The Golden State Warriors saw their three-game winning streak come to a halt as they faced the defending NBA champions Denver Nuggets and endured a 119-103 loss on Sunday, February 25, at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Nuggets star Nikola Jokic delivered a monster triple-double performance, amassing 32 points, 16 rebounds, and 16 assists. His stellar contribution was pivotal in the Nuggets' achievement of a season sweep against the Dubs.
Warriors star Klay Thompson continued to excel in his new role coming off the bench, contributing 16 points and sinking four 3-pointers during his seven-minute stint in the first quarter. He concluded the first half with 23 points but faced challenges in the second half, being held scoreless during 15 minutes of gameplay.
The Warriors started the game with dominance, reaching a 16-point lead after guard Lester Quinones' three-pointer with 5:45 remaining in the second quarter.
However, momentum shifted as the Dubs allowed the Nuggets a pair of 14-0 runs. This turn of events resulted in the game being tied by halftime, and the defending champs continued to pull away in the second half.
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3 takeaways from Golden State Warriors' home Loss to Denver Nuggets
1. Trayce Jackson-Davis should see more minutes on the floor.
Rookie big man Trayce Jackson-Davis has consistently demonstrated maturity for the Dubs, proving to be a noticeable difference-maker on the floor.
This comes as no surprise, considering his extensive four-season stint in college basketball with the Indiana Hoosiers.
Despite delivering solid performances, Jackson-Davis has struggled to secure consistent playing time on the floor. Dario Saric has been receiving playing time, even though he has been less effective, particularly against Jokic.
In a limited 12-minute stint, the 24-year-old had six points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks, shooting an efficient 3-of-4 from the field.
2. The Warriors can't hang with the NBA's elite yet.
The game posed a significant challenge for the Warriors and showed how they might fare against the NBA's elite.
The Bay Area squad has been getting into a rhythm lately, winning eight of their last ten games. This return to form was put to the test against the Nuggets.
Facing the defending NBA champions, a team widely regarded as one of the best in the league, the Warriors came up short in claiming a win.
3. There is still room for improvement for Golden State.
Despite the loss, there is a silver lining for the Warriors. They demonstrated the ability to assert dominance in the first half, proving that their performance lately was not merely a fluke.
The necessary adjustments are achievable, and signs of improvement are on the horizon. As Thompson becomes more accustomed to his bench role and head coach, Steve Kerr makes essential rotation adjustments by giving more minutes to Jackson-Davis and Moses Moody; the team could see positive developments.
Additionally, reinforcement may be on the way with the potential signing of Otto Porter Jr. as a free agent from the buyout market. The Warriors could return to championship contention this season with these adjustments and additions.
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