Warriors Beat Nuggets Without Stars
Golden State defeated Denver 128-117 despite missing Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Chris Paul. Nikola Jokić posted a historic 35 points, 20 rebounds, 12 assists—only the second such stat line in NBA history after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1976. Brandin Podziemski exploded in the fourth quarter while Moses Moody contributed 23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists.
- This victory marked a significant win for a Warriors team navigating a season of injuries; Stephen Curry was sidelined with right knee soreness, and Draymond Green was a late scratch due to a back issue. - The win brings the Warriors to a 30-27 record, keeping them in the hunt for a spot in the Western Conference play-in tournament. - For the Nuggets, the loss drops them to 35-21, as they compete for a top seed in the crowded Western Conference standings. - Brandin Podziemski was instrumental in the victory, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter. - Moses Moody's 23 points were a team-high for the Warriors, and he also contributed a season-high five assists in the winning effort. - The Warriors' bench played a crucial role, with Al Horford adding 22 points, including six three-pointers, and De'Anthony Melton chipping in with 20 points. - Nikola Jokić's historic performance marked his fifth triple-double in seven games and his 19th of the season. - The short-handed Warriors started a lineup of Moses Moody, Gui Santos, Al Horford, De'Anthony Melton, and Pat Spencer.
