The Denver Nuggets dropped their opening game of the 2025-26 NBA season against the Golden State Warriors (137-131), despite a career night from starting power forward Aaron Gordon, who was hard on himself after the game.
“It sucks. They’re asking if I wanted the game ball, and no, I don’t want the game ball, take an L home with me. No thank you,” Gordon told The Athletic’s Nick Friedell. “So this sucks, but it’s one game, our first game. It’s a good team, it’s a really good team… We’re going to reconvene, watch the film, and try to play better in our home opener.”
“I feel awful for Aaron. Aaron had a night that I’ll never forget. I know he won’t. A tough loss — had many chances to win the game, control the game. Give them credit, they just kept coming,” Denver Nuggets coach David Adelman added.
Gordon exploded for 50 points on 17-for-21 shooting from the field, including going 10-for-11 from three-point land. He also made all six of his free throws and grabbed eight rebounds. According to Opta Stats, the Denver Nuggets forward became the first player in NBA history to achieve this remarkable shooting display.
Denver Nuggets News: Nikola Jokic ties Oscar Robertson in crazy triple-double record
Aaron Gordon’s performance was so good that it overshadowed Nikola Jokic’s triple-double. The Denver Nuggets center had 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, but went 8-for-23 from the field last night.
According to NBA Communications, Jokic recorded his fourth triple-double in a season opener, which puts him alongside Oscar Robertson for holding the distinct league record.
Jokic and the Denver Nuggets will aim to bounce back when they host the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Saturday for their second game of the 2025-26 NBA campaign.
