Stephen Curry scored 42 points, including a clutch 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation, to lead the Golden State Warriors past the Denver Nuggets 137-131 in overtime on Thursday. After the win, Curry praised his team’s collective effort and early-season performance.
“There’s 80 games left, so you kind of understand, you don’t want to get too ahead of yourself,” Curry said. “But building blocks on an understanding of how to win, the selflessness of a team that can have eight or nine guys in a closing lineup, got us over the hump.”
Curry highlighted the versatility of the Warriors’ lineup in the overtime surge. “Al Horford has played against everybody, Jimmy, Draymond, JK, myself — that group had not gotten any real reps in training camp, but the collective IQ and toughness allowed us to finish the game,” he said.
On facing Aaron Gordon’s 50-point performance, Curry called it “ridiculous.” He praised the Nuggets’ forward for his summer work and his impact on the game. “For a championship-type team like us, to still win shows a lot about where we’re at, but it also shows we’ve got work to do,” Curry added.
The Warriors’ spacing and ball movement were also key to the win. “We’ve been working on an identity offensively,” Curry said. “Al hit two big threes late, JK followed the help to the basket. As long as we are organized and decisive, we have options all over the floor.”
Curry recounted the dramatic final moments of regulation when Gordon hit a go-ahead 3-pointer, only for Curry to respond 4.3 seconds later. “Our pick and roll got me some daylight, and decisiveness was key. Thankfully it went in,” he said.
The guard also praised rookie Will Richard’s early-season contributions. “Winning players at whatever level matter,” Curry said. “He’s fearless, sees the game well, and his presence lifts the whole group.”
Curry noted the importance of team chemistry, especially in closing moments. “Jimmy’s shot in overtime came from methodical possessions. Draymond and I have history, and he knows what it means to close out a game,” Curry said.
Looking ahead, Curry emphasized that it’s still early in the season. “It’s game two. Long way to go. We’re building a winning mentality and figuring out how to find the best shot every possession,” he said.
The Warriors, now 2-0, travel to Portland on Friday, while the Nuggets, 0-1, host Phoenix on Saturday.
