No one expected this, especially not in this way
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, right, drives past Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic to put up a last-second, 3-point shot in the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024, in Denver.AP
On an emotion-filled night at Ball Arena, Nikola Jokic made it clear why he is the favorite for another MVP award. The Golden State Warriors, mired in a losing streak, faced a moment that encapsulated their frustration: a masterful move by the Serbian that leftStephen Currybewildered and the Warriors bench silent.
With less than two minutes on the clock and the Nuggets down by two points, Jokic showed his brilliance. As Curry tried to contain him, the center used his size and s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 to back the point guard to the wing, only to surprise him with a head-fake that set off the scramble. Curry looked for the ball in every direction, but it was still in the hands of Jokic, who calmly hit a perfect 18-foot shot.
It was a play worthy of an MVP, and a stark reminder of the Nuggets’ dominance.
The 119-115 loss not only marked another blow to the Warriors in this NBA Cup, but also highlighted deep problems within the team. With a streak of five straight losses, the pressure on Steve Kerr and the team has reached a critical point. Even the ever-optimistic Curry seems on the edge of his patience, stating after the game, “I’m not going to try to find positives. We’re just not playing at the level we need to.”
The team’s reliance on the 36-year-old Curry has exposed its lack of depth. While Brandin Podziemski brings energy to the locker room, it hasn’t been enough to keep the Warriors from reeling. Meanwhile, Jokic’s dominance made it clear that the Nuggets are poised to repeat as champions as the Warriors struggle to find their identity.
As the season gets underway, the Warriors are facing a crucial problem: their inability to close out key games. The lack of consistency of secondary players and over-reliance on Curry are symptoms of a team that is unable to find balance. While Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson should be key pieces, both have had inconsistent performances that limit the team’s potential. This leaves Curry with the almost sole responsibility of keeping them competitive night in and night out.
On the other hand, age is also starting to be a factor. With Curry approaching 37, the time to build around him is limited. The Warriors need quick, concrete solutions if they want to be serious contenders in a Western Conference that doesn’t let up.
Jokic and the Nuggets are proof of how far the Warriors are currently from returning to the dominant level that once defined their dynasty. Will there be a tipping point that allows for a turnaround before it’s too late?
