Nuggets top Warriors on the road

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 23: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on December 23, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 23: Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on December 23, 2017 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets were able to handle business against the short handed Golden State Warriors.

The Denver Nuggets came into this game hungry to make another statement. Despite being short handed, Golden State still had plenty of firepower in this game.

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However, if Warriors fans want to use this excuse, then Denver fans can simply counter with us being without Paul Millsap. As a matter of fact, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green did play, so there really is no excuse for them especially with them having the home court advantage.

The Nuggets did a terrific job on defense considering the final score was 96-81. What is more impressive was them holding the Warriors to a putrid 3-27 on three pointers. The defensive potential is there for the Nuggets. They just need to start clicking on this side of the floor night in and night out to be considered an elite defensive unit.

Nikola Jokic was doing Nikola Jokic things once again as he came away with an efficient 18 points on 56.2% shooting to go along with nine rebounds and four assists.

The team’s leading scorer was Gary Harris as he finished with 19 points and two steals and a block. Make that the second premier shooting guard he has out played in just two nights as he had to face Klay Thompson on the back end of a back to back. The first one was C.J. McCollum.

Trey Lyles continues to be a great gem the Nuggets uncovered. He finished with 15 points to go along with six solid rebounds.

It was a great team effort as Denver seems to be clicking at the right time. A key since the Nuggets need to finish the calendar year strong if they want to have a good grasp on playoff positioning.

Millsap isn’t returning soon, so the Nuggets must keep up this level of play. They will take on the Jazz at home the day after Christmas.