National Basketball Association

3 takeaways after Warriors beat Nuggets

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) keeps the ball inbounds under pressure from Denver Nuggets forward Juancho Hernangomez (41) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s what stood out from the Golden State Warriors defeating the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

The Golden State Warriors might have capped off their most impressive win of the season. After playing the night before in Oakland, the team didn’t get much rest and went out and put the Denver Nuggets away early on Thursday night, by a score of 125-101.

After tweaking his ankle the night before, Stephen curry was phenomenal for Golden State. He made seven three-point field goals from beyond the arc and he looked just as good as he does when he’s fully healthy. With the game being looked at as a trap game given the situation, there is a lot to like from this game.

3. Stephen Curry is starting to find his own shot

While Stephen Curry has had some exceptional games this year, he hasn’t completely been the guy that would just make his own shot out of nothing. That’s to be expected with him still finding his way to start the season and he’s been taking what the defense usually has been giving him.

He went for his own shot against the Nuggets and it paid off big time for him. He made seven threes beyond the arc and shot incredibly efficiently en route to a 33-point night in just 30 minutes of action. After the ankle injury the night before, this was as good of a sign as any.

Oct 6, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee (1) holds onto a rebound against the Sacramento Kings in the third quarter at the SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

2. JaVale McGee needs more playing time

There is a very good possibility that JaVale McGee could soon be an answer to the problem that the Warriors are having in the interior. After letting opponents come in and take over the paint repeatedly, they did a good job of neutralizing the Nuggets inside on Thursday night.

In 15 minutes of play off the bench, McGee had 10 points and was a +6 on the night. He’s going to earn more minutes and if he keeps producing and help shutting down opposing big men, he could get his run at even more serious minutes.

Unless they find a way to make a trade with another team, the Warriors have to work with what they have at the center position. McGee has the size they want in a center and it’s time to give him his fair shot.

He should get more minutes against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday. If Tyson Chandler is still out for Phoenix, it could be yet another chance for the center to have a big night and help bring his team home a win.

Nov 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) defends as guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

1. This was the best win of the season

Say what you want about the Warriors blowing out the Oklahoma City Thunder last week, but this was the best win of the season. Before anyone brings up the fact the Nuggets are still young and not a power yet, everything about this game had trap written all over it.

The Warriors had to worker harder than they wanted to last night and therefore didn’t get as much rest on the way to Denver. The team didn’t get in until late and playing at the elevated altitude is always tough on opposing teams.

Add in the fact that Stephen Curry wasn’t right and they dropped a game at Denver last season and it had all the makings for a long night for the Warriors. Instead, Golden State went out and put this game away early and made sure everyone took notice of what they did.

They played tremendous on the interior and their superstars save for a rare night for Kevin Durant, who didn’t get his 20 points, were fantastic. This is a great sign going forward that they won’t let the trap games get to them.