Warriors Edge Nuggets 137-131 as Curry Shines with 42 Points

UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown at Chase Center on October 26, 2023, the Golden State Warriors clinched a dramatic 137-131 victory over the Denver Nuggets, overshadowing Aaron Gordon’s remarkable 50-point performance.

With just 26 seconds left in regulation, Gordon sank his final three-pointer, putting the Nuggets ahead by three and sealing a career night for the star forward. However, the spotlight quickly shifted back to the Warriors and their legendary sharpshooter, Stephen Curry. Just five seconds later, Curry answered with a stunning 34-foot shot to tie the game, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for overtime.

Curry’s presence was undeniable as he opened the overtime period with another three-pointer and sealed the win with two crucial free throws, finishing with 42 points on 14-of-25 shooting, including six three-pointers. “The bigger the moment, the more he rises,” said teammate Draymond Green. “He loves the show.”

Gordon’s night was historic. He shot 17-of-21 from the field and 10-of-11 from beyond the arc, making eight consecutive three-pointers to start the game—one shy of the NBA record. “Ridiculous,” Curry remarked, acknowledging Gordon’s impressive transformation from a player who made just 29% of his three-point attempts two seasons ago to one who has now established himself as a formidable shooter.

Despite Gordon’s stellar night, he became only the 17th player in NBA history to hit 10 three-pointers in a losing effort. This rarity highlights the challenge the Nuggets faced, especially as Curry delivered his own electrifying performance just when it mattered most.

The Warriors’ victory strategy was shaped by a last-minute lineup decision. Late in the fourth quarter, head coach Steve Kerr deployed a larger, unconventional lineup featuring Curry, Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, Green, and newly acquired Al Horford. Though untested, this group erased a seven-point Denver lead in the final 3:50 of regulation. “It was really fun to watch a group that’s never played together close a game against one of the best teams in the league,” Kerr said.

As the Warriors improve to 2-0 in the season, they are building momentum as legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. The Nuggets, now 0-1, will return home to face the Suns on Saturday night, looking to bounce back from this intense defeat.

The thrilling back-and-forth battle showcased not just the skills of two NBA stars but also the unpredictability of a season that has just begun. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as both teams look to establish their dominance in the league.