The Denver Nuggets dominated the Golden State Warriors 129-104 in a Group C game of the Emirates NBA Cup West, played on November 7, 2025, at the Ball Arena in Denver. This decisive victory marked Denver’s third consecutive win and improved their home record to a perfect 5-0.
The Nuggets never trailed, building an 18-6 lead and going into halftime with a 66-49 advantage.
Their starters outscored Golden State’s 54-18 in the first half alone, shooting an impressive 21 of 34 from the field (including 10 of 16 three-pointers), while the Warriors’ starters managed only 7 of 26.
Key Performers
Denver’s bench and depth shone, with the team winning six of seven games since their opening loss to these same Warriors.
Immediate consequences
Change in standings: The Nuggets improve to 6-2 overall and 1-1 in Group C of the NBA Cup, keeping their playoff hopes alive (the win-or-die mentality paid off). The Warriors fall to 5-5 and 0-1 in the Cup, extending their road losing streak to five games.
Injury consequences: Stephen Curry missed his second straight game (illness), Jimmy Butler played through a possible back injury, and Draymond Green dealt with a rib contusion. Al Horford was a late addition with foot soreness. Coach Steve Kerr is hoping Curry will return on Sunday against Indiana.
Season Head-to-Head: Tied 1-1 after Golden State’s thrilling 137-131 overtime victory on October 23 (featuring a heroic 42-point performance from Curry). Denver avenged that loss decisively.
Broader Impact
Warriors’ Reliance Exposed: Without Curry, Golden State’s offense was lifeless; they chased rookie Brandin Podziemski on pick-and-rolls, failing to generate any rhythm.
This 25-point blowout (their worst road loss of the season) raises questions about the depth of the roster behind Curry, Butler, and Green. They are now 0-4 on the road and headed for the play-in spot in the competitive Western Conference.
Nuggets’ Title Credentials Strengthened: Denver’s minutes without Jokić were solid (unlike in previous seasons), and their starters tore apart a playoff-caliber defense. They are third in offensive efficiency and now boast the most balanced attack in the league. Winning by a wide margin without the opponent’s star player is a resounding victory.
Impact on the NBA Cup: Denver remains in contention in Group C; a loss would have been devastating after their opening loss in Portland. The Warriors’ disappointing start to the Cup increases the pressure on the remaining group stage games.
Short term: The Warriors need Curry back as soon as possible; without him, their potential plummets. The Nuggets are riding high heading into Saturday’s game against Indiana, aiming for a 7-2 start.
Long term: Denver is shaping up to be the silent giant of the West, fully healthy and in peak form. Golden State must prove it’s more than a one-man team (Curry) if it wants to compete with OKC, Minneapolis, or even these same Nuggets in May.
Big picture: Height and Jokić > Heroism at the Chase Center. Frozen revenge in Denver.
Nuggets fans: “We dominated the Warriors when it mattered.” Warriors fans: “Get well soon, Chef.” The third round (February 22) is still a ways off.
