Denver just keeps doing this. If you were looking for the score of Denver game last night, the scoreboard at Ball Arena told a story of absolute execution: Denver Nuggets 121, Golden State Warriors 112. It wasn't just the win, though. It was the way Nikola Jokić navigated the floor like he was playing a different sport than everyone else.
He didn't break a sweat.
The Warriors tried everything. Draymond Green was chirping. Steve Kerr cycled through three different defensive looks in the first quarter alone. It didn't matter. Denver has reached this weird, rarefied air where they don't even need to play "well" to beat elite teams. They just need to be themselves.
Breaking Down the Score of Denver Game Last Night
Let's get into the weeds of the box score because the final margin actually feels a bit deceptive. Denver led by as many as 18 in the third quarter. Golden State made a frantic run late—mostly thanks to some vintage Stephen Curry movement—but the Nuggets basically put the clamps on whenever the lead dipped below eight points.
Jokić finished with a line that would be a career night for most All-Stars: 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists. He missed a triple-double by one pass. Honestly, he probably didn't even know. He's more concerned with the fact that Aaron Gordon is shooting over 60% from the dunker spot lately.
The real story, though?
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It's the bench. For a long time, the "Nuggets struggle when Jokic sits" narrative was the only thing holding this team back from being a dynasty-level lock. Last night, Christian Braun and Peyton Watson looked like seasoned vets. Watson’s defensive timing is starting to remind people of a young Serge Ibaka, swatting away two layups in the second quarter that completely shifted the momentum.
Why the Western Conference is Worried
If you're a fan of the Suns or the Lakers, looking at the score of Denver game last night should probably give you a headache. Denver is currently sitting at the top of the West for a reason. They aren't just winning; they're demoralizing people.
Take Jamal Murray. He didn't even have a "great" shooting night. He went 7-for-19. In years past, a poor Murray shooting night meant a Denver loss. Not anymore. The defensive identity of this team has shifted. Michael Porter Jr. is actually moving his feet on the perimeter. He’s not just a knockdown shooter; he’s a 6'10" wall.
The Tactical Chess Match
Steve Kerr mentioned in the post-game presser that Denver "forces you to be perfect." He's right. If you miss a rotation against the Nuggets, the ball is already in the hands of a cutting Aaron Gordon before you've even realized you messed up.
Most teams play checkers. Denver is playing something more like high-speed architectural design.
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There was this one play in the fourth quarter. Jokic caught the ball at the top of the key. He didn't even look at the rim. He just flicked his wrist—a no-look touch pass—to a streaking KCP in the corner. Splash. The crowd went nuts, but Jokic just jogged back like he was checking his mail.
What the Numbers Actually Tell Us
Beyond the score of Denver game last night, the "Four Factors" tell the real tale:
- Denver out-rebounded Golden State by 12.
- The Nuggets had 28 assists on 44 made field goals.
- Turnovers were kept to a minimum (only 9 for the whole game).
- Paint points were heavily skewed toward Denver (56 to 38).
The Warriors rely on the three-ball. They lived by it early, hitting six triples in the first quarter. But as the legs get heavy in the thin Denver air, those shots start hitting the front of the rim. Denver knows this. They play the long game. They invite you to run with them in the first half because they know you'll be gasping for air by the time the fourth quarter rolls around.
The "Joker" Effect and Historical Context
We have to stop taking what Nikola Jokić is doing for granted. We really do.
The stat nerds at Cleaning The Glass have pointed out that Denver’s offensive rating with Jokić on the floor is basically off the charts. It's historically significant. We're talking 2017 Warriors territory. When you check the score of Denver game last night, you aren't just seeing a win; you're seeing the peak of a basketball era.
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He’s currently the favorite for his fourth MVP. If he gets it, he joins the pantheon—Jordan, Kareem, Russell, LeBron. And the scary part is, he doesn't seem to care about the legacy stuff at all. He just wants to go back to Sombor and hang out with his horses. That lack of ego is exactly why the Nuggets’ chemistry is so suffocatingly good. Nobody is fighting for touches. Everybody just wants to win.
Key Takeaways for Bettors and Analysts
If you're looking at Denver's trajectory, there are a few things to keep in mind for the coming weeks. First, their home-court advantage is the best in the NBA. Period. The altitude is real, but the synergy between the crowd and the team's style of play is what makes it a fortress.
Second, watch the health of Jamal Murray’s hamstring. He looked a little ginger in the third quarter last night after a hard drive to the rim. If he misses time, the Nuggets can stay afloat, but they lose that "clutch gene" that makes them impossible to beat in seven-game series.
Moving Forward: What to Watch For
The Nuggets head to Los Angeles next. That’s going to be a different beast.
But for now, the score of Denver game last night serves as a reminder that the road to the Larry O'Brien trophy still runs through Colorado. The Warriors aren't a bad team—far from it. They played well. They just ran into a buzzsaw that happens to be 7 feet tall and sees the future.
If you're tracking Denver's progress this season, don't just look at the wins and losses. Look at the point differential in the final five minutes of games. That's where they live. That's where they break you. Last night was just another day at the office for a team that looks destined for another deep June run.
Next Steps for Following the Nuggets:
- Monitor the Injury Report: Keep a close eye on Jamal Murray’s status before the upcoming back-to-back. If he rests, expect Reggie Jackson to see a significant uptick in usage.
- Watch the Standings: Denver is neck-and-neck with the Thunder for the 1-seed. Home court is vital for Denver due to the altitude factor, so every game against Western Conference opponents carries double weight.
- Check Defensive Ratings: Watch how Peyton Watson’s minutes fluctuate. He is becoming their "X-factor" on the wing, and his development will determine if they can stop teams with elite scoring guards like the Mavs or Suns.