
It was a night to remember at the Chase Center, where Aaron Gordon erupted for a career-high 50 points, but Stephen Curry once again proved why he’s one of the greatest clutch players in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors rallied late and took down the Denver Nuggets 137-131 in overtime, moving to 2-0 on the young season.
Curry’s Clutch Brilliance Defines the Night
Curry, who poured in 42 points, hit a game-tying three-pointer with just over 20 seconds remaining in regulation before scoring 16 consecutive points to carry Golden State to victory. The two-time MVP’s late-game explosion erased a seven-point deficit in the final minutes of the fourth quarter.
“It’s kind of like a playoff-type vibe,” Curry said postgame. “Somebody has an out-of-body experience, and you dig deep to steal one.”
His incredible run included multiple deep threes, critical free throws, and a signature “night-night” celebration after Jimmy Butler sealed the game with a clutch triple in overtime.
Aaron Gordon’s 50-Point Opener Falls Short
For Denver, it was a bittersweet night. Aaron Gordon delivered a historic performance, becoming just the seventh player in NBA history to score 50 points in a season opener. He went 10-for-11 from three-point range, breaking the Nuggets’ record for most threes in an opener and tying Terry Rozier’s NBA mark.
“They asked if I wanted the game ball,” Gordon said. “No. I don’t want to take the loss with me. It sucks, but it’s one game. It’s our first game.”
Despite Gordon’s heroic effort, Denver faltered in the clutch as Nikola Jokić missed a potential game-winning shot at the end of regulation. The Nuggets could not regain momentum in overtime, allowing Curry and the Warriors to close it out.
Overtime Belongs to Golden State
Curry continued his dominance in overtime, scoring seven points, while Al Horford and Jimmy Butler drained key three-pointers. Golden State’s off-ball movement and veteran composure overwhelmed Denver’s fatigued defense in the final minutes.
The win marks the Warriors’ second straight victory to open the 2025–26 season and a statement performance that highlights their mix of veteran leadership and depth. Head coach Steve Kerr praised Curry’s late-game composure:
“Steph just takes over when the lights are brightest. It doesn’t matter who’s hot on the other side—he finds a way to win.”
Nuggets Look to Regroup After Painful Loss
For the defending champions, the loss was a reminder of the importance of execution down the stretch. Head coach David Adelman expressed pride in Gordon’s performance but acknowledged the team’s missed opportunities.
“I feel awful for Aaron,” Adelman said. “He had a night I’ll never forget. But we had too many chances to control the game and didn’t. Credit to Golden State—they just keep coming.”
The Nuggets return home with plenty of positives, especially Gordon’s newfound perimeter confidence, but will need to tighten their defensive rotations ahead of their next matchup.
Game Highlights
- Stephen Curry: 42 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds
- Aaron Gordon: 50 points, 10-for-11 from three, 6 rebounds
- Nikola Jokić: 26 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists
- Jimmy Butler: 18 points, 4 steals, clutch OT three
- Warriors improve to 2-0; Nuggets fall to 1-1


Leave a Reply