Golden State Avoids Winless Start with 20-Point Victory
Stephen Curry scored 24 points without missing Monday as Golden State defeated Denver, 134-114, for its first victory. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a career-high 31 points and 12 rebounds as the Warriors avoided an 0-4 start.
Curry Goes Perfect as Warriors Rout Nuggets
Reuters and Field Level Media documented Curry’s perfect shooting performance as Golden State earned its first victory in Denver. Curry converted all eight field-goal attempts, three three-pointers, and five free throws while finishing with 24 points.
Golden State entered halftime leading 60-56 before Curry erupted for 17 points during a decisive third-quarter performance. The Warriors scored 40 points during that quarter, carrying a 100-84 advantage into the final period.
Image from: Reuters
Third-Quarter Burst Creates Golden State Separation
Curry scored five quick points after halftime before Golden State eventually stretched its advantage to 71-60. Denver answered with five consecutive points, but Golden State responded with nine unanswered points for an 80-65 lead.
Lendeborg Scores Career-High 31 for Warriors
Lendeborg produced the game’s highest scoring total, recording 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists in 31 minutes. The rookie shot 9-of-19 overall and converted 12-of-13 free throws during his fourth regular-season NBA appearance.
His performance made him the sixth Warriors rookie to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. Curry was the previous Golden State rookie accomplishing that combination, reaching those marks during his 2010 rookie season.
Rookie Adds 12 Rebounds and Six Assists
Lendeborg entered the Denver matchup averaging 18.7 points and 8.3 rebounds through his first three regular-season games. His career-high scoring night followed a 26-point performance during Golden State’s previous 131-122 defeat against Phoenix.
Warriors Turn Halftime Lead Into 20-Point Victory
Golden State overcame Denver’s early eight-point advantage before taking a four-point lead into halftime at Ball Arena. The Warriors eventually built their largest advantage to 24 points while shooting 54.1 percent from the field.
Denver never moved closer than 13 points during the fourth quarter after Golden State established substantial separation. Jamal Murray later reduced Denver’s deficit to 15 before the Warriors answered with nine consecutive points.
Balanced Scoring Supports Curry and Lendeborg
Brandin Podziemski scored 18 points, while Gui Santos contributed 13 and veteran Al Horford added another 11. Five Warriors reached double figures as Golden State finished with 134 points and secured its first victory.
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Jokic and Murray Score 19 as Denver Falls
DeMar DeRozan led Denver with 21 points, while Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray each finished with 19. Jokic also distributed 11 assists and collected seven rebounds before leaving with Denver trailing significantly late.
Denver entered after erasing a 23-point deficit during Saturday’s 141-135 overtime victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. Golden State prevented another major comeback, extending its advantage after Denver remained within four points at halftime.
Gordon Ejection Leaves Denver Short Late
Aaron Gordon received two technical fouls and was ejected with 8:34 remaining during Denver’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt. The Nuggets played the remaining minutes without Gordon while Golden State protected its double-digit advantage through the finish.
Golden State Earns First Win After 0-3 Start
Golden State entered Denver winless after dropping its opening three games, including Saturday’s 131-122 defeat against Phoenix. Curry, Draymond Green, and Podziemski returned after sitting against Phoenix during Golden State’s first back-to-back sequence.
The Warriors improved to 1-3 while avoiding their first 0-4 start since the 2007-08 NBA season. Golden State also outrebounded Denver 50-36 and made 22 three-pointers during its breakthrough victory at Ball Arena.
Perfect Curry Night Highlights Breakthrough Victory
Curry recorded his first career 20-point performance while converting every field-goal attempt during Golden State’s victory. His 24 points accompanied Lendeborg’s career night as the Warriors finally entered the win column after three defeats.
Analytical Breakdown: Warriors Pull Away Behind Balanced Attack
Curry’s perfect shooting produced 24 points from eight attempts, giving Golden State exceptional scoring efficiency without heavy volume. Lendeborg’s 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists added production across several areas during his breakout performance. Golden State’s five double-digit scorers provided balanced production while its 40-point third quarter created the game’s decisive separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Stephen Curry score against Denver?
Curry scored 24 points while making all eight field-goal attempts, three three-pointers, and five free throws against Denver.
Did Stephen Curry miss any shots?
Curry finished without missing any field-goal, three-point, or free-throw attempt during Golden State’s 134-114 victory over Denver.
How many points did Yaxel Lendeborg score?
Lendeborg recorded a career-high 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists during Golden State’s first victory of the season.
Who led Denver in scoring?
DeRozan led Denver with 21 points, while Jokic and Murray each scored 19 during the Nuggets’ home defeat.
Was this Golden State’s first win?
Golden State improved to 1-3 by defeating Denver, earning its first victory after opening the season with three consecutive losses.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from San Francisco Chronicle.
