggles, the Warriors did manage to make things interesting late in the fourth quarter. After trailing by double digits for most of the game, they fought back to cut Denver’s lead down to just five points. But the surge came too late, and the Nuggets, led by standout performances from Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook, held on to secure the victory.
Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook Shine for Denver
With Jokic and Murray out, Aaron Gordon stepped up in a big way, pouring in a season-high 38 points. His aggressive play and efficient scoring kept the Nuggets in control throughout the night. Meanwhile, Russell Westbrook delivered a vintage performance, racking up a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and an impressive 16 assists. His ability to push the pace and distribute the ball gave Denver the edge they needed to fend off any Warriors’ rally.
Warriors' Losing Streak Against Denver Continues
This latest defeat marks a troubling trend for the Warriors—they have now lost nine straight regular-season matchups against the Nuggets. The last time they secured a win against Denver in the regular season was back in 2022. That’s a streak that certainly doesn’t sit well for a franchise accustomed to dominance in recent years.
Jimmy Butler Leads the Way
Though it was a rough night overall for Golden State, Jimmy Butler had a solid outing, leading the team with 23 points on an efficient 8-of-16 shooting. He also contributed across the board with eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and a block. Butler’s effort was one of the few bright spots for the Warriors, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
Looking Ahead: A Quick Turnaround
The Warriors won’t have much time to dwell on this loss. They’ll need to regroup quickly, as they face another tough test on Tuesday in the second leg of a back-to-back against the Milwaukee Bucks. Given their struggles against Denver, Golden State will have to make some major adjustments, particularly in their shooting and ball security, if they hope to avoid another frustrating night.
Can the Warriors shake off this defeat and bounce back strong, or will their slump against elite teams continue? The matchup against the Bucks will be a true test of their resilience.
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