If you’re a Golden State Warriors fan, grab a seat and some tissues because Nikola Jokic just orchestrated a basketball clinic. The Denver Nuggets edged the Warriors 119-115 in the NBA Cup group stage finale, with Jokic putting up a jaw-dropping 38 points. Meanwhile, the Warriors have slid into a five-game losing streak, leaving fans wondering if there’s a light at the end of the tunnel—or just more Nikola Jokic highlights.

Let’s talk about Nikola Jokic, the man who probably eats triple-doubles for breakfast. The Nuggets were +23 with him on the floor, but when Jokic was sipping Gatorade, they were -19. The Joker dropped 38 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and stole the ball five times. In case you’re keeping track, he basically did everything short of selling popcorn at halftime.

When Jokic was benched, the Warriors twice surged ahead, including a fiery 20-9 run in the first half and a 10-2 burst to open the fourth quarter. But the moment Jokic checked back in? It was lights out for Golden State.

The Warriors’ late-game struggles have become as predictable as pumpkin spice in October. With three minutes left, Golden State held a 7-point lead and seemed poised to snap their losing streak. Instead, Denver went on an 11-0 run that left the Warriors scrambling for answers.

Stephen Curry, as usual, was a maestro, tallying a game-high 11 assists and orchestrating the Warriors’ 36 total assists. But even Curry’s brilliance couldn’t patch up Golden State’s defensive lapses and offensive stagnation in crunch time.

Draymond Green’s absence (thanks, left calf tightness) didn’t help matters either. Without their emotional leader, the Warriors looked disorganized in key moments, allowing Jokic to exploit mismatches and dominate the paint.

While most of the Warriors struggled to keep pace, Jonathan Kuminga decided it was time to shine. Starting in place of Green, Kuminga scored 19 points, hitting 9 of his 17 shots. In the game’s opening minutes, he accounted for half of the team’s first 14 points, providing a much-needed offensive spark.

But for all his effort, Kuminga couldn’t do it alone. Curry chipped in 20 points, while Klay Thompson was notably absent from this conversation (and, let’s be honest, from most of the game).

While Jokic was the undisputed star, he didn’t carry Denver alone. Aaron Gordon brought his usual energy with 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Jamal Murray added 15 points and a clutch three-pointer during Denver’s late-game surge. The Nuggets’ bench also contributed key moments, proving this team isn’t just a one-man show.

The loss drops the Warriors into a tough spot, as they now prepare to face the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Golden State desperately needs a win to regain confidence, but unless they figure out how to close games, their playoff aspirations might be as doomed as a Jokic opponent trying to guard him one-on-one.

What was Nikola Jokic’s stat line against the Warriors?

Jokic scored 38 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and recorded 5 steals.

How many games have the Warriors lost consecutively?

The Warriors are currently on a five-game losing streak.

What was the turning point in the game?

The Nuggets’ 11-0 run in the final three minutes sealed the Warriors’ fate.

Who stood out for the Warriors despite the loss?

Jonathan Kuminga delivered a solid performance with 19 points on 9-of-17 shooting.

What’s next for the Warriors?

They will face the Houston Rockets in the NBA Cup quarterfinals.

This game was a microcosm of the Warriors’ season: flashes of brilliance overshadowed by inconsistency and late-game collapses. While Jokic continues to make a strong case for another MVP award, Golden State is left reeling, trying to figure out how to turn things around.

As the NBA Cup moves into the knockout stages, all eyes will be on the Warriors to see if they can bounce back—or if Jokic and the Nuggets will have the last laugh yet again. Either way, basketball fans are in for a wild ride.

By Robin

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