The Golden State Warriors faced another heartbreaking defeat on Tuesday night, falling to the Denver Nuggets 119-115 in a gripping NBA Cup showdown at the Chase Center. The loss marks the Warriors’ fifth consecutive defeat and their eighth straight loss to Denver, leaving fans frustrated and the team reeling.
Fourth-Quarter Collapse
Despite entering the fourth quarter with a comfortable double-digit lead, the Warriors couldn’t seal the deal. Over the final 5:52 of the game, Golden State managed just six points, while Denver surged with a decisive 10-0 run. It was a stark reminder of the growing gap between these two teams, even as the Warriors fought hard to reclaim their former dominance.
Stephen Curry, though leading Golden State with 24 points, struggled to find his rhythm from beyond the arc, shooting just 4-for-15 from three-point range. The Warriors’ offense sputtered late, with Curry and Gary Payton II tying as the team’s top scorers in the fourth quarter, each contributing just seven points.
Jokic Dominates the Court
The spotlight once again belonged to Denver’s Nikola Jokic, whose presence on the court was game-changing. The reigning three-time MVP controlled the pace, finishing with game-defining on-off splits: a +23 when on the court versus a -19 when off. Jokic’s impact underscored his status as one of the league’s most dominant players and deepened the rivalry between him and Curry.
The loss drops Curry’s personal record against Jokic to 13-14, a testament to the Serbian center’s ability to rise in pivotal moments.
What’s Next for Golden State?
With their confidence shaken and their record slipping, the Warriors are desperate for a reset. Their next test comes Thursday against the Houston Rockets, a team eager to capitalize on Golden State’s struggles. It’s a critical moment for the Warriors, who must find answers quickly to avoid falling further behind in the competitive Western Conference.
Will Golden State snap their five-game losing streak, or is this the beginning of a deeper skid? One thing is certain: the Warriors need to rediscover their championship form, and fast.
