DENVER — The Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 116-93 in the NBA, powered by a solid performance from Nikola Jokic, who recorded 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 20 points. Denver rallied after trailing at halftime and imposed its rhythm in the second half to extend its winning streak to six consecutive victories.
The game began with an intense pace and a competitive Golden State Warriors team despite injuries, particularly the extended absence of Stephen Curry, who missed his 25th consecutive game due to right knee issues. The visitors found offensive production in Brandin Podziemski and Kristaps Porzingis, who finished with 23 points each, allowing the Warriors to stay ahead for much of the first half.
In the second quarter the game became tense with several moments of friction. Zeke Nnaji was involved in an altercation with De'Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II following an exchange of pushes between Jamal Murray and LJ Cryer, while shortly after Payton received a flagrant foul type 1 after hard contact on Peyton Watson.
On the court, the Warriors put together a 19-2 run in the second quarter that allowed them to open a 13-point lead, reaching halftime with a 53-46 advantage.
The Denver Nuggets' response came after the break. The home team elevated its offensive intensity and put together a dominant third quarter, outscoring Golden State 40-21. Tim Hardaway Jr. was key in that stretch with 10 points, helping to completely change the game's momentum.
From that point on, the Nuggets took definitive control of the scoreboard, with Nikola Jokic leading the interior game and offensive flow. The Serbian center fell two assists short of his fifth consecutive triple-double, but once again dominated the game with his ability to score and control the boards.
Denver also had to manage physical issues during the game. Aaron Gordon was ruled out before the game with calf soreness, while Spencer Jones left the game in the first half with a hamstring strain and Cameron Johnson exited in the third quarter after taking a hit to the ribs, not returning to play.
With this NBA victory, the Denver Nuggets improve to 48-28 and sit two games ahead of Minnesota and Houston in the race for the fourth seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors (36-39) continue to struggle without Stephen Curry, having lost 16 of the 25 games played during his absence.