Golden State defeats Denver despite Jokic’s triple-double performance.
SAN FRANCISCO — Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists on Sunday afternoon; however, his Denver Nuggets fell 128-117 to a shorthanded Golden State Warriors squad that was without its four highest-paid players.
Jimmy Butler is sidelined for the season due to an ACL tear, Stephen Curry will be out for at least another week due to ongoing knee discomfort, Kristaps Porzingis was ill and did not arrive at the arena, and Draymond Green was ruled out after experiencing tightness in his lower back just before the game started.
Despite the absence of these four players, who collectively earn $170.3 million this season, the Warriors managed to hit 15 three-pointers in the first half and established a 14-point lead against a weary Nuggets defense. This marked Denver’s third road game in four days following the All-Star break, compounded by the early 12:30 p.m. local tip-off.
“Our entire game plan was to maintain pressure on them,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr stated. “We aimed to wear them down and keep pushing. I believe that was a significant factor. We were fresh, and they were not.”
Although Jokic accumulated impressive statistics, he was specifically targeted by the Warriors’ modified strategy. Al Horford stepped into the starting role for the injured Green, and the Warriors capitalized on his ability to stretch the floor.
Horford made two three-pointers within the first 76 seconds, three in the opening quarter, and finished with six overall, taking advantage of Jokic’s defensive lapses. His 22 points represented his highest scoring output in a Warriors uniform.
“That was perplexing,” Nuggets coach David Adelman remarked regarding the late switch from Green to Horford. “I think that’s why we provide injury reports. Clearly, the game plan was quite different.”
The Warriors struggled in the third quarter, failing to make any of their 12 three-point attempts, while the Nuggets outscored them 34-19. Jokic contributed 14 points and seven rebounds, playing the entire third quarter and helping Denver establish a six-point lead before he took a break.
However, guard Brandin Podziemski turned the game back in favor of the Warriors. He entered the fourth quarter having made only one of his first ten shots. In the final quarter, Podziemski converted all six of his attempts, scoring 15 points, securing eight rebounds, and providing two assists in a 12-minute span.
Podziemski hit three crucial shots in the closing moments and concluded with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, marking perhaps his most significant performance in what has been a challenging third NBA season for the former first-round draft pick.
“It’s been a rollercoaster, for sure,” Kerr commented on Podziemski. “We are aware of his capabilities from the past couple of years. He is a highly versatile player.
“It’s really about finding that balance where he can make plays without monopolizing the ball.”
Jokic returned for the last six minutes but did not have the same influence as in the earlier quarters. He scored three points, recorded one rebound, attempted only two shots, and the Nuggets were outscored by 11 during that time.
This was Jokic’s 10th game back after missing 16 consecutive contests due to a hyperextended knee. He acknowledged after the game that the process of reintegration is ongoing.
“I’ve never experienced this situation, especially since I felt so good before the injury,” Jokic stated. “I definitely need a bit more time and more games than usual.”
