The Stephen Curry Warriors OT Win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night was nothing short of legendary. In a game where Aaron Gordon delivered a stunning 50-point performance, Curry once again showed why he’s one of the greatest closers in NBA history — scoring 16 consecutive points and willing the Golden State Warriors to a 137-131 overtime victory at the Chase Center.
This clash between the defending champions and a rejuvenated Warriors squad was expected to be electric, but few anticipated the kind of duel that unfolded between Stephen Curry and Aaron Gordon. The night turned into a showcase of shooting brilliance, mental toughness, and late-game mastery.
A Career Night for Aaron Gordon — and Still Not Enough
Aaron Gordon entered the season opener with modest expectations, but he ended up etching his name in the record books. Scoring 50 points, he became only the seventh player in NBA history to record a 50-point performance in an opening game. Even more impressive, Gordon hit 10-of-11 shots from three-point range, a career-best and a tie for the most three-pointers ever made in a season opener.
His offensive rhythm was flawless — pull-ups, spot-ups, and transition threes all seemed to fall effortlessly. Every time Golden State tried to mount a run, Gordon had an answer.
“It sucks,” Gordon admitted after the game. “They were asking if I wanted the game ball. No. I don’t want to take the L with me. It sucks. But it’s one game. It’s our first game.”
Despite Gordon’s incredible individual effort, Denver’s inability to contain Curry in the closing minutes proved fatal.
Stephen Curry’s Takeover: Vintage Greatness in Motion
If Gordon’s performance was about dominance, Curry’s was about timing and leadership. With just over two minutes remaining in regulation and the Warriors trailing by seven, Curry found a way to completely change the momentum.
He started by sinking two free throws, then drew a foul on a three-point attempt and calmly hit all three from the line — energizing the crowd and igniting the Warriors’ comeback. Moments later, Curry hit a game-tying three-pointer with just 1:24 left on the clock.
Denver answered with another Gordon triple, putting them ahead 120-117 with less than 30 seconds to play. But Curry wasn’t done. Using a pick-and-roll to create a sliver of daylight, he drained another cold-blooded three-pointer to tie the game once again, forcing 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 postgame. “Decisive. No second-guessing what you’re doing.”
Overtime Belongs to the Warriors
In overtime, Curry continued his brilliance — scoring seven of his 42 total points and setting up teammates like Jimmy Butler and Al Horford, who both hit key three-pointers to seal the win.
Curry capped off the night with his signature “night night” celebration, signaling the end of Denver’s resistance. The Warriors improved to 2-0 on the young season, while the Nuggets were left reeling despite Gordon’s historic effort.
“Ridiculous,” Curry said of Gordon’s shooting night. “Whatever he did this summer worked.”
Breaking Records and Making Statements
The game will be remembered not only for the star power but also for the records shattered.
- Aaron Gordon’s 50 points broke Alex English’s franchise record (47) for a Denver season opener.
- His 10 made threes tied Terry Rozier’s NBA record for a season-opening game.
- Curry’s 42 points marked the 63rd 40-point game of his career, adding yet another chapter to his growing legacy.
Denver coach David Adelman praised Gordon’s effort but lamented the missed opportunity:
“I feel awful for Aaron. He had a night I’ll never forget. I know he won’t. So tough loss. We had so many chances to win the game, to control the game. Give them credit. They just keep coming.”
A Message to the League
This Stephen Curry Warriors OT Win wasn’t just another regular-season victory — it was a message. The Warriors, after years of retooling and doubts about their aging core, still have the DNA of champions. Curry’s ability to dominate in clutch moments remains unparalleled, and his chemistry with new teammates like Butler and Horford hints at a balanced, dangerous squad.
For Denver, the loss stings — especially after a performance for the ages by Gordon. But if this game proved anything, it’s that even extraordinary individual performances can be overshadowed by the rare brilliance of Stephen Curry.
End of an Empire, Beginning of a Warning
Curry’s latest masterpiece is a reminder that the NBA’s greatest threats never truly fade — they just reload. The Warriors are back, and so is their leader, showing once again that no matter how high others rise, Stephen Curry’s flame still burns brightest when the lights shine hottest.
Source: Al Jazeera
