On Monday, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors by a score of 120-114, extending their winning streak to five games. Jamal Murray scored 28 points, Nikola Jokic overcame an off day from the field by making 18 of 18 free throws, and the Nuggets extended their winning streak to five games.

Despite shooting only four of twelve from the field, Jokic finished with a total of 26 points. With his 18 successful free throws, he established a new career high. In addition to that, Jokic added 14 rebounds and eight assists.

On Christmas Day of the previous year, the Nuggets big man exploded for 41 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a victory over Phoenix that went into OT.

It was a game that was full of back-and-forth action, with nine different teams taking the lead in the second half. Jokic’s left-handed hook shot with 5 minutes and 16 seconds remained in the game gave Denver a commanding lead for good.

After being sidelined for two games due to an illness, Andrew Wiggins returned to the court and scored 22 points, which provided a significant boost to the Warriors roster. It took Stephen Curry some time to get going, as he did not score until the middle of the second quarter. However, he picked up the pace late in the game and finished with 18 points.

The Golden State Warriors played on Christmas Day for the eleventh year in a row.

Following Draymond Green’s extended ban for hitting Phoenix center Jusuf Nurkic in the face, the Warriors have improved their record to 5-2 since the punishment was handed down. According to statements made by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr before to the game, Green has remained absent for the majority of his suspension. Kerr went on to say that he has been in communication with the coaching staff as well as the training staff.

The combo of Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis took turns attempting to frustrate Jokic, who did not have his typical touch near the rim. Jokic appeared to be frustrated by the combination. Five of Denver’s starting players scored in the double digits, with Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon both recording double-doubles in their respective games.

When Denver coach Michael Malone arrived for his pregame media session, he was wearing a Christmas sweater with a Nuggets theme on it. Due to the fact that Malone is the son of a longstanding NBA coach, he mentioned that some of his most treasured memories include attending games on December 25. This was especially true during the time that his father was an assistant coach for the New York Knicks.

“No present under that tree would even match going to the Garden to watch Michael Jordan,” according to Malone. “Every time he stepped foot in that arena, it was just magical.”