When Stephen Curry, point guard for the Golden State Warriors hit a buzzer‑beating three‑pointer, the overtime victory in San Francisco eclipsed Aaron Gordon’s 50‑point explosion for the Denver Nuggets on Oct 23, 2025. The clash unfolded at the Chase Center during the 2025‑26 NBA regular seasonSan Francisco, California, and instantly became the season’s most talked‑about game.
Game Overview: A Back‑And‑Forth Battle
The Warriors entered the arena at 7:45 PM PT with a 2‑0 start, fresh off a win over the Los Angeles Lakers the night before. The Nuggets, looking to level the series at 1‑1, surged to a 70‑61 halftime lead, powered by Gordon’s flawless three‑point shooting – seven‑of‑seven from beyond the arc in the first half.
By the end of the third quarter, Curry’s early‑quarter three‑pointers sparked a rally, narrowing the gap to 94‑94 heading into the fourth. With under three minutes left, Denver held a nine‑point edge, but Curry answered with a pair of free throws and a clutch three to trim the deficit to two.
Curry’s Clutch Performance
In the final 124 seconds of regulation, Curry drained a deep three‑pointer from near half‑court – a shot ESPN described as “taken from near half court” – to force overtime at 120‑120. He then poured 22 of his 42 points in the fourth quarter and the extra period, shooting 6‑of‑15 from three and finishing 14‑of‑25 overall.
Head coach Steve Kerr praised the veteran’s poise: “Steph has a knack for showing up when it matters most. That’s why we trust him in the final minutes.”
Analyst Houston Boe went further, predicting the season could become “the best NBA season in history,” citing the series of overtime games that opened the schedule.
Gordon’s Scorching Night
Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets’ 29‑year‑old forward, delivered a career‑high 50 points, shooting an impressive 10‑of‑12 from three and 18‑of‑28 overall. His first‑half barrage alone accounted for 31 points, and his perfect three‑point shooting set a franchise record for a half.
“Why are we leaving him open the whole game? I’m yelling at my TV thinking to myself, just guard the guy,” Boe later lamented, critiquing Denver’s defensive scheme. Head coach Michael Malone defended his strategy, noting the team’s focus on limiting Curry’s penetration rather than overcommitting to perimeter defense.
Coaches, Strategies, and Key Contributors
Beyond the headline stars, the Warriors leaned on veteran Draymond Green, who facilitated offense with timely assists and rugged defense, while the Nuggets relied on center Nikola Jokić to stretch the floor and create second‑chance opportunities.
Both coaches adjusted lineups in the final minutes: Kerr inserted Andre Iguodala for defensive stability, while Malone bench‑ed Jamal Murray in favor of a more perimeter‑oriented rotation to chase Gordon’s hot hand.
Early‑Season Overtime Trend
This game marked the second straight overtime contest in the league’s opening week, joining a double‑overtime thriller between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns. In the first four prime‑time games, three required extra periods, a pattern that analysts say signals a competitive balance at the top of the league.
“Three of the four prime‑time games so far have gone into overtime or double overtime,” Boe observed, pointing to tighter defenses and higher efficiency from veteran stars.
Implications Moving Forward
With the win, the Warriors improve to 2‑0, cementing an early home‑court advantage and boosting confidence ahead of a road trip to Boston and New York. Denver slides to 1‑1, but Gordon’s performance could serve as a catalyst for the Nuggets’ offensive identity.
Fans and bettors alike will be watching how the league’s overtime frequency affects fatigue, injury risk, and playoff seeding. As Commissioner Adam Silver noted in a pre‑season briefing, “We’re thrilled to see high‑stakes games early on; it speaks to the depth of talent across the NBA.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Curry’s performance affect the Warriors’ playoff outlook?
Curry’s clutch shooting reinforces Golden State’s reputation as a late‑game powerhouse. If the veteran maintains this level, the Warriors are likely to secure a top‑four seed, giving them home‑court advantage throughout the early playoff rounds.
What made Aaron Gordon’s 50‑point night so remarkable?
Gordon’s perfect seven‑of‑seven three‑point shooting in the first half set a franchise record and demonstrated his ability to dominate from the perimeter, a skill traditionally associated with guards rather than forwards.
Why are so many early‑season games going into overtime?
The 2025‑26 schedule pits several high‑scoring teams against each other early on, and improved defensive schemes have kept games tight. Additionally, veteran stars are still adjusting to new lineups, leading to late‑game swings.
What changes might the Nuggets make after this loss?
Coach Michael Malone may tighten perimeter defense to limit Curry’s three‑point attempts while keeping Gordon in the rotation to preserve his shooting rhythm. Expect more rotations that prioritize defensive assignments on elite shooters.
How does the overtime trend impact player health?
Extra minutes increase minutes logged, raising the risk of fatigue‑related injuries. Teams are likely to manage stars’ minutes more conservatively in subsequent games to preserve longevity through the 82‑game season.
