Warriors Dominate Nuggets 134-114 Behind Lendeborg’s 31-Point Performance.
DENVER — The Golden State Warriors delivered an impressive offensive performance Monday night, defeating the Denver Nuggets 134-114 behind a strong showing from Yaxel Lendeborg and efficient shooting from Stephen Curry. Lendeborg led Golden State with 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists, shooting 9-of-19 from the field and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. Curry added 24 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting performance, including three 3-pointers. Brandin Podziemski contributed 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Gui Santos finished with 13 points. Al Horford provided 11 points off the bench, connecting on all three of his attempts from beyond the arc. Denver opened the game with a strong offensive effort, outscoring Golden State 32-28 in the first quarter. However, the Warriors responded in the second quarter, holding the Nuggets to 24 points while scoring 32 to take a 60-56 halftime lead. Golden State took control in the third quarter, outscoring Denver 40-28 to build a 100-84 advantage entering the final period. The Warriors maintained their momentum in the fourth, adding 34 points to secure the 20-point victory.
The Warriors finished the game shooting an impressive 54% from the field and 50% from three-point range, connecting on 22 of their 44 attempts. Golden State also controlled the rebounding battle, finishing with 45 rebounds compared to Denver's 32. For the Nuggets, DeMar DeRozan led the team with 21 points off the bench, shooting 7-of-15 from the field.
Nikola Jokic recorded 19 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds while adding three blocked shots. Jamal Murray also finished with 19 points, contributing eight assists and six rebounds.
Bryce Hopkins added 13 points, while Aaron Gordon struggled offensively, finishing with seven points on 2-of-10 shooting
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Despite shooting 50% from the field, Denver struggled from beyond the arc, making just 10 of its 29 three-point attempts. The Nuggets also failed to match Golden State's offensive production during the second half. Denver's defense recorded 13 steals and six blocks, but the Nuggets were unable to slow down a Warriors offense that featured five players scoring in double figures. The loss drops Denver to 1-2 on the season, including a 1-1 record at home. Golden State improves to 1-3 overall and earns its first road victory of the season.
For Denver, improving perimeter defense and limiting opponents' scoring runs will be important moving forward. The Nuggets will look to bounce back after allowing Golden State to score 74 points in the second half.
