SAN FRANCISCO -- The Denver Nuggets defied expectations by defeating the Golden State Warriors 114-105 on March 17, 2025, even without their star players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who sat out due to injuries. The absence of these key figures created concern, but Aaron Gordon stepped up, delivering a spectacular performance.
The Nuggets, who were missing three starters, took the court at the Chase Center with determination. Nikola Jokic was sidelined with a right elbow contusion and left ankle impingement, and Jamal Murray was out with left knee inflammation. Christian Braun also missed the game due to left foot inflammation. Coach Michael Malone had made efforts to have Jokic play, but the decision was made for the best interests of the player's health.
Despite these setbacks, the Nuggets jumped to an early lead, thanks largely to Gordon, who exploded for 38 points, shooting 14-of-23 from the field. His performance not only highlighted his scoring prowess but also showcased the depth of the Denver roster. Gordon's effort was complemented by contributions from Michael Porter Jr., who added 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook's solid play, finishing with 12 points and 16 assists.
“All of us had to dig deep today, and everyone contributed to this win,” Gordon remarked, emphasizing the team efforts necessary when facing adversity. The victory was particularly significant as the Nuggets are battling for playoff positioning, now boasting a 44-25 record, tying them with the Houston Rockets for the second seed in the Western Conference.
On the other side of the court, the Warriors were riding high on a seven-game winning streak and needed to maintain their momentum. Led by their usual stars, Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry, the team fought hard but struggled against the Nuggets’ defense. Butler managed to score 23 points, providing leadership and stability, but it wasn’t enough. Curry, who was initially dealing with back issues before the game, added 20 points, albeit struggling with his shooting, hitting just 4-of-14 from beyond the arc.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenge posed by the Nuggets, saying, “We had our chances, but they were just too strong tonight. Their resilience was impressive.” Despite the loss, the Warriors demonstrated potential, with Gary Payton II stepping up off the bench to score 18 points.
The stakes were high heading toward the playoffs, and this game served as a valuable test for both teams. The Nuggets, hoping to solidify their playoff position, showed they could perform excellently against tough opponents, even without their key players. Meanwhile, the Warriors will need to regroup quickly as they face the Milwaukee Bucks shortly after, with the pressure to maintain their strong performance during the season.
What's more, the game unfolded under the vigilant eye of the NBA’s policy on player participation, which has seen teams face scrutiny over rest periods for star players. Recently, the Utah Jazz were fined $100,000 for not having sufficient reason to rest their players, highlighting the league's intention to curb excessive load management. With both teams careful not to violate these expectations, the Nuggets’ success is even more impressive.
Next, the Nuggets will face another challenge against the Los Angeles Lakers, creating another pivotal moment for their playoff run. The Nuggets are optimistic about the return of Jokic and Murray for this matchup, hoping to bolster their chances against another strong competitor. One thing is clear: if they continue to play with this level of intensity and teamwork, they’re going to be serious contenders.
Meanwhile, the Warriors will look to bounce back as they face the Milwaukee Bucks, needing to reestablish their rhythm as they head closer to the end of the regular season. It’s going to be a race to the finish line, and every game matters.
With both teams determined to secure their positions, the rest of the season promises exciting and competitive basketball as the playoffs approach.
