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Without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Nuggets cool off Warriors to stay in West no. 2 race

Published March 18, 2025, 1:04 PMPao Ambat
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Aaron Gordon stepped up big time in an inspiring Denver Nuggets bounce-back win, halting the Golden State Warriors’ seven-game winning streak in the process.

Aaron Gordon scored 18 of his team-high 38 points in the second half, as the Denver Nuggets overcame the absence of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray to deny the Golden State Warriors an eighth straight win. | Photo © Denver Nuggets

On the night Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were out, Aaron Gordon took matters into his own hands.

Gordon went off with a season-high 38 points, carrying the short-handed Nuggets past the Warriors, 114-105, and put the brakes on Golden State's seven-game winning run, Tuesday, March 12.

Russell Westbrook secured his 203rd career triple double after finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and a season-high 16 assists while Michael Porter Jr. added 21 markers. 

Denver — who played without Jokic (right elbow contusion, left ankle impingement), Murray (right ankle sprain), and Christian Braun (left foot inflammation — led by as many 15 points and now grabbed a share of the West no. 2 spot with the Houston Rockets at 44-25.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler tallied 23 points, eight, rebounds, and six assists for the Warriors, who slipped to 39-29 with their first loss since March 2. 

Golden State seeks a bounce-back against the Milwaukee Bucks (38-29) while Denver visits the Lakers (42-25) in Los Angeles next.  

(With reports from Pao Ambat)

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]