The Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 129-104 on Friday night, November 7, 2025, at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The match marked the teams’ debut in the group stage of the NBA Cup, also known as the Emirates NBA Cup. Without point guard Stephen Curry, absent due to illness, the Warriors struggled from the start, while the Nuggets controlled the pace of the game.
Nikola Jokic, Nuggets center, recorded 26 points, nine rebounds and nine assists in 28 minutes played. Jamal Murray contributed 23 points on 12 shots from the field. For the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga led the way with 37 points, followed by Jimmy Butler with 16.
The win puts the Nuggets at 6-2 in the regular season, 5-0 at home, and 1-1 in the NBA Cup. The Warriors fall to 5-4 and 0-1 in the tournament.
Collective attack boosts Nuggets’ dominance
The Nuggets opened up a lead in the first quarter, with 32 points to the Warriors’ 21. Jokic distributed precise assists, exploiting the opposing defense weakened by Curry’s absence.
In the second period, Denver increased to 67-49 at halftime, converting 56.1% of its shots from the field. Murray hit mid-range shots, while Aaron Gordon added 18 points and 13 rebounds.
- Murray: 8/12 on field goals, including three from long range.
- Jokic: Almost a triple-double, with 15 shot efficiency.
- Gordon: Double-double that anchored the bottle.
The Warriors tried to react with Kuminga, but committed 12 turnovers in the first half.
Individual highlights define the final score
The Warriors’ Jimmy Butler recorded 16 points and three rebounds in 31 minutes, but the team shot just 42.1% from the field. Draymond Green contributed 17 points and seven rebounds in 26 minutes.
For Denver, Christian Braun added 12 points and seven rebounds, while Cameron Johnson had four points and one rebound. The Nuggets’ rotation kept pace, with Bruce Brown adding six points in 18 minutes.
Kuminga emerged as the Warriors’ top scorer, with 37 points in 27 minutes, including 10 rebounds. Moses Moody scored three points in 19 minutes.
The Nuggets ended the third quarter with 99-77, forcing a timeout from the visitors. In the final period, Denver managed the advantage, finishing with a 21-point margin.
Nuggets defense frustrates Warriors without Curry
Denver’s defense forced 12 Warriors turnovers, converting them into 18 points. The Nuggets blocked four shots and stole eight balls.
Golden State missed 17 of 33 three-point attempts, with a 29.3% pass rateitment. Denver shot 16 of 33, or 48.5%.
- Rebounds: Nuggets 46, Warriors 40, with 17 offensive for Denver.
- Assists: 35 for the Nuggets versus 34 for the Warriors.
- Free throws: 80% for Golden State, but only 12 attempts.
Without Curry, the Warriors had 80 points in the first half, but failed in transition.
The Nuggets kept up the pressure, limiting their opponents to 27 points in the fourth quarter.
Curry’s absence exposes weaknesses in Golden State
Stephen Curry missed the second consecutive game due to illness, impacting the Warriors’ attack. The team depended on Kuminga and Butler, but lacked playmaking.
Denver exploited the altitude of the Ball Arena, averaging 124.6 points per game this season. The Warriors defend 115.3 per game.
Butler, questionable with a back injury, played 31 minutes and recorded three assists. Brandin Podziemski had seven points and three rebounds in 25 minutes.
- Podziemski: Two offensive rebounds on fast break attempts.
- Trayce Jackson-Davis: Nine points and seven rebounds in 18 minutes.
- Gui Santos: Four points in six minutes from the bench.
Golden State’s rotation included Quinten Post with 14 points in 20 minutes.
Game statistics reveal Denver’s superiority
The Nuggets surpassed the Warriors in offensive efficiency, shooting 56.1%. Golden State shot 42.1%, including 12/41 on free throws.
In the paint, Denver grabbed 29 defensive rebounds compared to the Warriors’ 34. The visitors had 12 offensive rebounds, but wasted chances.
Jokic distributed nine assists without serious turnovers. Murray shot 8/12 from the field, with four threes.
For the Warriors, Kuminga had 10 rebounds, but the team committed eight turnovers in the third quarter. Green blocked two shots.
- Points in the bottle: Nuggets 52, Warriors 52, tied.
- Steals: Eight for Denver, two for Golden State.
- Fouls: 15 for each side, with 25 free throws for Nuggets.
The match lasted 48 minutes, with Denver controlling the clock in the final minutes.
NBA Cup seeding implications
With the victory, the Nuggets have three points in the group stage. The Warriors start with zero, pressured by Curry being absent.
Denver faces the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, November 8th. Golden State plays at home against the Sacramento Kings on Monday.
The Nuggets lead the West at 6-2, while Warriors fall evento seventh with 5-4. The NBA Cup continues until November 28th.
Kuminga commented post-game about the need for defensive adjustments. Jokic praised the team’s collective.
The fans at the Ball Arena filled the gym, with 18 thousand spectators. The broadcast took place on Prime Video.
