The Golden State Warriors had a prime opportunity on Monday night, but they let it slip away. Despite facing a Denver Nuggets team missing key players Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Christian Braun, the Warriors failed to capitalize. To make matters worse, the Minnesota Timberwolves also lost at home to an Indiana Pacers squad missing Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner, while the Memphis Grizzlies fell to the Sacramento Kings.
Everything was set up for the Warriors to gain ground in the standings. Instead, they stumbled to a 114-105 loss, snapping their seven-game winning streak in disappointing fashion. Their shooting woes were glaring, hitting just 24.2% from three-point range and an abysmal 55.6% from the free-throw line. They also committed 20 turnovers while managing just 24 assists, a recipe for disaster.
Player Grades
Jimmy Butler III
32 minutes, 23 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers, 2 fouls, 8-for-16 FG, 1-for-4 3PT, 6-for-10 FT, 56.4% TS, -9
Butler was one of the few bright spots for Golden State, bringing energy and determination. He kept the team in the game, even if his efficiency wasn’t at its peak. He wasn’t the reason they lost—he was one of the only reasons they had a chance to win.
Grade: B
Post-game bonus: Led the team in points and rebounds.
Draymond Green
33 minutes, 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, 5 blocks, 4 turnovers, 5 fouls, 5-for-6 FG, 0-for-1 3PT, 0-for-1 FT, 77.6% TS, -5
Green had a rollercoaster game. He was a defensive force in the second half, making key plays and contesting shots. However, his turnovers were costly, and foul trouble limited his impact. He played a big role in both the good and bad moments of the game.
Grade: C
Quinten Post
8 minutes, 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 2-for-3 FG, 0-for-1 3PT, 66.7% TS, -9
Post started but saw limited action due to Denver’s small-ball approach. He played decently in his brief stint but wasn’t the right fit for this matchup.
Grade: B-
Moses Moody
25 minutes, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 2 fouls, 4-for-9 FG, 1-for-4 3PT, 50.0% TS, -12
Moody brought effort but struggled to find rhythm on offense. He looked a step behind defensively and wasn’t able to make a significant impact.
Grade: C
Post-game bonus: Worst plus/minus on the team.
Steph Curry
36 minutes, 20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals, 7 turnovers, 2 fouls, 6-for-21 FG, 4-for-14 3PT, 4-for-4 FT, 43.9% TS, -7
This was one of Curry’s roughest performances in recent memory. His shot wasn’t falling, and his decision-making was uncharacteristically poor. Steve Kerr mentioned postgame that Curry is worn down, and rest may be necessary.
Grade: D-
Post-game bonus: Led the team in assists.
Jonathan Kuminga
28 minutes, 13 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 3 fouls, 4-for-11 FG, 0-for-2 3PT, 5-for-8 FT, 44.8% TS, +6
Kuminga showed flashes of brilliance when he played with patience, attacking the rim effectively and finding teammates. However, he also had moments of rushing his play, leading to mistakes. Encouraging performance overall, especially post-injury.
Grade: C+
Post-game bonus: Best plus/minus on the team.
Buddy Hield
21 minutes, 2 points, 1 assist, 1-for-4 FG, 0-for-3 3PT, 25.0% TS, 0 plus/minus
Hield struggled mightily. He couldn’t get anything going offensively and didn’t contribute much elsewhere.
Grade: D
Gui Santos
14 minutes, 0 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block, 3 turnovers, 1 foul, 0-for-1 FG, 0-for-1 3PT, 0.0% TS, -4
Santos played solid defense but was a non-factor on offense, negating any positive impact he had.
Grade: C
Kevon Looney
15 minutes, 6 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover, 3 fouls, 3-for-3 FG, 0-for-3 FT, 69.4% TS, -4
Looney provided rebounding and interior defense in limited minutes. His free-throw struggles continue to be a liability, but he was otherwise effective.
Grade: B
Gary Payton II
26 minutes, 18 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 block, 3 fouls, 8-for-10 FG, 2-for-3 3PT, 0-for-1 FT, 86.2% TS, -1
Payton was the Warriors’ best player on the night, making an impact on both ends. He started the second half due to his strong play and continued his offensive surge.
Grade: A
Other Notes
- DNP-CDs: Trayce Jackson-Davis, Pat Spencer
- Inactives: Taran Armstrong, Braxton Key, Brandin Podziemski, Jackson Rowe
Looking Ahead
The Warriors will have to quickly move on from this ugly loss as they prepare to face the Milwaukee Bucks. With Curry’s potential need for rest, Golden State must find ways to generate offense and limit their mistakes. Monday’s loss was a missed opportunity, but there’s still time to bounce back in the playoff race.