Stephen Curry Shines in Warriors’ OT 137-131 Win Over Nuggets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Stephen Curry scored 42 points and carried the Golden State Warriors to a 137-131 overtime win over Denver, overshadowing Aaron Gordon’s explosive 50-point performance. Gordon tied an NBA opening-night record with 10 made 3-pointers, but Curry’s late-game heroics stole the spotlight. Golden State improves to 2-0 on the season.
Warriors vs. Nuggets Thriller – Quick Looks
- Curry scores 42: Clutch performance included 16 straight points in final minutes.
- Gordon drops 50: Ties NBA opener record with 10 threes, sets franchise mark.
- Warriors rally late: Down seven with under 3 minutes left, force OT.
- Key contributors: Horford and Butler hit OT 3s to seal the win.
- Historic duel: Only seventh 50-point opener in NBA history.
- “Night night” moment: Curry celebrates with signature move after Butler’s dagger.
- Jokic misses buzzer-beater: Nuggets unable to capitalize at end of regulation.
- Golden State now 2-0: Early season momentum building with resilient victories.
Deep Look: Curry’s Clutch Gene Overshadows Gordon’s 50-Point Explosion in Warriors OT Win
SAN FRANCISCO — On a night when Aaron Gordon lit up the scoreboard with 50 points, it was Stephen Curry who once again proved why he’s one of the most clutch performers in NBA history. The Golden State Warriors overcame a late deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets 137-131 in overtime, improving to 2-0 in the early season.
Gordon delivered one of the most explosive season-opening performances ever, knocking down 10 of 11 3-point attempts and tying the NBA record for threes in a season debut. His 50-point night also broke Alex English’s franchise record for most points by a Nugget in a season opener.
But Curry had the final word.
“It’s kind of like a playoff-type vibe,” Curry said. “Somebody has an out-of-body experience, and you just dig deep to steal one.”
Late-Game Heroics from Curry
Golden State trailed by seven with less than three minutes to go. That’s when Curry took over, scoring 16 consecutive points in a masterclass of composure and precision.
- With 2:42 remaining, he made two free throws.
- Seconds later, he drew a foul on a 3-point attempt and sank all three free throws, revving up the home crowd.
- Then came the game-tying 3-pointer with 1:24 left, only for Gordon to respond with another deep shot to put Denver back up 120-117.
Undeterred, Curry found space using a screen and drilled another clutch three with 21.4 seconds remaining to force overtime.
“On that one I was able to kind of do a little snake and I saw just a little bit of daylight,” Curry said. “Decisive. No second guessing.”
Even Gordon had to tip his cap.
“That’s Steph being Steph,” he said. “He hit a super tough shot to send it to OT.”
OT Belongs to the Warriors
The game was still tied after Nikola Jokic missed a short shot in the lane at the buzzer. In overtime, Curry again delivered, scoring seven more points, while Al Horford and Jimmy Butler hit critical 3s to build separation.
Butler’s dagger three gave Golden State a six-point lead in the final minute — prompting Curry to flash his signature “night night” celebration, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
A Tough-Luck Loss for Denver
Despite Gordon’s electric performance, the Nuggets couldn’t close out the win.
- 50 points, 10 three-pointers, and a dominant offensive performance went to waste.
- Gordon declined the game ball postgame:
“They were asking if I wanted the game ball. No. I don’t want to take the L with me.”
Coach David Adelman was visibly emotional after the game, praising Gordon’s effort.
“Aaron had a night I’ll never forget. I know he won’t. We had so many chances to win the game… but give them credit — they just keep coming.”
Gordon’s performance tied Terry Rozier’s NBA record for threes in an opener and marked just the seventh time in NBA history a player has scored 50+ in a season debut.
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