The Golden State Warriors suffered a tough defeat against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, as Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson missed crucial shots in the final seconds of regulation. The defending champions secured a 108-105 victory, handing the Warriors a 6-3 season record and a 5-2 away record from Chase Center. The Warriors concluded their four-game trip with a 2-2 record.
In the closing moments of the game, with the Warriors trailing 107-105 and 14.1 seconds remaining, Curry attempted a driving floater to tie the game but missed the shot. The Warriors were forced to foul with 3.1 seconds left, and Reggie Jackson made one of two free throws, giving Golden State a final opportunity to tie the game.
As the game clock ticked down, Thompson had a chance for a three-pointer in transition, but he was unable to set his feet properly. His running shot veered wide to the left, securing the win for the Denver Nuggets. Just a week ago, Thompson and Curry had hit game-winning shots in consecutive games against the Kings and Thunder.
Despite going scoreless in the first quarter, Curry finished with a team-high 23 points, including six three-pointers. All of Curry’s field goals came from beyond the arc, making him the first player in NBA history to make at least four three-pointers in the first nine games of a season. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 35 points and 13 rebounds.
During the game, there was a controversial play in which Curry drove to the basket and had his shot seemingly blocked by Aaron Gordon. Head coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration at the no-call, as replays showed that it should have been goaltending.
Once again, Curry received limited scoring support from his fellow starters, as the Denver Nuggets’ starting unit outscored the Golden State Warriors’ starters 96-62. Thompson and Andrew Wiggins struggled, shooting a combined 9-of-25 from the field.
With Draymond Green absent for personal reasons and Gary Payton II out due to illness, Kerr relied on rookies Trayce Jackson-Davis and Brandin Podziemski, both of whom made positive contributions in their limited playing time. Jackson-Davis recorded eight points and four rebounds, while Podziemski added five points, three rebounds, and two assists. The Warriors’ bench has scored at least 40 points in five games this season and has outscored opponents’ reserves in all nine games.