The Denver Nuggets celebrated their third consecutive Christmas Day showdown, engaging in a festive clash against the formidable Golden State Warriors led by the sharpshooting maestro, Stephen Curry. In this midday spectacle, the Nuggets stunned the Warriors 120-114 in an Epic Holiday Hoops Battle, harnessing their defensive prowess beyond the arc to secure the win amidst an eccentric display of statistical anomalies throughout the hard-fought contest.
In a thrilling clash, Jamal Murray showcased his scoring prowess with a remarkable 28-point performance, complemented by Nikola Jokic’s impressive double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds, including a perfect 18-for-18 from the free-throw line. The dynamic duo led the Denver Nuggets to a hard-fought 120-114 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday.
Adding to the Nuggets‘ success, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 19 points and secured 10 rebounds, while Aaron Gordon chipped in with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Denver extended its winning streak to five games and has emerged victorious in eight of its last nine matchups.
Despite a valiant effort from the Warriors, who had Andrew Wiggins delivering a stellar 22-point performance off the bench and Stephen Curry contributing 18 points, the Nuggets managed to halt Golden State’s five-game winning streak.
The game witnessed a seesaw battle, with the Nuggets holding a narrow three-point lead entering the fourth quarter. Golden State stormed back, scoring the first six points and briefly taking a 95-92 lead. However, clutch plays from Porter, Jokic, and a reverse dunk from Murray propelled Denver to a 100-97 advantage.
As the game reached its climax, Jokic and Wiggins engaged in a scoring exchange, maintaining the Nuggets’ slim lead. A decisive run by Denver expanded the margin to 114-107 with just over two minutes remaining. Although Curry responded with a crucial 3-pointer for the Warriors, Jokic’s running dunk and Murray’s flawless free throws secured the win for Denver.
The Nuggets, who led by as many as 10 points in the first quarter, faced a resilient Warriors team that rallied in the back-and-forth second quarter. Despite Curry’s slow start, Golden State managed to take a narrow 54-53 lead at halftime.
The intensity continued in the third quarter, marked by a duel between Curry and Murray. With the Warriors briefly leading 65-63, Jokic’s free throws propelled the Nuggets to a four-point advantage. A timely corner 3-pointer from Caldwell-Pope further extended Denver’s lead to 81-75.
In a game defined by momentum swings and standout performances, the Nuggets emerged triumphant, showcasing their resilience and team chemistry against a formidable Warriors squad.
Game Highlights
The Warriors showcased their long-range prowess, connecting on 35% of their three-point attempts, finishing 14-of-40. The initial spark saw them light up the scoreboard with a scorching 7-of-12 performance from beyond the arc. However, the Nuggets’ tightened defense stifled the Warriors’ three-point assault, limiting them to a challenging 7-of-28 for the remainder of the game. Notably, the usually sharp-shooting duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson faced an unusual struggle, combining for a 6-of-23 performance from three-point territory.
In a defensive showcase, the Nuggets clung to every bit of their hard-fought performance. Despite Denver’s relentless efforts, the Warriors managed to tally 114 points, crediting their bench’s impeccable execution. The bench brigade, spearheaded by Andrew Wiggins’ stellar 22-point performance, proved to be the catalyst for the Warriors’ offensive prowess. The Denver bench unit faced a daunting challenge, as the Warriors unleashed a barrage of 57 points, prompting Coach Malone and the Nuggets to make significant adjustments to their rotations.
Facing the wreckage left by the Warriors’ bench onslaught, Malone orchestrated a strategic shift in the lineup. Aaron Gordon assumed the role of the backup center, adding a new dimension to the Nuggets’ defensive approach. As the game entered the crucial fourth quarter, Jamal Murray stepped in for Reggie Jackson, injecting a fresh spark into the Nuggets’ offensive strategy. The chess match of rotations unfolded as both teams sought the winning formula in this intense battle on the hardwood.
"Monday's victory sends the Nuggets to 22-10 on the season, good for the second seed in the Western Conference standings."
📰 https://t.co/piwgtAbj7q pic.twitter.com/uSgYZRStFZ
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 26, 2023
In their journey to victory, the Nuggets faced challenges head-on, especially with their starting lineup. Jamal Murray emerged as the driving force, orchestrating an impressive performance with 28 points, shooting 10-of-18 from the field and hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc. Despite grappling with foul trouble, Murray persevered, clocking in 33 minutes and boasting a remarkable +20 rating for the game.
Adding to the spectacle, Porter showcased not only his defensive prowess but also commanded the plus-minus column with a staggering +23. His offensive contribution was palpable, netting 19 points and igniting in the initial quarter, even posterizing Jonathan Kuminga with a thunderous dunk. Although Porter’s efficiency waned as the game progressed, the Nuggets strategically continued to funnel opportunities his way. Impressively logging just over 40 minutes, Porter remained a dynamic presence on both ends, solidifying his impact throughout the contest.
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In an unconventional twist, Nikola Jokic embarked on an eccentric performance, connecting on just 4 of his 12 field goal attempts and grappling once more with challenges around the rim. Initiating the game at a lackluster 1-of-8, he seemed destined for a lackluster scoring display. However, the narrative took an unexpected turn as he repeatedly found himself at the free-throw line. Remarkably, Jokic attempted a season-high 18 free throws, converting each one with precision, thereby salvaging his overall showing.
Consequently, Jokic concluded the game with a stat line that defied the initial struggles: 26 points, 14 rebounds, eight assists, and two steals. While the majority of Jokic’s performance adhered to the norm, it was his peculiar proficiency at the charity stripe that set this game apart. Additionally, his adept perimeter containment in pick-and-roll situations played a pivotal role in curbing Stephen Curry’s offensive prowess, limiting the sharpshooter to a modest 18 points on 21 shot attempts.
Steve Kerr sounds off after Nikola Jokic’s 18 free throws: “I have a problem with the way we are legislating defense out of the game.We're just enabling players to BS their way to the foul line. If I were a fan, I wouldn't have wanted to watch the second half. It was disgusting." pic.twitter.com/YBWuldi0Za
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 25, 2023
The Nuggets triumphed in their Christmas Day showdown, adding another chapter to their holiday saga. In the past, their yuletide performances have swung from chaotic to disheartening. However, this year’s clash was an exhilarating affair. Despite neither team delivering a stellar performance, the Nuggets persevered, securing the win with some timely baskets in the closing moments. The starting lineup showcased their prowess once again, and as soon as the bench finds its rhythm consistently, Denver is poised to become an unstoppable force on the court.
UP NEXT
Warriors: Begin a seven-game homestand Thursday against Miami.
Nuggets: Host Memphis on Thursday.