Nikola Jokic delivered an impressive performance with 26 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists as the Denver Nuggets defeated the short-handed Golden State Warriors 129-104 in the West Group C NBA Cup game on Friday night.
This win puts Denver at 1-1 in pool play.
The Warriors played without Steph Curry for a second consecutive game due to illness. However, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III returned after missing one game each. Al Horford did not participate because of a left foot injury.
Green opened the match with a 3-pointer, giving Golden State an early lead — their last of the game. Denver surged ahead with a 14-point lead late in the first quarter. Despite a Warriors run that narrowed the gap to 11 by the quarter’s end and an early 10-point run in the second, Denver quickly regained momentum and held control for the remainder of the game.
“Green hit a 3-pointer to open the game to give Golden State the early lead, but that was the last time it was in front.”
Denver's balanced offense and strong defense secured their second NBA Cup match victory.
Author’s summary: Nikola Jokic's near triple-double and strong team effort propelled the Nuggets past a depleted Warriors squad, showcasing Denver's control in the NBA Cup pool play.