Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats

The denver nuggets vs golden state warriors match player stats from March 30, 2026, tell a much deeper story than the final 116-93 score alone. Denver defeated Golden State by 23 points at Ball Arena, but the most useful way to understand the game is to examine how individual scoring, rebounding, playmaking, shooting efficiency, turnovers, and three-point production combined to create such a large second-half separation. Nikola Jokic led Denver with 25 points, 15 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Jamal Murray added 20 points and 7 assists. For Golden State, Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski each scored 23 points, yet the Warriors struggled to maintain their early advantage as the game progressed.

The game was played at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with an attendance of 19,588. Golden State entered with a 36-39 overall record and a 15-24 road record, while Denver was 48-28 overall and 24-13 at home. The season series finished tied at 2-2.

What makes this matchup particularly interesting is the dramatic change after halftime. Golden State led 28-23 after the first quarter and remained ahead 53-46 at halftime. Denver then produced a 40-point third quarter while holding the Warriors to 21 points. The Nuggets followed that with a 30-19 fourth quarter. That 70-40 second-half advantage explains much of the final 116-93 result.

Table of Contents

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats Overview

The headline numbers provide a useful starting point.

Category Denver Nuggets Golden State Warriors
Final Score 116 93
Field Goals 43-86 35-83
Field Goal Percentage 50% 42%
Three-Pointers 19-40 14-42
Three-Point Percentage 47% 33%
Free Throws 11-12 9-11
Free Throw Percentage 92% 82%
Rebounds 40 41
Assists 31 29
Turnovers 11 13
Steals 11 9
Blocks 4 2
Personal Fouls 18 18

One important observation immediately stands out. The Warriors actually collected one more rebound than the Nuggets, 41 to 40. Therefore, Denver’s victory cannot simply be explained by winning the rebounding battle.

Instead, shooting efficiency was one of the clearest statistical differences.

Denver converted 50% of its field-goal attempts compared with 42% for Golden State. From three-point range, the difference was even more pronounced. The Nuggets made 19 of 40 attempts, or 47%, while the Warriors made 14 of 42, or 33%.

That combination gave Denver a substantial scoring advantage without requiring a major rebounding edge.

How the Game Changed After Halftime

The quarter-by-quarter numbers are arguably the most important part of this matchup.

Golden State started strongly:

  • First quarter: Warriors 28, Nuggets 23
  • Second quarter: Warriors 25, Nuggets 23
  • Halftime: Warriors 53, Nuggets 46

At halftime, Golden State had a seven-point lead.

The second half looked completely different:

  • Third quarter: Nuggets 40, Warriors 21
  • Fourth quarter: Nuggets 30, Warriors 19
  • Second half: Nuggets 70, Warriors 40

Denver therefore turned a seven-point halftime deficit into a 23-point victory.

The 30-point swing in second-half scoring is a major feature of the game. Denver did not merely edge ahead late. The Nuggets generated a sustained offensive surge while simultaneously reducing Golden State’s scoring output.

The third quarter was especially decisive. Denver scored 40 points, nearly doubling the Warriors’ 21. That single period transformed the competitive shape of the game.

For anyone studying basketball box scores, this is an important reminder that a final score can hide the sequence of a contest. Looking only at 116-93 would not reveal that Golden State controlled the first half.

Nikola Jokic’s All-Around Production

Nikola Jokic was Denver’s leading scorer with 25 points, but his scoring was only part of his contribution.

His complete line was:

Statistic Nikola Jokic
Points 25
Rebounds 15
Assists 8
Steals 1
Turnovers 2
Field Goals 10-20
Three-Pointers 4-8
Free Throws 1-1
Minutes 36
Plus/Minus +16

Jokic shot 10 of 20 from the field, producing a 50% field-goal rate. He also made four of eight three-point attempts.

His 15 rebounds were the highest total by any player in the game. His eight assists tied him for the highest assist total recorded by a Denver player, while only Draymond Green and Quinten Post matched that number for Golden State.

This combination demonstrates why looking at points alone provides an incomplete picture.

Jokic contributed directly to Denver’s scoring while also creating opportunities for teammates and controlling possessions through rebounding. His 15 rebounds also helped Denver secure defensive possessions and transition opportunities.

The two turnovers listed beside eight assists are another useful part of his statistical profile. The numbers show that he handled significant playmaking responsibility without producing a large number of turnovers.

Jamal Murray Adds Scoring and Playmaking

Jamal Murray finished with 20 points, making him the second Denver player to reach the 20-point mark.

His numbers were:

  • 20 points
  • 6 rebounds
  • 7 assists
  • 2 steals
  • 4 turnovers
  • 7-12 field goals
  • 2-4 three-pointers
  • 4-5 free throws
  • 34 minutes
  • +13 plus/minus

Murray shot 7 of 12 from the field, which is approximately 58% based on the listed attempts and makes.

His seven assists were particularly important because Denver finished with 31 team assists. Murray’s playmaking complemented Jokic’s eight assists and helped explain how Denver generated such a high-scoring second half.

There is also an important distinction between Murray and Jokic in the box score. Murray committed four turnovers, compared with two for Jokic. That does not automatically indicate poor play because turnovers must be considered alongside usage and playmaking responsibility. Murray was creating offense while also contributing 20 points.

Christian Braun’s Efficient Contribution

Christian Braun scored 12 points and was highly efficient from the field.

He finished:

Statistic Christian Braun
Points 12
Rebounds 3
Field Goals 5-8
Three-Pointers 0-3
Free Throws 2-2
Minutes 33
Plus/Minus +17

Braun’s five made field goals on eight attempts produced a 62.5% field-goal percentage.

His +17 plus/minus was the highest listed figure among Denver players. Plus/minus should not be treated as an isolated measure of individual performance, because it reflects the team’s scoring margin while a player is on the floor. Still, in this game it provides useful context alongside Denver’s strong second-half performance.

Tim Hardaway Jr. Provides Perimeter Scoring

Tim Hardaway Jr. supplied another significant scoring contribution for Denver.

He recorded 16 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 26 minutes.

His shooting line was particularly notable:

  • 5-10 from the field
  • 4-8 from three-point range
  • 2-2 from the free-throw line

His four made three-pointers matched Jokic’s four made threes as the highest total for Denver.

The Nuggets therefore received strong perimeter production from multiple players rather than depending entirely on one scorer.

Bruce Brown’s Efficient Night

Bruce Brown scored 15 points in 25 minutes.

He made:

  • 6 of 11 field goals
  • 3 of 4 three-pointers

He also recorded one rebound, two steals, and one turnover.

His 15 points were the third-highest total among Denver players behind Jokic and Murray, while his three made three-pointers added another efficient perimeter source.

This distribution is important when interpreting the team total. Denver scored 116 points because several players made meaningful contributions.

Peyton Watson Adds Versatility

Peyton Watson produced 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists.

He also recorded:

  • 3-11 field goals
  • 2-5 three-pointers
  • 2-2 free throws
  • 22 minutes
  • +11 plus/minus

Watson’s shooting efficiency was lower than several Denver teammates, but his five assists and six rebounds expanded his contribution beyond scoring.

This is another reason a complete player-stat analysis should not focus only on points.

Golden State’s Leading Scorers

Golden State had two players reach 23 points: Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski.

Their production came through different statistical profiles.

Kristaps Porzingis

Porzingis finished with:

  • 23 points
  • 3 rebounds
  • 2 assists
  • 1 steal
  • 2 turnovers
  • 8-14 field goals
  • 5-5 three-pointers
  • 2-2 free throws
  • 29 minutes
  • -15 plus/minus

His five three-pointers came on five attempts, meaning he shot 100% from beyond the arc according to the supplied box score.

That was one of the most striking individual shooting performances in the game.

Despite that perfect three-point shooting, Golden State still finished with only 93 points. This illustrates how one player’s exceptional shooting can coexist with an overall team offensive deficit.

Brandin Podziemski

Podziemski also scored 23 points.

His line included:

  • 23 points
  • 5 rebounds
  • 2 assists
  • 2 steals
  • 0 turnovers
  • 8-14 field goals
  • 5-8 three-pointers
  • 2-2 free throws
  • 32 minutes
  • -8 plus/minus

Podziemski’s five made threes on eight attempts were a major part of Golden State’s scoring.

He also protected the ball particularly well, finishing with zero turnovers despite playing 32 minutes.

The Warriors therefore received strong scoring from Podziemski and Porzingis, but the contributions around them were not enough to keep pace with Denver’s overall offensive output.

Gary Payton II Delivers Efficient Scoring

Gary Payton II scored 16 points in only 21 minutes.

His shooting was highly efficient:

Statistic Gary Payton II
Points 16
Rebounds 5
Assists 1
Field Goals 7-8
Three-Pointers 1-2
Free Throws 1-1
Turnovers 0
Minutes 21
Plus/Minus -2

Payton made seven of his eight field-goal attempts, an 87.5% field-goal rate.

He also recorded five rebounds and committed zero turnovers.

His -2 plus/minus was comparatively close to neutral among the listed Golden State players, despite the Warriors losing by 23 overall. This illustrates why plus/minus should be read alongside the rest of the box score rather than treated as a complete evaluation of a player’s game.

Draymond Green’s Playmaking Role

Draymond Green recorded 13 points, four rebounds, and eight assists.

His complete line included:

  • 13 points
  • 4 rebounds
  • 8 assists
  • 1 steal
  • 2 turnovers
  • 5-11 field goals
  • 2-7 three-pointers
  • 1-1 free throw
  • 30 minutes
  • -14 plus/minus

His eight assists tied for the highest assist total in the game.

That figure is especially relevant because Golden State finished with 29 team assists. Green was therefore responsible for a substantial portion of the team’s recorded playmaking.

His two made three-pointers provided additional perimeter scoring, although he shot 2 of 7 from long range.

Gui Santos Leads Golden State in Rebounding

Gui Santos finished with 10 rebounds, the highest total among Golden State players.

His statistical line was:

  • 9 points
  • 10 rebounds
  • 3 assists
  • 1 steal
  • 4 turnovers
  • 3-9 field goals
  • 1-4 three-pointers
  • 2-2 free throws
  • 33 minutes
  • -12 plus/minus

Santos was therefore an important contributor on the glass.

Interestingly, Golden State won the overall rebounding category 41-40 despite losing the game by 23 points. Santos’ 10 rebounds were part of that advantage.

The result reinforces a central point about this matchup: rebounding alone did not determine the outcome.

Pat Spencer’s Playmaking Contribution

Pat Spencer supplied eight assists for Golden State, matching Green’s total.

He finished with seven points, five rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in 24 minutes.

His shooting numbers were:

  • 3-9 field goals
  • 0-4 three-pointers
  • 1-3 free throws

Spencer also finished with zero turnovers.

That combination of eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and no turnovers made him a useful statistical contributor even though his seven points were modest.

Comparing the Offensive Efficiency

The most important team-level shooting difference was efficiency.

Denver:

  • 43 made field goals on 86 attempts
  • 50% field-goal shooting
  • 19 made threes on 40 attempts
  • 47% three-point shooting
  • 11-12 free throws
  • 92% free-throw shooting

Golden State:

  • 35 made field goals on 83 attempts
  • 42% field-goal shooting
  • 14 made threes on 42 attempts
  • 33% three-point shooting
  • 9-11 free throws
  • 82% free-throw shooting

Denver attempted only three more field goals than Golden State but made eight more.

That difference is significant.

The Nuggets also made five more three-pointers despite attempting two fewer.

This combination explains why Denver could produce 116 points while Golden State finished at 93.

The Three-Point Battle

Three-point shooting deserves special attention because it was one of the clearest statistical separators.

Denver made 19 threes.

Golden State made 14.

That is a five-three difference.

At three points each, those five additional makes represent 15 points of scoring difference.

The percentages make the gap even clearer:

  • Denver: 47%
  • Golden State: 33%

Denver therefore combined volume with accuracy. The Nuggets attempted 40 threes and made 19 of them.

Golden State attempted 42, two more than Denver, but made only 14.

This is an important distinction when analyzing shooting statistics. A team can attempt more threes without necessarily gaining an offensive advantage. Conversion rate matters just as much as attempt volume.

Turnovers and Possession Management

Denver committed 11 turnovers.

Golden State committed 13.

The two-turnover difference is relatively modest compared with the 23-point final margin.

This suggests turnovers were not the primary statistical reason for the result.

Denver also recorded 11 steals compared with Golden State’s nine. The Nuggets had a two-steal advantage while committing two fewer turnovers.

That combination indicates slightly better ball-security and defensive activity in the final team numbers.

Again, the most significant separation remains shooting efficiency.

Rebounding Was Surprisingly Close

Golden State finished with 41 rebounds.

Denver finished with 40.

The Warriors therefore won the overall rebounding category by one.

The breakdown was:

Rebounding Category Denver Golden State
Offensive Rebounds 6 9
Defensive Rebounds 34 32
Total Rebounds 40 41

Golden State had three more offensive rebounds.

Denver had two more defensive rebounds.

The totals were almost identical.

This makes the final 23-point margin particularly informative. Denver’s advantage came without dominating the glass.

Assists Show Strong Offensive Distribution

Denver finished with 31 assists.

Golden State recorded 29.

The difference was only two assists.

Both teams therefore demonstrated considerable ball movement according to the recorded assist totals.

Denver’s leading assist contributors were:

  • Nikola Jokic: 8
  • Jamal Murray: 7
  • Peyton Watson: 5
  • Cameron Johnson: 3

Golden State’s leaders were:

  • Draymond Green: 8
  • Quinten Post: 8
  • Pat Spencer: 8
  • De’Anthony Melton: 3

The Warriors had three players listed with eight assists, while Denver relied heavily on Jokic and Murray for its highest assist totals.

Plus/Minus Across the Game

The plus/minus figures provide another layer of context.

Denver’s listed players included:

  • Christian Braun: +17
  • Nikola Jokic: +16
  • Cameron Johnson: +13
  • Jamal Murray: +13
  • Peyton Watson: +11
  • Zeke Nnaji: +12
  • Tim Hardaway Jr.: +12
  • Bruce Brown: +7
  • Julian Strawther: +7

Golden State’s listed figures included:

  • Quinten Post: +1
  • Pat Spencer: 0
  • Gary Payton II: -2
  • Nate Williams: -3
  • Malevy Leons: -5
  • Omer Yurtseven: -5
  • Seth Curry: -8
  • Brandin Podziemski: -8
  • Gui Santos: -12
  • Draymond Green: -14
  • Kristaps Porzingis: -15
  • LJ Cryer: -15
  • De’Anthony Melton: -29

The team-level result is reflected across many of these numbers.

However, plus/minus should not be used alone to decide which player performed best. It measures the team’s point differential while the player is on the court and can be affected by lineups, opponents, and game context.

Why the First-Half Lead Disappeared

Golden State’s first-half performance deserves attention because the final score can make the game look one-sided from the beginning.

The Warriors scored 28 points in the opening quarter and 25 in the second. Denver scored 23 in each period.

That produced a 53-46 halftime lead for Golden State.

The major change occurred in the third quarter.

Denver scored 40 points while Golden State managed 21.

A seven-point halftime deficit therefore became a 10-point Denver lead entering the fourth quarter.

Denver then extended that advantage by another 11 points in the final period.

The statistical sequence is straightforward:

Halftime: Warriors +7
After Q3: Nuggets +10
Final: Nuggets +23

This progression shows that Denver’s victory was built primarily through second-half scoring rather than an early-game advantage.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Denver’s Offense

The Nuggets’ scoring was distributed across multiple players.

Their leading scorers were:

Player Points
Nikola Jokic 25
Jamal Murray 20
Tim Hardaway Jr. 16
Bruce Brown 15
Christian Braun 12
Peyton Watson 10
Julian Strawther 7
Cameron Johnson 6
DaRon Holmes II 5

This distribution matters.

Jokic led the team, but Denver did not require him to score 40 or more points. Murray added 20, while Hardaway Jr. and Brown combined for 31.

That gives the box score a balanced structure.

Denver also received 12 points from Braun and 10 from Watson, creating another layer of scoring support.

What the Player Stats Reveal About Golden State

Golden State had a more concentrated scoring profile.

The leading scorers were:

Player Points
Kristaps Porzingis 23
Brandin Podziemski 23
Gary Payton II 16
Draymond Green 13
Gui Santos 9
Pat Spencer 7
Malevy Leons 2

Several other players finished scoreless.

The Warriors therefore had three major scoring contributors in Porzingis, Podziemski, and Payton II, but the remainder of the lineup supplied less scoring.

That does not mean the lower-scoring players made no contribution. Green and Spencer, for example, each recorded eight assists, while Santos collected 10 rebounds.

Still, the scoring distribution helps explain why Golden State finished 23 points behind Denver.

A Closer Look at Shooting Leaders

The individual three-point numbers are especially notable.

Denver

Nikola Jokic: 4-8
Tim Hardaway Jr.: 4-8
Bruce Brown: 3-4
Jamal Murray: 2-4
Cameron Johnson: 2-4
Peyton Watson: 2-5
DaRon Holmes II: 1-1
Julian Strawther: 1-3

Denver’s strongest three-point contributors combined accuracy with meaningful volume.

Golden State

Kristaps Porzingis: 5-5
Brandin Podziemski: 5-8
Draymond Green: 2-7
Gary Payton II: 1-2
Gui Santos: 1-4

Porzingis’ perfect five-for-five shooting was remarkable, while Podziemski also converted five threes.

Yet Golden State’s overall three-point percentage remained at 33%, showing that the team’s total result depended on more than its two leading long-range shooters.

Why Individual Scoring Does Not Tell the Whole Story

A common mistake when reading NBA box scores is to identify the highest scorer and assume that player controlled the game.

This matchup demonstrates why that approach can be misleading.

Porzingis and Podziemski each scored 23 points for Golden State. Jokic scored 25 for Denver.

The difference between those scoring totals is only two points.

But Denver won by 23.

The larger story comes from the complete statistical picture:

  • Denver shot 50% overall.
  • Golden State shot 42%.
  • Denver shot 47% from three.
  • Golden State shot 33% from three.
  • Denver made 19 threes.
  • Golden State made 14.
  • Denver committed 11 turnovers.
  • Golden State committed 13.
  • Denver recorded 31 assists.
  • Golden State recorded 29.

The box score therefore shows that team efficiency and distribution mattered more than the identity of the single highest scorer.

Key Statistical Takeaways

Several conclusions can be drawn directly from the supplied game data.

1. Denver’s second half was decisive

The Nuggets outscored Golden State 70-40 after halftime.

2. Shooting separated the teams

Denver shot 50% from the field and 47% from three, compared with 42% and 33% for Golden State.

3. Rebounding did not explain the margin

Golden State actually finished with one more total rebound.

4. Jokic controlled multiple areas

He led Denver in points and rebounds while also recording eight assists.

5. Murray provided major secondary production

Murray scored 20 points and added seven assists.

6. Golden State received excellent individual shooting

Porzingis went 5-5 from three, while Podziemski went 5-8.

7. The Warriors still struggled offensively as a team

Despite strong individual performances, Golden State finished with 93 points and made only 35 field goals.

8. The season series finished tied

The supplied data lists the season series as 2-2.

How to Read These Stats Correctly

If you are researching a matchup through player statistics, it helps to follow a consistent process.

First, check the final score and quarter breakdown. This tells you whether the game was competitive throughout or changed dramatically during a particular period.

Second, examine field-goal efficiency. Comparing makes and attempts gives more context than points alone.

Third, inspect three-point production. Modern NBA scoring can shift quickly when one team converts efficiently from outside.

Fourth, review rebounds and assists. These figures provide context about possession control and offensive creation.

Fifth, check turnovers. They can reveal whether one team lost possessions unnecessarily.

Finally, compare individual statistics with the team totals. A player can post an excellent scoring line while the team still struggles overall.

That approach produces a more reliable interpretation of a box score than simply copying the leading scorers.

Denver Nuggets vs Golden State Warriors Match Player Stats: Final Statistical Picture

The denver nuggets vs golden state warriors match player stats from March 30, 2026, present a clear example of how a game can change dramatically after halftime.

Golden State entered the second half with a seven-point lead. The Warriors had scored 53 points through two quarters and appeared to have controlled the opening portion of the contest.

Denver responded with 40 points in the third quarter and another 30 in the fourth.

That 70-point second half turned the game around.

Jokic led Denver with 25 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists. Murray added 20 points and seven assists. Hardaway Jr. scored 16, Brown had 15, and Braun added 12.

For Golden State, Porzingis and Podziemski each scored 23. Payton II added 16, while Green contributed 13 points and eight assists. Santos led the Warriors with 10 rebounds.

The most revealing team statistics were Denver’s shooting numbers. The Nuggets made 43 of 86 field-goal attempts and 19 of 40 three-pointers. Golden State made 35 of 83 field goals and 14 of 42 threes.

The rebounding battle was almost even, and the assist totals were also relatively close. That makes shooting efficiency and second-half scoring the most prominent statistical features of the matchup.

For readers studying NBA player statistics, this game demonstrates why a complete box-score analysis should connect individual production with team-level efficiency, quarter-by-quarter scoring, and possession-related statistics. The final score is the endpoint, but the player and team numbers explain how the result developed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was the leading scorer in the Nuggets vs Warriors game?

Nikola Jokic led Denver with 25 points. Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski were Golden State’s leading scorers with 23 points each.

How many points did Nikola Jokic score?

Nikola Jokic scored 25 points. He also recorded 15 rebounds and eight assists.

How many points did the Warriors score?

Golden State scored 93 points in the game.

How many points did the Nuggets score?

Denver scored 116 points, winning by 23 points.

Who led the game in rebounds?

Nikola Jokic led all players with 15 rebounds. Gui Santos was Golden State’s leading rebounder with 10.

Who led the game in assists?

Nikola Jokic, Draymond Green, and Quinten Post each recorded eight assists.

Conclusion

The March 30, 2026 matchup between Denver and Golden State was defined by a dramatic second-half shift. Golden State held a 53-46 halftime lead, but Denver outscored the Warriors 70-40 over the final two quarters to secure a 116-93 victory.

The individual numbers show strong performances from several players. Jokic delivered 25 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while Murray added 20 points and seven assists. For Golden State, Porzingis and Podziemski each produced 23 points, with Porzingis shooting a perfect 5-5 from three-point range.

The broader team statistics provide the clearest explanation. Denver shot 50% from the field and 47% from three, compared with Golden State’s 42% and 33%. The Nuggets also recorded 31 assists and 11 turnovers, while the Warriors had 29 assists and 13 turnovers.

The denver nuggets vs golden state warriors match player stats therefore show that the 23-point result was not simply about one superstar or one statistical category. It was the product of Denver’s second-half scoring surge, stronger overall shooting efficiency, balanced scoring contributions, and effective playmaking.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *