Nuggets Fall to Warriors Despite Aaron Gordon’s 50-Point Showcase
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The Denver Nuggets became the final NBA team to tip off the 2025-26 regular season on Thursday night and dropped a 137-131 overtime decision to the Golden State Warriors. Forward Aaron Gordon erupted for a career-best 50 points and knocked down 10 three-pointers, but Stephen Curry’s late-game heroics spoiled Denver’s opener at Chase Center.
“They’re asking if I wanted the game ball, and no, I don’t want the game ball,” Gordon said after the loss. “Take an L home with me? No thank you. It sucks, but it’s one game, our first game. It’s a really good team—we’re going to reconvene, watch the film and try to play better in our home opener.”
Head coach David Adelman said he felt “awful” that Gordon’s outburst came in defeat but praised the 29-year-old’s efficiency. “He wasn’t forcing anything,” Adelman noted. “AG’s a special player. He has been for us for a long time.”
Adelman on building his own blueprint
In a wide-ranging interview with Sam Amick of The Athletic, Adelman reflected on last season’s second-round playoff exit to the Oklahoma City Thunder and emphasized the importance of newly signed center Jonas Valanciunas. Adelman said he intends to retain successful elements of Denver’s system while adjusting to how opponents have defended the team over the past two years. “Doing the same thing over and over is not going to lead to anything successful in June,” he told Amick. “We have to tweak things.”
Holmes headed to the G League
The Nuggets plan to shuttle 2024 first-round pick DaRon Holmes to the G League throughout the season for additional development, according to Denver Post reporter Bennett Durando. Holmes missed his entire rookie campaign with a torn Achilles, and the organization does not want to rush his return to NBA action.
Malone not finished coaching
Former Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, relieved of his duties late last season, is working in broadcasting this year but told TNT’s Inside the NBA that he expects to be back on the sidelines. “I’m definitely not done coaching,” the 54-year-old said. “Coaching is in my blood. I’m excited to get back coaching on those sidelines and teaching once again.”
Denver opens its home schedule next week, looking to rebound from Thursday’s overtime setback.
Source: Hoops Rumors
