Despite a terrific offensive showing from both teams, the Nuggets fell to the Warriors on the road.
Normally, when a team has three players finish with four players with 20 points or more, they win the game. Sadly, this was not the case since for the Denver Nuggets as the Golden State Warriors are the defending champions for a reason.
Denver Nuggets
Nikola finally bounced back and actually logged his first triple double of the season scoring 22 points, grabbing 12 rebounds and also recording 11 assists. He did have six turnovers, but I believe the three steals and one block somewhat redeemed that ominous stat line. One thing is for certain, one cannot blame Nikola Jokic for this loss.
Denver also lost the rebound battle by a small margin. While the Nuggets hauled in 39 total boards, the Warriors were able to come away with 43 total rebounds.
Coach Malone still did not go deep enough into his bench again and it proved costly. You cannot get away with sitting guys like Emmanuel Mudiay, who seems to normally do well against the Warriors actually, and an energy guy like Kenneth Faried against a high powered and conditioned team like Golden State. Malone is trying the patience of every Nuggets fan. When you say you need to utilize your bench more, then keep your word, don’t give the fans and media empty promises.
Denver at least held their own in this match up and went down with a fight. It was a much better showing than it was against the Sacramento Kings the other night. Unfortunately, the Golden State Warriors are that good and it is difficult to out shoot them on their home floor.
Denver came close to defeating them in the Oracle Arena for a second time this season, but the basketball gods smiled on the Warriors instead for this game.