On December 26, 2023, Beijing time, the Nuggets defeated the Warriors 120-114 in the Christmas game and won five consecutive victories. Several of the main players of the Warriors in this game are not in shape.
Stephen Curry continued his "curse" of the Christmas game, with 18 points and 4 assists on 7-of-21 shooting from the field, with a team-low plus/minus of -26. Prior to 2021, Curry averaged 131 point, which was the worst single game day of his career;In 2021, the Warriors beat Curry by 33 points, but shot an inefficient 10-of-27 from the fieldMissed due to injury in 2022;This year, they turned in 7-of-21 and the team lost.
So far in his career, Curry has played in 10 Christmas games, with a record of 4 wins and 6 losses, averaging 15 per game6 points and 31 percent from the field7% and 23 percent from three-point range1% 。
Klay Thompson was even more out of form, shooting just 3-of-12 from the field and 3-of-10 from three-point range to finish with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 turnovers.
Perhaps the only two highlights were Andrew Wiggins on the bench and teenager Podzemski. Wiggins scored a team-high 22 points on 7-of-11 shooting, plus 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 block, with a team-high plus/minus of +18. His recent comeback is indeed something to cheer for the Warriors.
Rookie Podzemski continued his highlight-reel performances, with ubiquitous presence on both ends of the floor. He finished the game with 13 points, 9 rebounds (4 frontcourt boards), 6 assists and 5 steals on 4-of-7 shooting.
Paul and Saric also had 13 and 14 points respectively.