SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 114-105, overcoming significant injuries to key players. Aaron Gordon scored a season-best 38 points, demonstrating remarkable resilience on the road as the Nuggets outperformed expectations.
Russell Westbrook also had a huge night, contributing not only on the scoreboard with 12 points but also delivering a triple-double—his 16 assists and 12 rebounds proving pivotal for Denver. Meanwhile, the Warriors had been riding high, boasting a seven-game winning streak before this unfortunate setback.
Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 23 points, accompanied by Stephen Curry, who put up 20 points and seven assists. Draymond Green, not to be overshadowed, notched his 6,000th career rebound during the game, solidifying his legacy within the franchise. Despite these efforts, the Warriors struggled significantly from three-point range, shooting just 8-for-33 overall.
The matchup took place at Chase Center on the evening of March 17, 2025, and marked a potential early playoff preview, albeit with both teams fielding weakened lineups. The Nuggets were missing two of their stars, Nikola Jokić, sidelined with a bruised right elbow, and Jamal Murray, out due to a sprained right ankle. These absences could have led many to predict trouble for Denver, but they surprised fans and analysts alike.
“It was really beautiful to sort of be honored by their presence,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr after the game, reflecting on another milestone of his coaching career. He reached 558 wins, surpassing Hall of Famer Al Attles as the franchise's all-time winningest coach just days earlier. This honor was overshadowed by the loss but marks another chapter for Kerr, who has led the Warriors through significant transformations since taking over the coaching reins.
Draymond Green, reflecting on Kerr's influence on the team, said, "He has been as important as anybody in what this organization’s become.” The team has changed considerably under Kerr's leadership, transitioning to one of the most respected franchises within the NBA.
The first quarter turned out to be particularly challenging for the Warriors, as they shot just 1-for-8 from three-point range and missed 13 of their first 14 attempts. This slow start allowed the Nuggets to capitalize, pushing the Warriors to fall behind early in the game.
After extending their lead, the Nuggets maintained their composure, taking advantage of their opponents' inability to find their shooting rhythm. Michael Porter Jr. added to Denver's success with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, proving the depth of their roster.
Golden State's fortunes previously seemed on the upswing, perched within the playoff picture and enjoying the home-court advantage, yet this defeat marks the beginning of uncertainty as the regular season nears conclusion. The Warriors drop to 39-28, holding onto the sixth seed and with the Minnesota Timberwolves closely trailing.
Post-game, Kerr spoke fondly of the support from the fanbase and the organization, emphasizing how deeply he values being part of this community. “Growing up in L.A. as a Laker fan...he was an iconic NBA figure,” he said, discussing Al Attles' legacy as intertwined with his own coaching achievements.
The Nuggets, now 12-8 on the road against the Western Conference, will press forward with their momentum as they prepare for their next game against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 19. After this defeat, the Warriors have little time to ponder as they are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks on March 18.
This game showcased the determination of both teams even when faced with adversity. With the playoffs approaching, the competition is undoubtedly heating up as all franchises jockey for playoff positioning. The reality in the league is stark: any misstep could redefine playoff fates, and teams will need to adapt swiftly as the count-down continues.
