by Jerry Feitelberg

The Warriors started strong, faltered a bit in the second quarter, then broke the game open in the third period as they cruised to victory by beating the Denver Nuggets 127-108 Saturday night in the Mile-High city.

The Warriors came out firing as they sprinted to an early 36-23 lead after the first twelve minutes of play. Draymond Green and Klay Thompson led the Warriors in the early going. Klay made three 3-point shots in the quarter. Late in the quarter, JaVale McGee, with assists from Steph Curry, made four baskets as it appeared the Warriors were on their way to another blowout win.

The Nuggets, to their credit, did not back down from the Warrior onslaught. They scored the first fifteen points in the second quarter to take the lead 38-36. The Warriors failed to score in the first four minutes of play in the second period. Denver went on a 21-3 to lead 44-41 before the Warriors got untracked. The Dubs scored nine of the last thirteen points in the period and led 60-55 at the half.

After the intermission, the Warriors came out firing on all cylinders and, as they have done so many times in the past, owned the third quarter. Led by Kevin Durant, the Warriors poured in 43 points, and the defense held the Nuggets to just 21 as they finished the third quarter leading by 27 103-76.

Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr used his second unit players for the entire fourth quarter. Patrick McCaw, Nick Young, Omri Casspi, Kevon Looney, and Jordan Bell daw significant minutes as the Warriors won 127-108.

Game Notes and stats- After the game, Kerr remarked this about the game:”We came out firing in the third. I’m really pleased. We played three tough teams (LA Clippers, San Antonio Spurs, And Denver Nuggets) and we turned a corner on this trip,” Kevin Durant said this about his teammates:”I thought everybody came out with great energy.”

The Warriors have now won six of the last seven games and are 7-3 for the year. Kerr was worried about the team’s conditioning a couple of games ago. They seem to be playing like the champions that they are. Denver drops to 5-5.

Four of the five Warrior starters were in double figures, and not a single Nugget starter was in double figures. KD led the Warriors with 25 points, 7 assists, and seven rebounds. Steph Curry scored 22 and had a double-double with 11 assists. Draymond and Klay had 15 each, and Zaza Pachulia knocked down 8.  JaVale McGee led the bench with 11. David West, Andre Iguodala, Omri Casspi, Patrick McCaw, and Nick Young all contributed to the Warrior win. Leading scorers for Denver were Will Barton 21, Emmanuel Mudiay 15, and Trey Lyles with 11.

Shaun Livingston did not play as Steve Kerr gave him the night off.

The Warriors shot 54.9% from the floor and the defense held Denver to 46%. The Warriors made 18 3-point shots while Denver made just six. The Warriors moved the ball well and recorded 37 assists in the game. The defense had 13 steals and four blocks, and they committed 15 turnovers.

The Warriors return home to face the Miami Heat Monday night at Oracle Arena. Game time is at 7:30 pm.