Nikola Jokic Falters as Nuggets Drop Season Opener Despite Aaron Gordon’s Historic 50 Points

Jokic’s Rough Night Overshadows Gordon’s Brilliance

Season openers in the NBA can be unpredictable, but few expected the Denver Nuggets to fall in overtime to the Golden State Warriors despite a jaw-dropping performance from Aaron Gordon. On October 23rd in San Francisco, Gordon stunned the Chase Center crowd by hitting his first eight three-pointers, notching 50 points and etching his name in the record books as the sixth player ever to score 50 or more in an NBA season opener. Yet, the Nuggets walked away with a loss — and much of that came down to the struggles of their MVP centerpiece, Nikola Jokic.

Gordon’s Shooting Sets NBA History, but Jokic’s Performance Raises Eyebrows

For stretches of the night, Aaron Gordon looked less like a power forward and more like Stephen Curry himself. As Warriors defenders dared him to shoot, Gordon responded with clinical efficiency, racking up 25 points by halftime and finishing with the most efficient 50-point game in NBA history. Social media buzzed as the NBA highlighted his feat, noting he was the first Denver player ever to reach this milestone in a season opener.

But as the Nuggets tried to close out the game, the spotlight shifted uncomfortably onto Jokic. The reigning MVP candidate had opportunities to seal the win, including a last-second shot at the end of regulation. Instead, Jokic’s night was marred by a rare off-shooting display: just 2-of-13 from three-point range, many of them open looks. He finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists — a stat line that might suggest solid production, but the context told a different story. Jokic settled for jumpers, looked fatigued, and failed to assert himself against a smaller Warriors frontcourt, leaving Nuggets fans and analysts questioning his rhythm and energy.

Murray Steps Up, Nuggets Bench Shows Promise

Jamal Murray, fresh off a strong preseason, delivered a reassuring performance for Denver. His early energy on both ends led to 12 points, seven assists, and three steals in just 13 minutes of action. By the final buzzer, Murray had notched 25 points and 10 assists, providing stability and leadership as Jokic struggled to find his groove.

The Nuggets also debuted several new faces, including Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas. Johnson, inserted into the starting lineup, faced a steep learning curve and finished with only five points and a minus-17 rating. The bench, however, showed flashes of cohesion: Hardaway contributed 10 points in 22 minutes, Brown hustled on both ends, and Valanciunas added eight points in limited minutes. Notably, Denver outscored the Warriors during the minutes Jokic was off the floor, a small but encouraging sign for the team’s depth.

Warriors Survive Gordon’s Barrage as Curry Takes Over Late

While Gordon’s performance drew headlines, the game’s outcome hinged on Stephen Curry’s late-game heroics. Curry erupted for 42 points, including several clutch shots that swung momentum back to Golden State. Nuggets guard Christian Braun struggled to contain Curry, a challenge familiar to anyone tasked with defending one of the league’s most lethal scorers.

Despite holding a lead late in regulation, Denver couldn’t capitalize, and the game slipped away in overtime. Head coach David Adelman acknowledged the frustration, especially after Gordon’s historic night. “It’s tough to let one get away when you have a performance like that,” Adelman said postgame.

What Does Jokic’s Off Night Mean for the Nuggets?

Is Jokic’s lackluster opener cause for alarm? History suggests otherwise. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, and even the best players have off nights. Jokic’s career against Golden State has typically been strong, making this performance an anomaly rather than the start of a trend. The Nuggets may lean more on Murray as Jokic works his way back into form, especially with heightened expectations following last season’s success.

Still, the loss exposed the thin margin for error when Denver’s stars aren’t firing on all cylinders. The bench looks capable, but Johnson’s adjustment period will be closely watched. Denver’s next test comes quickly, as they prepare to host the Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena — a chance to bounce back and restore confidence among fans.

Ultimately, the opener was a reminder that talent alone doesn’t guarantee victory. Gordon’s brilliance provided a glimpse of Denver’s ceiling, but Jokic’s struggles underscored the need for balance and resilience as the season unfolds.

Analysis: Aaron Gordon’s historic night should have been a triumphant headline for Denver, but Nikola Jokic’s rare inefficiency flipped the script. For a team built around Jokic’s consistency, this game signals the importance of depth and adaptability. Denver’s ability to regroup quickly will reveal whether this loss is a blip or an early warning about the challenges ahead.