The Denver Nuggets, fresh off their first NBA championship victory, are gearing up for a Christmas Day showdown against the Golden State Warriors. This highly anticipated matchup marks the second clash between these teams in the 2023–24 season, with the Nuggets holding a perfect 4-0 record against the Warriors so far.
Fans can catch all the action live on ABC and ESPN, with tip-off scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time. NBA League Pass subscribers can even choose between both feeds for their online viewing experience.
The Nuggets come into this game boasting the second-best record in the Western Conference (21-10) and riding a four-game winning streak. Their key pieces, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, are both listed as "probable" for the game, potentially boosting their chances against the Warriors. However, Vlatko Cancar remains sidelined due to a knee injury.
Murray, known for his offensive prowess, has battled ankle injuries throughout his career, including the entirety of the 2021–22 season. He has played through lingering ankle discomfort this December, determined to stay on the court. Gordon, on the other hand, hasn't missed a game since December 1 despite battling a nagging heel injury since December 17. His commitment and resilience are testaments to the Nuggets' strong team spirit.
The last time these teams met was on November 8th at Ball Arena, where the Nuggets narrowly edged out the Warriors by just three points. Murray sat that game out, with Reggie Jackson taking his place in the starting lineup. Gordon played a significant role with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and a block. But the MVP-caliber performance came from Nikola Jokic, who led the team to victory with 35 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and a block.
With both Murray and Gordon back in the fold, the Nuggets are confident in extending their winning streak against the Warriors. However, the Warriors are no pushovers, and Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson remain potent offensive threats.
This Christmas Day matchup promises to be a thrilling battle between two championship-caliber teams. Can the Nuggets continue their dominance over the Warriors, or will Golden State find their rhythm and get back on track? Tune in on December 25th to witness the next chapter in this captivating NBA rivalry.
