Gordon's 50 with 10 Threes; Nuggets Lose in OT

Aaron Gordon opened the season with a 50-point game that included ten three-pointers, then followed with another strong outing as the Nuggets fell 137-131 in overtime to the Golden State Warriors; Stephen Curry scored 42 and hit late clutch shots to force and seal OT. Gordon’s performance drew praise from peers including Draymond Green and Nikola Jokić, though Gordon declined the game ball and said the loss tempered the achievement. Jokić still posted a triple-double in the Warriors game despite some late shooting struggles, while Golden State used a balanced attack (seven players in double figures) and a late jumbo lineup to overcome Denver’s size. Earlier in the week Denver beat Phoenix 133-111, a game highlighted by Gordon’s 360 lob dunk, seven players in double figures and Jokić’s 14-15-14 triple-double, aided by a 38-made free-throw edge, 31 assists and 14 steals. The Nuggets head on the road, including an Oct. 27 matchup at Minnesota, looking to convert individual brilliance into wins and tighten execution in close games.