The Golden State Warriors showcased early-season resilience and star power on Thursday night, outlasting the Denver Nuggets 137-131 in an overtime thriller that highlighted the instant chemistry between Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.
It was only the team’s second game of the season, but the performance felt like a statement from a group looking to reclaim its place among the NBA’s elite.
Curry, who opened the year with a solid 23-point outing against the Los Angeles Lakers, erupted for 42 points in front of an electrified Chase Center crowd.
The two-time MVP was in vintage form, knocking down 14 of his 25 shot attempts, including six three-pointers, and finishing a perfect eight-for-eight from the free-throw line. His stat sheet was as complete as it was impressive: six rebounds, seven assists, three steals and a block in just 37 minutes of play.
Butler, the team’s midseason acquisition from the Miami Heat last season, added another layer of composure and grit.
After scoring 31 against the Lakers in the opener, the six-time All-Star delivered 21 points on 6-of-15 shooting to go with five rebounds, six assists, and three steals. Perhaps most importantly, he did not turn the ball over once across nearly 40 minutes.
Golden State’s stars close the show in overtime
The decisive moment came deep into the extra period, when Butler drilled a three-pointer with just 41.1 seconds remaining to give Golden State a 133-127 lead.
That shot effectively ended Denver’s comeback hopes and punctuated what was perhaps the Warriors’ most balanced offensive effort since Butler’s arrival.
“Big shot to kind of seal it,” Curry said. “For us to get a home-opener like that, to have that kind of energy is pretty special.”
After the game, Curry shared a lighthearted moment with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, revealing that he had tried to persuade Butler to celebrate the dagger three with his trademark “night-night” gesture.
“Yeah, I was hoping he’d get it back, but he left me on an island,” Curry said. “Draymond (Green) hit one last year, so I thought I could share the honor.”
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