Let’s talk about what just went down at the Chase Center. If you were looking for the Nuggets vs. Warriors match stats latest, you’ve stepped into a crime scene—or a miracle, depending on which jersey you’re wearing. On February 22, 2026, the Golden State Warriors pulled off a stunner. The nuggets vs warriors final score ended up 128-117 in favor of the Dubs.
It was a game that felt like a fever dream. The nuggets vs warriors match stats show a story of two halves. One team had the MVP, and the other had a group of kids who refused to quit. This nuggets vs warriors game recap will dive into the den vs gsw box score to see how a shorthanded Warriors team beat the giants from Denver.
From the nuggets vs warriors player stats to the messy nuggets vs warriors quarter by quarter breakdown, we’ve got it all. Even the nuggets at warriors box score Feb 22, 2026, tells us one thing: never bet against the home crowd.
The Nuggets vs Warriors Box Score: Numbers That Lie
Basketball is a game of runs. This game was a marathon that turned into a sprint. Looking at the nuggets vs warriors box score, you’d think Denver had it in the bag. They dominated the paint. They had the best player on the floor. But the nuggets vs warriors team stats tell a darker tale for the Mile High crew.
Denver shot the ball well from the inside. However, the warriors 3-point shooting vs nuggets was like a rainstorm that wouldn’t stop. Golden State hit 21 triples. That is a lot of math for a Sunday afternoon. While the nuggets vs warriors shooting splits showed Denver being more efficient overall, the volume of long-range bombs from Golden State was the equalizer.
- Final Score: Warriors 128, Nuggets 117
- Warriors 3-PT: 21-of-52 (40.4%)
- Nuggets Paint Points: 60
- Total Turnovers: Denver 15, Golden State 15
It was a gritty performance. The Warriors didn’t have Steph Curry. They didn’t have Draymond Green. They didn’t even have their big man, Kristaps Porzingis. Yet, the nuggets vs warriors bench points were massive. The Dubs’ depth showed up when it mattered most.
Nuggets vs Warriors Player Stats: The Joker’s Lonely Throne
Nikola Jokic is a wizard. There is no other way to put it. His nuggets vs. Warriors player stats are actually terrifying. He put up a 35-point triple-double. He grabbed 20 rebounds. He threw 12 assists. In most universes, that is an automatic win. But the gsw vs den player stats showed a more balanced attack from the home team.
Moses Moody led the way for the Warriors with 23 points. He looked like he was playing in a video game. Then you have Brandin Podziemski. “Podz” didn’t just play; he took over the fourth quarter. He scored 12 of his 18 points in the final five minutes. He almost had a triple-double himself with 15 rebounds and 9 assists.
Denver Nuggets Top Performers:
- Nikola Jokic: 35 PTS, 20 REB, 12 AST
- Jamal Murray: 21 PTS, 5 TO
- Christian Braun: 18 PTS, 5 REB
Golden State Warriors Top Performers:
- Moses Moody: 23 PTS, 7 REB, 4 3PM
- Al Horford: 22 PTS, 7 AST, 6 3PM
- Brandin Podziemski: 18 PTS, 15 REB, 9 AST
The nuggets vs warriors points, rebounds, and assists leaders were clearly Jokic and Podziemski. It was a battle of the old guard versus the new energy. Al Horford, at 39 years old, looked like he found a fountain of youth. He drained six 3-pointers. Every time Denver tried to close the gap, Al was there to ruin their day.
Nuggets vs Warriors Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
If you watched the nuggets vs warriors quarter by quarter action, you saw a rollercoaster. The first half was all Golden State. They jumped out to a 39-27 lead in the first quarter. The Chase Center was rocking. The Nuggets looked like they were still asleep at the hotel.
Then came the third quarter. Denver woke up. They outscored the Warriors 34-19. Suddenly, the nuggets vs warriors match stats looked like a comeback story. Denver entered the fourth quarter with a 6-point lead. It felt like the championship experience of the Nuggets would take over.
| Quarter | Denver Nuggets | Golden State Warriors |
| 1st Quarter | 27 | 39 |
| 2nd Quarter | 40 | 37 |
| 3rd Quarter | 34 | 19 |
| 4th Quarter | 16 | 33 |
| Total | 117 | 128 |
The fourth quarter was a disaster for Denver. They only scored 16 points. You can’t win NBA regular season nuggets vs warriors stats battles by scoring 16 points in the final frame. The Warriors went on a 15-0 run that felt like a punch to the gut. The nuggets vs warriors highlights will surely feature Podziemski’s put-back layup that sealed the deal.
Key Factors: Turnovers and Second Chances
In the world of nuggets vs warriors team stats, small mistakes become big problems. Denver is usually very careful with the ball. Not this time. The nuggets vs warriors turnovers and points off turnovers were a huge factor. Jamal Murray had 5 turnovers. When your point guard loses the ball, the whole team feels it.
The Warriors also crashed the glass. Usually, Jokic owns the boards. But the nuggets vs warriors offensive rebounds and second-chance points were surprisingly close. The Warriors grabbed 9 offensive rebounds. Those extra possessions allowed them to keep firing from deep.
- Fast Break Points: Denver had 20, Golden State had 12.
- Points off Turnovers: Both teams were sloppy, but Golden State capitalized late.
- Second Chance Points: Warriors kept the ball alive during their 19-8 closing run.
The nuggets vs warriors fast break points showed that Denver tried to run. They wanted to use their speed. But in the end, the half-court defense of a “beaten-up” Warriors squad held firm. They sagged off Bruce Brown and Christian Braun, dared them to shoot, and clogged up the lane for Jokic.
Why This Game Matters for the Standings
This wasn’t just another game on the calendar. This was about respect. The nuggets vs warriors match stats will go down as a “trap game” for Denver. They were coming off a 54-point win against Portland. They were feeling good. Maybe too good.
For the Warriors, this win keeps their playoff hopes alive. Doing it without Steph Curry is a huge confidence booster. The nuggets vs warriors 3-point makes and attempts (21/52) showed that their system works even when the superstars are on the bench. It was “Strength in Numbers” all over again.
Denver is now 36-22. They are fighting to stay in the top four of the Western Conference. If they keep losing games where Jokic gets a 35-point triple-double, they are in trouble. The nuggets vs warriors final score is a wake-up call for the former champs. They need to find a way to finish games.
Behind the Scenes: The “Podz” Takeover
Every game has a story. The story of this nuggets vs warriors game recap is Brandin Podziemski. Imagine being a young player and seeing your idols—Curry, Green, Butler—all on the injury report. Most kids would be scared. Podz just asked for the ball.
He played over 36 minutes. He was everywhere. He was diving for loose balls. He was screaming at his teammates. He played with a “street-smart charm” that Denver couldn’t match. When he hit those two 3-pointers in the final run, the roof nearly came off the arena.
The nuggets vs warriors player stats don’t show the heart. They don’t show how Podziemski challenged Jokic at the rim. They don’t show the grit. But if you were there, you felt it. It was one of those nights where the underdog simply decided they weren’t going to lose.
Google Optimized Headline: Warriors Upset Nuggets 128-117: Full Match Stats and Player Breakdown
Is this the end of the Nuggets’ dominance? Probably not. But it proves that on any given Sunday, the nuggets vs warriors match stats can surprise you. Denver has the talent, but Golden State has the system. This battle was a reminder that basketball is a team sport. Even a “Joker” can’t win a game alone if the rest of the deck is stacked against him.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the final score of the Nuggets vs Warriors game?
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 128-117 on February 22, 2026.
2. Who were the leading scorers in the Nuggets vs Warriors match?
Nikola Jokic led all scorers with 35 points for Denver. Moses Moody led the Warriors with 23 points, followed by Al Horford with 22.
3. Did Nikola Jokic get a triple-double?
Yes, Nikola Jokic recorded his 183rd career triple-double with 35 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists.
4. Why didn’t Stephen Curry play against the Nuggets?
Stephen Curry missed the game due to a lingering knee injury. He is expected to be reevaluated in about 10 days.
5. How many 3-pointers did the Warriors make?
The Warriors made 21 out of 52 3-point attempts, shooting approximately 40.4% from beyond the arc.
Conclusion: Takeaways from the Match
The nuggets vs warriors match stats tell us that Denver is vulnerable in “clutch” moments. They have a losing record in close games this season. On the other side, the Warriors’ bench is dangerous. They found a way to win with heart and long-distance shooting.
Whether you are looking at the den vs gsw box score for fantasy points or just to see if your favorite team won, the message is clear. The Western Conference is a bloodbath. No lead is safe, and no superstar is guaranteed a win.
Would you like me to analyze the upcoming Nuggets schedule to see how they can bounce back from this loss?
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