The result provided a much-needed boost for Golden State, which had opened the campaign with three consecutive losses. Entering the contest as seven-point underdogs against a rested Denver side, the Warriors controlled the tempo throughout the evening. The victory was particularly notable for the team's ability to close out the game without relying on veteran stars
A Historic Start for the Rookie
Lendeborg’s early-season production has been significant, with his 87 total points marking the highest tally for a Warriors rookie through their first four games since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959. His performance against Denver was defined by his aggressive play, as he consistently drove to the basket and drew fouls, finishing the night with 13 free-throw attempts. Coach Steve Kerr praised the rookie’s physical and mental readiness, noting that the team trusted him with the ball during the game's most critical moments.
Teammate Draymond Green echoed this sentiment, highlighting the rookie's ability to influence the game regardless of his experience level. While Lendeborg struggled from beyond the arc, missing seven of his eight attempts, his dominance in the paint and his playmaking ability proved decisive. Alongside fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski, who contributed 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, Lendeborg ensured the Warriors maintained their lead while the starters rested.
Curry’s Efficiency and Denver’s Struggles
Stephen Curry provided a highly efficient scoring display, finishing with 24 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting performance. It marked only the second time in his career that he has finished a game without missing a shot. Despite his offensive impact, particularly in the third quarter, the Warriors' depth allowed them to outscore the Nuggets by 13 points during the 21 minutes Curry spent on the bench.
For the Nuggets, the loss dropped their record to 1-2. Following the game, Nikola Jokic addressed the home crowd’s reaction, reiterating his previous comments regarding fans who booed the team during their earlier win against the New Orleans Pelicans. Jokic maintained his stance that those individuals were not true supporters of the team. As the Warriors look to build on this momentum, Lendeborg appears poised to remain a central figure in their rotation, with Kerr confirming that the rookie is already capable of closing out high-stakes games.
