Key Takeaways:
- Brandin Podziemski scored 12 of his 18 points in the last five minutes as Golden State defeated Denver 128-117
- Nikola Jokic recorded his 19th triple-double of the season with 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 12 assists for the Nuggets
- Al Horford contributed 22 points, including six three-pointers, as the Warriors halted a two-game losing streak despite key absences
Match Highlights and Key Contributions
Brandin Podziemski delivered a crucial fourth-quarter performance at the Chase Center, notching 12 of his total 18 points in the final five minutes to help the Golden State Warriors secure a 128-117 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Podziemski’s all-round game was highlighted by 7-for-16 shooting, 15 rebounds, and nine assists.
Ws in the chat😤 pic.twitter.com/6Dr5KZDVC4
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 22, 2026
Al Horford was also instrumental, connecting on six three-pointers and finishing with 22 points alongside seven assists. The Warriors battled through the absence of key players including Stephen Curry (knee), Kristaps Porzingis (illness), and Jimmy Butler (torn right ACL), with Draymond Green (back) a late exclusion from the lineup.
Moses Moody added 23 points and seven rebounds, while DeAnthony Melton chipped in with 20 points for Golden State, who snapped a two-game skid with this win.
Statistical Standouts
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandin Podziemski | Warriors | 18 | 15 | 9 |
| Al Horford | Warriors | 22 | 1 | 7 |
| Moses Moody | Warriors | 23 | 7 | 5 |
| DeAnthony Melton | Warriors | 20 | 4 | 2 |
| Nikola Jokic | Nuggets | 25 | 20 | 12 |
| Jamal Murray | Nuggets | 21 | 2 | 2 |
| Christian Braun | Nuggets | 18 | 5 | 2 |
| Bruce Brown | Nuggets | 12 | 5 | 2 |
Game Flow and Turning Points
Denver entered the clash fresh off a 54-point victory over Portland on Friday but failed to lead at any stage during the first half. The Nuggets attempted a resurgence in the second half, yet the Warriors responded with a decisive 19-8 run to close out the contest.
Podziemski’s late-game heroics included a pair of three-pointers and a crucial put-back. Meanwhile, Horford’s sixth triple further ignited the home crowd and bolstered Golden State’s momentum. Horford set the tone early, collecting 11 points and sinking two shots from beyond the arc in the opening quarter.
By halftime, Golden State held a 76-67 advantage, with Jokic already just one assist away from completing another triple-double.
What’s Next
- The Nuggets will host the Boston Celtics on Wednesday
- The Warriors will travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday
