Nuggets Stun Warriors Without Jokic, Murray, and Braun in Prime-Time Showdown
What a game! The Denver Nuggets pulled off an impressive 114-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors, and they did it without their key stars—Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun. Despite playing on the road at the Chase Center, Denver showed resilience and depth, proving they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
Aaron Gordon stepped up big time, delivering a season-high 38 points on an efficient 14-of-23 shooting. He also grabbed six rebounds and knocked down four three-pointers, showing his ability to carry the offensive load. Michael Porter Jr. chipped in with a solid 21-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Russell Westbrook, known for his energy and playmaking, dished out 16 assists to go along with 12 points. Even without their stars, the Nuggets maintained control for most of the game and sealed the win with clutch plays down the stretch.
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Jokic, the reigning MVP candidate, was sidelined due to a right elbow contusion and left ankle impingement—injuries he appeared to suffer in a previous game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Murray, who has been red-hot since the All-Star break, was ruled out with left knee inflammation, while Braun sat with left foot inflammation. Their absence raised some eyebrows, especially with the NBA closely monitoring teams for potential violations of its player participation policy. Just recently, the Utah Jazz were fined $100,000 for resting Lauri Markkanen without a legitimate reason, so it remains to be seen if Denver will face any scrutiny.
On the Warriors' side, Jimmy Butler led the team with 23 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, but the team struggled to find consistency. Stephen Curry had an off night, shooting just 4-of-14 from three and finishing with 20 points. Golden State's seven-game winning streak came to an end as they couldn't keep up with Denver’s energy and execution.
This win keeps the Nuggets in the hunt for the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, now tying them with the Houston Rockets, who also secured a win earlier in the night. The Nuggets will now shift their focus to their next game against the Los Angeles Lakers, another crucial matchup in the playoff race. The big question remains: Will Jokic, Murray, and Braun be back for that game, or will Denver continue to rely on their depth?
One thing’s for sure—this Nuggets squad is not to be underestimated. Even without their stars, they proved they have what it takes to take down some of the best teams in the league. Stay tuned for what comes next!
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