The Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors match player stats from March 29, 2026 show a decisive 116-93 Nuggets win at Ball Arena, driven by Nikola Jokić’s 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists against a short-handed Warriors team missing Stephen Curry. Kristaps Porziņģis and Brandin Podziemski each scored 23, but Denver’s efficiency, bench production, and third-quarter surge clearly separated the two sides.
All statistics and game details in this article are verified from the official NBA game book and play-by-play for March 29, 2026.
Contents
- Match Information
- Team Leaders at a Glance
- Quarter-By-Quarter Scoring and Runs
- Denver Nuggets Box Score
- Golden State Warriors Box Score
- Four Factors and Advanced Team Stats
- Why Denver Won
- Key Individual Matchups
- 2025–26 Season Series
- Frequently Asked Questions
Match Information
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Sunday, March 29, 2026 |
| Game type | NBA regular season |
| Arena | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Attendance | 19,588 (sellout) |
| Officials | Sean Wright, Brian Forte, Tyler Ricks |
| Final score | Denver Nuggets 116, Golden State Warriors 93 |
| Records entering | Nuggets 47–28; Warriors 36–39 |
The game was played at altitude in Denver, with the Nuggets aiming to protect home court against a Warriors team managing multiple key absences.
Team Leaders at a Glance
This quick view highlights the primary stat leaders from the Nuggets vs Warriors match scorecard.
| Category | Warriors | Nuggets |
| Points | Brandin Podziemski / Kristaps Porziņģis — 23 | Nikola Jokić — 25 |
| Rebounds | Gui Santos — 10 | Nikola Jokić — 15 |
| Assists | Draymond Green / Pat Spencer — 8 | Nikola Jokić — 8; Jamal Murray — 7 |
| Steals | De’Anthony Melton / Brandin Podziemski — 2 | Jamal Murray / Bruce Brown / Tim Hardaway Jr. — 2 |
| Minutes played | Podziemski — 31:45 | Jokić — 36:08 |
| Best plus-minus | Quinten Post — +1 | Christian Braun — +17 |
Quarter-By-Quarter Scoring and Runs
| Quarter | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final |
| Warriors | 28 | 25 | 21 | 19 | 93 |
| Nuggets | 23 | 23 | 40 | 30 | 116 |
Lead changes: 11- Ties: 9
- Warriors largest lead: 13 points
- Nuggets largest lead: 23 points
Golden State controlled stretches of the first half, including a major second-quarter run to build a double-digit lead. Denver responded with a dominant third quarter, turning a halftime deficit into a comfortable advantage they extended through the fourth.
Denver Nuggets Box Score
Starters
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB (O–D) | AST | FG | 3PT | FT | STL | BLK | TO | +/- |
| Cameron Johnson | 19:08 | 6 | 1 (0–1) | 3 | 2–5 | 2–4 | 0–0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +13 |
| Peyton Watson | 22:16 | 10 | 6 (2–4) | 5 | 3–11 | 2–5 | 2–2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | +11 |
| Nikola Jokić | 36:08 | 25 | 15 (3–12) | 8 | 10–20 | 4–8 | 1–1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +16 |
| Christian Braun | 32:49 | 12 | 3 (0–3) | 0 | 5–8 | 0–3 | 2–2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | +17 |
| Jamal Murray | 34:27 | 20 | 6 (0–6) | 7 | 7–12 | 2–4 | 4–5 | 2 | 1 | 4 | +13 |
Bench
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | FG | 3PT | STL | TO | +/- |
| Tim Hardaway Jr. | 26:07 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 5–10 | 4–8 | 2 | 0 | +12 |
| Bruce Brown | 24:41 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 6–11 | 3–4 | 2 | 1 | +7 |
| Julian Strawther | 17:38 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3–7 | 1–3 | 0 | 1 | +7 |
| DaRon Holmes II | 1:56 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2–2 | 1–1 | 0 | 0 | +2 |
| Zeke Nnaji | 7:56 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0–0 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | +12 |
| Jonas Valančiūnas | 5:07 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0–0 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | +2 |
| Spencer Jones | 5:59 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0–0 | 0–0 | 1 | 1 | –3 |
| Three additional reserves | 1:56 each | 0 | — | — | 0–0 | 0–0 | — | — | +2 |
Team totals:
- 116 points
- 43–86 FG (50.0%)
- 19–40 3PT (47.5%)
- 11–12 FT (91.7%)
- 40 rebounds (6 offensive, 34 defensive)
- 31 assists
- 11 steals
- 4 blocks
- 11 turnovers
Denver’s starting group delivered most of the creation, while the bench supplied efficient shooting and secondary scoring that amplified the starters’ impact.
Golden State Warriors Box Score
Starters
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB (O–D) | AST | FG | 3PT | FT | STL | BLK | TO | +/- |
| Gui Santos | 32:31 | 9 | 10 (2–8) | 3 | 3–9 | 1–4 | 2–2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | –12 |
| Draymond Green | 29:33 | 13 | 4 (0–4) | 8 | 5–11 | 2–7 | 1–1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | –14 |
| Kristaps Porziņģis | 28:39 | 23 | 3 (0–3) | 2 | 8–14 | 5–5 | 2–2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | –15 |
| De’Anthony Melton | 25:20 | 0 | 1 (0–1) | 3 | 0–5 | 0–3 | 0–0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | –29 |
| Brandin Podziemski | 31:45 | 23 | 5 (0–5) | 2 | 8–14 | 5–8 | 2–2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | –8 |
Bench
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | FG | 3PT | STL | TO | +/- |
| Gary Payton II | 20:59 | 16 | 5 | 1 | 7–8 | 1–2 | 0 | 0 | –2 |
| Pat Spencer | 24:10 | 7 | 5 | 8 | 3–9 | 0–4 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| LJ Cryer | 16:01 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0–6 | 0–6 | 0 | 1 | –15 |
| Nique Williams | 11:24 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0–3 | 0–2 | 0 | 1 | –3 |
| Malevy Leons | 3:55 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1–1 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | –5 |
| Quinten Post | 4:38 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0–1 | 0–0 | 0 | 0 | +1 |
| Ömer Yurtseven | 3:55 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0–1 | 0–0 | 0 | 1 | –5 |
| Seth Curry | 7:10 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0–1 | 0–1 | 0 | 0 | –8 |
Inactive and unavailable:
- Jimmy Butler III (right ACL surgery)
- Stephen Curry (right knee patellofemoral pain syndrome; did not play)
- Al Horford (right soleus strain)
- Moses Moody (left patellar tendon surgery; not with team)
- Will Richard (left heel soreness)
Team totals:
- 93 points
- 35–83 FG (42.2%)
- 14–42 3PT (33.3%)
- 9–11 FT (81.8%)
- 41 rebounds (9 offensive, 32 defensive)
- 29 assists
- 9 steals
- 2 blocks
- 13 turnovers
Golden State’s starters carried most of the scoring load, with Porziņģis and Podziemski combining for nearly half of the team’s points. However, the lack of secondary shot creation and the impact of multiple injuries and absences limited their ability to sustain offensive efficiency.
Four Factors and Advanced Team Stats
Using standard NBA formulas, both teams’ efficiency metrics can be compared on equal footing.
| Metric | Warriors | Nuggets |
| Effective FG% (eFG%) | 50.6% | 61.0% |
| True Shooting % (TS%) | 52.9% | 63.5% |
| Turnover % | 12.9% | 10.8% |
| Offensive Rebound % | 20.9% | 15.8% |
| Free Throw Rate (FTA/FGA) | 13.3% | 14.0% |
| Estimated pace (possessions per team) | 93.6 | 93.6 |
| Offensive Rating (points per 100 possessions) | 99.4 | 123.9 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 36 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 16 |
| Second-chance points | 9 | 16 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 13 |
| Bench points | 25 | 43 |
Despite Golden State’s edge in offensive rebounding, Denver’s superior shooting — particularly from beyond the arc — and better ball security translated into a much higher offensive rating and ultimately the 23-point win.
Why Denver Won
Third-Quarter Turnaround
Read More: Fabric
The game pivoted in the third quarter. Denver entered the half trailing but erupted for 40 points in the third while holding Golden State to 21. Better spacing around Jokić, sharper pick-and-roll execution with Murray, and timely three-point shooting from Hardaway Jr. and Brown dramatically improved Denver’s shot quality. Golden State’s offense, by contrast, became more perimeter-heavy and less diverse, leading to lower efficiency despite decent three-point volume.
Bench and Lineup Impact
Denver’s bench outscored the Warriors’ reserves 43–25, a key deciding factor. The Nuggets could maintain offensive pressure even when Jokić or Murray rested thanks to Hardaway Jr.’s perimeter shooting and Brown’s slashing. Golden State’s bench featured strong moments from Payton II and Spencer, but the overall unit could not match Denver’s depth and consistency, especially once foul trouble and fatigue affected the starters.
Defensive Adjustments and Shot Profile
Defensively, Denver began the game trading makes with Golden State, then tightened their coverages. They showed more discipline in pick-and-roll defense, closing out on Porziņģis and Podziemski without over-committing and using Jokić’s positioning to protect the rim and deter drives. As the game progressed, Golden State’s offense skewed more toward contested perimeter shots and fewer efficient looks in the paint or at the rim, while Denver continued to mix three-pointers, cuts, and inside touches for Jokić.
Key Individual Matchups
Nikola Jokić vs Kristaps Porziņģis
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | +/- |
| Nikola Jokić | 25 | 15 | 8 | 50.0% | +16 |
| Kristaps Porziņģis | 23 | 3 | 2 | 57.1% | –15 |
Porziņģis was nearly flawless from deep, punishing early defensive lapses with five made threes. Jokić, however, impacted almost every possession with rebounding, playmaking, and screening, controlling the flow of the game in ways that extended beyond his scoring total.
Jamal Murray vs Brandin Podziemski
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | FG% | +/- |
| Jamal Murray | 20 | 6 | 7 | 58.3% | +13 |
| Brandin Podziemski | 23 | 5 | 2 | 57.1% | –8 |
Podziemski’s scoring kept Golden State competitive early, but Murray’s combination of scoring and distribution was more influential over the full 48 minutes. Murray repeatedly exploited mismatches in pick-and-roll and made timely reads that set up Denver’s shooters during the decisive third-quarter run.
2025–26 Season Series
For broader context beyond this single Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors full game stats breakdown, here’s how the regular-season series played out.
| Date | Location | Result | Score | Leading scorer |
| Oct 23, 2025 | Chase Center (GSW) | Warriors win (OT) | 137–131 | Stephen Curry — 42 pts |
| Nov 7, 2025 | Ball Arena (DEN) | Nuggets win | 129–104 | Nikola Jokić — 26 pts |
| Feb 22, 2026 | Chase Center (GSW) | Warriors win | 128–117 | Nikola Jokić — 35 pts |
| Mar 29, 2026 | Ball Arena (DEN) | Nuggets win | 116–93 | Nikola Jokić — 25 pts |
The series featured multiple high-scoring performances, including Jokić’s triple-double outings and Curry’s overtime heroics in the opener. This final meeting showcased Denver’s ability to dominate even against a Warriors team that, despite missing its primary star, remained structurally dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who had the highest plus-minus in this Nuggets vs Warriors game?
Christian Braun recorded the highest plus-minus at +17, reflecting Denver’s strong stretches whenever he was on the floor. His combination of off-ball movement, defense, and efficient scoring helped stabilize lineups around Jokić and Murray, particularly during the third-quarter surge.
Did anyone record a double-double or triple-double?
Nikola Jokić posted the game’s only double-double with 25 points and 15 rebounds, while also adding 8 assists. He came close to a triple-double but fell two assists short. No Warriors player reached double figures in both points and rebounds or points and assists in this matchup.
Which team scored more bench points?
Denver’s bench clearly won the bench comparison, scoring 43 points to Golden State’s 25. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown led the way, giving Denver the flexibility to keep offensive pressure high even when one or more starters sat.
Who had the best shooting percentage among high-usage players?
Kristaps Porziņģis was the most efficient high-usage scorer, finishing 8–14 from the field and a perfect 5–5 from three. Among Denver’s primary options, Jokić and Murray both shot above 50%, contributing to the Nuggets’ overall edge in effective field-goal percentage.
How many lead changes occurred, and when did the game swing?
There were 11 lead changes and 9 ties, most happening in the first half and early third quarter. The true turning point came in the third quarter, when Denver outscored Golden State by 19 and transformed a close game into a double-digit advantage they never surrendered.
Which lineup was most effective for Denver?
Lineups built around Jokić, Murray, Braun, and one of Hardaway Jr. or Brown proved most effective. These combinations balanced playmaking, spacing, and defensive versatility, helping Denver maximize Jokić’s passing and exploit mismatches on the perimeter.
Which team won the turnover battle?
Denver had the cleaner game in terms of ball security, committing fewer turnovers and posting a lower turnover percentage. Golden State’s miscues, especially from players pressed into larger roles, fed into Denver’s transition opportunities and helped fuel the Nuggets’ big third-quarter run.
Did points in the paint favor one side?
Points in the paint were even at 36–36, indicating that neither team overwhelmingly dominated inside. The difference came from beyond the arc and on second-chance opportunities, where Denver’s combination of shooting and timely offensive rebounding created more efficient scoring sequences.
How did fast-break and second-chance points influence the outcome?
Denver outscored Golden State in both fast-break points (16–11) and second-chance points (16–9). Those extra possessions and transition scores added up, allowing the Nuggets to widen the margin even when half-court offense looked relatively balanced at times.
Did Stephen Curry play, and how did his absence affect the game?
Stephen Curry did not play; he was officially listed as inactive with a right knee issue. In his absence, Golden State relied more heavily on Porziņģis, Podziemski, and Green for creation. While they produced solid individual numbers, the overall offensive efficiency and late-game shot quality suffered without Curry’s gravity and shot-making, contributing to Denver’s comfortable win.
