Brandin Podziemski took over late, scoring 12 of his 18 points in the final five minutes to lift the Golden State Warriors to a 128-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.
Podziemski finished 7 of 16 from the field and nearly recorded a triple-double with 15 rebounds and nine assists. Golden State closed the game on a decisive 19-8 run, sparked by two 3-pointers and a put-back from Podziemski. Al Horford added 22 points, hitting six 3-pointers, and dished out seven assists as the Warriors snapped a two-game skid despite missing Stephen Curry (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), Jimmy Butler (torn right ACL) and a late scratch in Draymond Green (back).
Moses Moody scored 23 points and grabbed seven rebounds, while De'Anthony Melton contributed 20 points.
Denver was led by Nikola Jokic, who posted 25 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists for his 19th triple-double of the season and 183rd of his career. Jamal Murray added 21 points, Christian Braun had 18 and Bruce Brown scored 12.
The Warriors set the tone early, with Horford knocking down two 3-pointers and scoring 11 points in the first quarter. Golden State led 76-67 at halftime, even as Jokic entered the break one assist shy of a triple-double. Denver mounted a push in the second half but never led, and the Warriors’ late surge sealed it.
Up next:
The Nuggets host Boston on Wednesday, while the Warriors travel to New Orleans on Tuesday.