Nuggets Shock the Warriors: Westbrook's Wild Night in Denver
Okay, seriously, who saw that coming? The Denver Nuggets, missing three key starters – Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun – totally crushed the Golden State Warriors 114-105. It was a wild game, and Russell Westbrook was the absolute star.
Westbrook's Triple-Double Takeover
Westbrook's stat line? 12 points, 11 rebounds, and a whopping 16 assists. That's a triple-double, folks, his 203rd career one! Aaron Gordon called his energy "wolf-like," and honestly, that's a pretty accurate description. He was everywhere. His shooting wasn't perfect – he went 5-of-17 – but his playmaking? Unbelievable. The Nuggets shot 16-of-24 on passes from Westbrook. It was like he had eyes in the back of his head, finding open players all night. And Gordon? He had a monster game himself, dropping a Denver-career-high 38 points. What a performance from both of them!
Steph Curry's Struggles and the Warriors' Woes
On the other side of the court, Steph Curry looked… tired. Really tired. Coach Steve Kerr said he’s been "carrying us for a month," and it showed. Curry himself mentioned back issues and just not feeling his usual sharp self. Combine his struggles with the Nuggets' relentless transition game – thanks largely to Westbrook's energy – and you have a recipe for a Golden State loss. It kinda felt like watching a slow-motion trainwreck, especially considering how well the Warriors have been playing. They're seriously considering giving Curry some rest in the coming games to make sure he’s ready for the playoffs. It's a tough call, but probably the right one.
What's Next for These Two Teams?
This win really highlights the Nuggets' depth. They're proving they can compete even when their big guns are out. For the Warriors, it's all about managing Curry's health. The Western Conference is brutal; every game matters. Can the Warriors keep their playoff momentum without burning out their star player? That's the million-dollar question, and it's going to be a fascinating finish to the regular season for both teams. This game really shook things up. Can't wait to see how it all plays out.