Al Horford's Three-Point Surge Powers Warriors Past Nuggets in NBA Showdown
The Golden State Warriors demonstrated their renowned "Strength in Numbers" philosophy in a commanding 128-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday, February 23, 2026 (PH time), in the National Basketball Association (NBA). This win came despite significant roster challenges, as the Warriors fielded only nine players due to key absences.
Warriors Overcome Roster Shortages with Team Effort
With stars like Stephen Curry (knee), Draymond Green (back soreness), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), and Jimmy Butler (torn ACL) sidelined, the Warriors relied on a collective effort to fill the void. All but one of the active Warriors players contributed points, with seven recording double-digit scores, showcasing the depth of their bench.
Horford's Early Three-Point Explosion Sets the Tone
Al Horford was instrumental in sparking the Warriors' offense, draining two consecutive three-pointers early in the game. He finished with 22 points, including an impressive 6-of-7 from beyond the arc, setting a fast-paced tempo that the Nuggets struggled to counter.
Key Performances Lead to Dominant Victory
Moses Moody led the Warriors with 23 points, while DeAnthony Melton added 20 points. The team's ball movement was exceptional, registering 42 assists compared to the Nuggets' 25, which created significant offensive problems for Denver. After a strong first quarter, the Warriors built a 39-27 lead, maintaining control for most of the game.
Nuggets' Efforts Fall Short Despite Jokic's Triple-Double
The Nuggets briefly rallied in the third quarter, but the Warriors' offense reignited in the fourth, fueled by Brandin Podziemski. Podziemski scored 12 of his total 18 points in the final five minutes, sealing the win. For the Nuggets, Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double with 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists, supported by Jamal Murray's 21 points and Christian Braun's 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Warriors' balanced attack.
Strategic Execution and Resilience Define Warriors' Success
This victory highlights the Warriors' ability to adapt and excel under pressure, leveraging their team-oriented approach to secure a decisive win. The performance underscores their resilience in the face of adversity, setting a positive tone for their season ahead.
