Jamal Murray Nikola Jokic Top Denver Nuggets in Win Against Golden State Warriors

Nuggets beat Warriors 120-114 for fifth straight win, Jokic scores 26, Murray 28. Wiggins returns, Curry heats up late.

Jamal Murray had an impressive game, scoring 28 points, while Nikola Jokic managed to overcome a rough day on the court by making all 18 of his free throw attempts. As a result, the Denver Nuggets secured their fifth consecutive win by defeating the Golden State Warriors 120-114 on Monday.

Despite struggling from the field, Jokic finished with 26 points and set a career-high with his 18 made free throws. He also contributed 14 rebounds and eight assists. In a previous Christmas game, Jokic had a standout performance with 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in an overtime victory against Phoenix.

The game against the Warriors was a back-and-forth affair, with nine lead changes in the second half. Ultimately, Denver secured the lead for good when Jokic made a left-handed hook shot with 5:16 remaining.

Andrew Wiggins made a strong return for the Warriors, scoring 22 points after missing two games due to illness. Stephen Curry also made an impact, finishing with 18 points despite a slow start.

The Warriors have been performing well, with a 5-2 record since the suspension of Draymond Green. Green was suspended indefinitely after striking Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face. Coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Green has mostly stayed away during his suspension, but remains in contact with the training staff and coaches.

In the game, the Warriors utilized Kevon Looney and rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis to try and frustrate Jokic, who struggled with his usual scoring touch. However, all five Denver starters managed to score in double figures, with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon both recording double-doubles.

Before the game, Denver coach Michael Malone made a festive entrance, wearing a Nuggets-themed Christmas sweater. Malone, the son of a longtime NBA coach, shared that some of his favorite memories were attending games on December 25, especially when his father was an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.

Looking ahead, the Warriors will begin a seven-game homestand on Thursday against Miami.

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