Here’s a refined version of your article with improved clarity and flow:
Warriors Stumble in Costly Loss to Short-Handed Nuggets
SAN FRANCISCO – The Golden State Warriors had an opportunity to capitalize on a depleted Denver Nuggets squad Monday night but failed to take advantage, suffering a 114-105 loss at Chase Center.
With Denver missing three starters—including three-time MVP Nikola Jokić and star guard Jamal Murray—the Warriors delivered one of their most frustrating performances since acquiring Jimmy Butler III five weeks ago.
The loss stings even more as it came on a night when Golden State could have gained ground in the tight Western Conference playoff race.
Stephen Curry, playing through back pain, struggled offensively, finishing with 20 points on 6-of-20 shooting while committing seven turnovers. Butler led the team with 23 points, while Gary Payton II provided a spark off the bench with 18.
However, the Warriors’ woes were self-inflicted. They missed 12 free throws, shot just 8-of-33 from three-point range, lost the rebounding battle 52-38, and surrendered 24 points off 20 turnovers—including some bafflingly careless passes.
Here are three key takeaways from Golden State’s most disappointing loss in the Butler era:
Fourth-Quarter Push Falls Short
Despite trailing by as many as 15 points and entering the final quarter down 12, the Warriors managed to rally, finally injecting life into a crowd that had spent most of the game in stunned silence.
Butler and Jonathan Kuminga spearheaded the comeback effort, tightening up the defense and attacking the rim with renewed aggression.
Golden State opened the fourth quarter on a 17-8 run, trimming the deficit to three (97-94) after two Curry free throws with 6:48 remaining.
But just as momentum seemed to shift, Denver responded with three quick baskets, extending its lead back to nine with 4:31 left. The Warriors never seriously threatened again, undone by three costly fouls and three turnovers in the final minutes.
Flat First Half Digs Too Deep a Hole
The Warriors looked lethargic from the opening tip, playing with the energy of a team overlooking its opponent.
Facing a Denver squad missing three of its top four scorers, Golden State came out unfocused—botching fast breaks, missing layups, and showing little urgency on defense.
By halftime, they had been outrebounded 25-15, shot just 4-of-12 from the free-throw line, and connected on a dismal 4-of-19 attempts from three. Outside of Payton’s relentless effort, the defensive intensity was nonexistent.
Denver’s two available starters, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr., capitalized on Golden State’s sluggishness, combining for 36 first-half points—well above their season averages.
The result? A 24-minute stretch of uninspired basketball that proved too difficult to overcome.
Gary Payton II Stands Alone
While the Warriors as a whole lacked energy, Payton refused to let the game slip away without a fight.
Coming off the bench late in the first quarter, he immediately made an impact—recording three steals in his first three minutes to try and ignite his teammates.
Payton continued his aggressive play in the second quarter, scoring 11 points on 5-of-5 shooting in just 10 minutes.
He finished with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-3 from deep, and was one of the few Warriors to bring defensive intensity. His efforts weren’t enough to prevent the loss, but they underscored the gap between his energy level and the rest of the team’s lackluster performance.
This version keeps all the key details intact while making the article more engaging and polished. Let me know if you’d like any tweaks!