The Denver Nuggets delivered a statement win Friday night, dismantling the Golden State Warriors 129-104 in a high-stakes NBA Cup matchup that showcased Denver’s depth and Golden State’s struggles without their superstar, Stephen Curry.
Jokic Nearly Triple-Doubles as Nuggets Stay Unbeaten at Home
Nikola Jokic was the undisputed star, racking up 26 points and coming just one rebound and one assist shy of his sixth triple-double of the season—all while sitting out the entire fourth quarter.
Jamal Murray added 23 points, fueling a Nuggets squad that has now won six of their last seven games and remains undefeated at home (5-0).
Denver’s dominance was clear from the second quarter onward. After the Warriors briefly closed the gap with an 11-0 run while Jokic rested, Murray and Jonas Valanciunas responded with a barrage of threes, sparking a 34-18 run that put the Nuggets up 66-49 at halftime. By the end of the third, Denver led by 22, allowing Jokic to watch the final period from the bench.
Warriors Falter Without Curry—And the Road Woes Continue
The
Warriors, missing Stephen Curry for the second straight game due to illness, looked lost offensively and dropped their fifth consecutive road game. Head coach Steve Kerr said before tipoff that Curry was “feeling a little better” and could return Sunday, but his absence was glaring.
Draymond Green (ribs) and
Jimmy Butler (back) returned to the lineup, scoring 17 and 16 points respectively, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Denver’s firepower. The Warriors’ offense sputtered, and their defense couldn’t contain Jokic or Murray. Golden State’s record now stands at 5-4, with the team losing three of their last four games—a worrying trend as the NBA Cup schedule intensifies.
NBA Cup Stakes: Nuggets Stay Alive, Warriors Face Uphill Battle
This game carried extra weight as part of the NBA’s new in-season tournament, the
NBA Cup. The Nuggets, who lost their first Cup game to Portland, needed this win to stay alive in West Group C. For the Warriors, it was their first Cup game—a rough start to their tournament campaign.
Both teams now turn their attention to the Indiana Pacers, with Denver hosting them Saturday and Golden State facing them Sunday. The Warriors are hoping for Curry’s return to spark a turnaround, while the Nuggets look to extend their home dominance.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Denver Nuggets: Riding high, the Nuggets are proving they’re more than just Jokic. Their improved play during non-Jokic minutes and strong bench contributions make them a serious threat in both the regular season and the NBA Cup.
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Golden State Warriors: The Warriors’ early-season schedule has been brutal, with injuries and back-to-backs piling up. The team’s depth is being tested, and the pressure is mounting for stars like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler to step up until Curry returns.
Takeaways and Future Implications
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Jokic’s MVP Case: Performances like this, even in limited minutes, keep Jokic firmly in the MVP conversation.
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Warriors’ Road Struggles: Golden State must find answers fast if they want to stay competitive in the West and make a run in the NBA Cup.
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NBA Cup Drama: The new tournament format is already delivering high-stakes drama and could shake up the season’s narrative.
The next few games will be crucial for both squads. Can the Warriors regroup and get healthy, or will Denver’s depth and home-court advantage continue to set the pace in the West?
Sources
1. Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets Live Score and Stats
2. Golden State Warriors: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights
3. WARRIORS at NUGGETS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS - YouTube
4. Golden State Warriors
5. Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets Full Game Highlights
6. Golden State Of Mind
7. Steve Kerr on Warriors NBA Cup Loss to Nuggets | Nov. 7, 2025
8. CBS Sports - News, Live Scores, Schedules, Fantasy Games ...
9. Warriors vs. Blazers player grades: Steph Curry, Jonathan ...
10. Action Network: Sports Betting Odds, News, Insights, & Analysis
