Curry scores 42, hits clutch shots as Warriors outlast Nuggets despite Gordon’s 50-point night.
San Francisco
In a game full of fireworks, Aaron Gordon put on a historic show, but Stephen Curry proved why he’s one of the NBA’s most clutch players. The Golden State guard scored 42 points, including a game-tying 3-pointer late in regulation and 16 consecutive points down the stretch, leading the Warriors to a 137-131 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets.
Gordon’s performance was remarkable. He recorded the seventh 50-point season opener in NBA history and tied the record for the first game of a season by making 10 3-pointers, surpassing his previous career high by three. Despite the historic display, Gordon could not carry Denver past Curry’s late-game brilliance. “It sucks,” Gordon admitted. “No. I don’t want to take the L with me. But it’s our first game.”
Down seven late, Curry calmly sank two free throws, followed by a foul 3-pointer, and then a clutch three with 21.4 seconds left to send the game into overtime. Nikola Jokic’s missed layup at the buzzer sealed regulation, setting the stage for Curry to shine. In OT, Curry scored seven points, supported by key threes from Al Horford and Jimmy Butler, ensuring the Warriors improved to 2-0 on the season.
Golden State coach praised Curry’s composure, while Nuggets coach David Adelman lamented the missed opportunity despite Gordon breaking Alex English’s franchise record and tying Terry Rozier’s NBA record for 3-pointers in a season opener.
Curry’s ability to rise to the occasion overshadowed a night that will still be remembered for Gordon’s remarkable scoring outburst, demonstrating why both players are among the league’s most exciting talents.
