Warriors Rally Past Nuggets in Overtime Despite Gordon’s 50

UPDATE: In a thrilling overtime showdown, the Golden State Warriors edged the Denver Nuggets 137-131 on October 26, 2023, at Chase Center. The night was highlighted by a stunning performance from Aaron Gordon, who scored a career-high 50 points, but it was Stephen Curry who stole the spotlight in the clutch.

With just 26 seconds remaining in regulation, Gordon sank his tenth three-pointer, putting the Nuggets up by three. It seemed like the perfect finish to an incredible night. However, just five seconds later, Curry launched a semi-contested 34-footer to tie the game, showcasing his prowess as the greatest shooter ever.

“The bigger the moment, the more he rises,” said Draymond Green about Curry’s clutch performance. Following Curry’s shot, the Warriors dominated overtime, with Curry scoring again to start the period and sealing the victory with two free throws.

Gordon’s shooting was historic: he went 17-of-21 from the field and 10-of-11 from three-point range, hitting eight consecutive three-pointers to start the game, just one shy of the NBA record. “Ridiculous,” Curry commented, acknowledging Gordon’s incredible summer training. This game marked the first instance in Gordon’s career where he made more than seven three-pointers in a single game, making him just the 17th player in NBA history to hit ten threes in a losing effort.

Curry, on the other hand, scored 42 points, marking his second-highest output in 17 home openers. His contributions were vital, especially since the Warriors struggled in his absence, losing minutes by 15 points when he was off the court. Nuggets coach David Adelman acknowledged, “The shot he made to tie it toward the end [of regulation], it’s a shot that only he can make.”

The Warriors’ late-game strategy shifted dramatically when assistant coaches Terry Stotts and Chris DeMarco suggested a larger lineup during a critical timeout. Head coach Steve Kerr deployed a five-man unit featuring Curry, Jimmy Butler, Jonathan Kuminga, Green, and newly acquired Al Horford. “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.

The Warriors’ victory improves their record to 2-0, signaling their intentions as serious contenders in the Western Conference. The Nuggets, now 0-1, head home to face the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night, looking to bounce back.

This game not only underscores Curry’s impact in critical moments but also highlights Gordon’s explosive performance, making it a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere. What’s next? Keep an eye on the Warriors as they seek to build on this success and the Nuggets as they aim for redemption.