The Denver Nuggets are set to begin their 2025-26 season against the Golden State Warriors this Thursday. This highly anticipated matchup features two of the league’s premier talents: Nikola Jokic and Steph Curry, who collectively hold five MVP awards.
Nuggets vs. Warriors Season Opener
This first game of the season promises to be thrilling, mainly due to Jokic’s presence on the court. The Warriors are well aware of the challenge posed by Jokic and are preparing strategically to counter him effectively.
Warriors’ Key Offseason Addition
To bolster their defense against Jokic, the Warriors acquired veteran center Al Horford during the offseason. At 39 years old and a five-time All-Star, Horford is expected to play a crucial role in defending against the formidable Denver center.
Comments from Coach David Adelman
Ahead of the game, Nuggets head coach David Adelman shared insights into how the Warriors might utilize their frontcourt. He remarked on the significance of having Horford alongside Draymond Green:
- “Al’s an all-time player of this generation, very physical.”
- “We imagine they’ll use him like they did Kevon Looney in the past.”
- “Draymond approaches him with a different style, allowing for more defensive flexibility.”
Game Strategy Against Jokic
The Warriors aim to use the combination of Horford and Green to handle Jokic as best as possible. Though it’s incredibly challenging to contain a three-time MVP, the duo’s defensive skills may provide the necessary support.
Jokic’s 2025-26 Season Outlook
Entering the season, Jokic is the frontrunner for the MVP award. Experts believe he has a strong chance of securing his fourth MVP title. The upcoming game is an opportunity for him to kick off the season with a dominant performance.
As the season opener approaches, fans can expect a captivating battle between the Nuggets and Warriors, with eyes on the individual showdown between Jokic and Curry.
