The Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to six games, but the victory didn’t come easily. They had to rally from a 13-point deficit to secure the win, which now places them two games ahead of Minnesota and Houston in the race for the fourth seed. However, their push up the standings is becoming increasingly complicated due to a string of injuries suffered during the game against the Golden State Warriors.
Even before tip-off, the team faced adversity when Aaron Gordon was ruled out with calf soreness. Things only worsened as the game progressed, with multiple forwards going down. Spencer Jones exited after the first quarter with right hamstring tightness. Later, in the third quarter, Cam Johnson left the game early due to pain in his ribs, and not long after, Zeke Nnaji also had to leave. Peyton Watson, who had recently returned from a right hamstring strain, was already on a minutes restriction, further limiting the team’s options.
Johnson’s injury appeared serious. Although he briefly returned to the bench with his torso wrapped, he did not re-enter the game. Before exiting, he logged 19 minutes and shot 2-of-5 from the field, adding three assists along with one rebound, one block, and one steal. Despite showing flashes of his all-around ability, this season has been challenging for him. Earlier, he missed nearly two months with a knee injury, and ongoing ankle issues have also affected his performance.
He was expected to serve as Denver’s third scoring option behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, but he currently ranks sixth on the team in scoring. Earlier in the month, after a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Johnson had an emotional moment following a scoreless outing in which he went 0-for-6 in 23 minutes. He expressed frustration and disappointment, admitting that it felt like he was letting both himself and his teammates down, though he remained hopeful based on past experiences of bouncing back.
If Johnson’s rib injury proves significant, it could further disrupt both his rhythm and the team’s momentum heading into the playoffs, especially as injuries continue to mount.
The Nuggets initially had a clean injury report before the game, but Gordon’s late scratch set off a chain reaction. With Watson limited, more responsibility fell on Spencer Jones, who unfortunately lasted just six minutes before his exit. Johnson’s injury followed in the third quarter, and shortly afterward, Zeke Nnaji suffered a blow to the face and an awkward fall after contact with Kristaps Porzingis. He left the game with what was later described as hip impingement and was seen leaving the arena on crutches.
Head coach David Adelman expressed concern over the situation, noting how quickly the team lost key contributors during the game. He remained hopeful for positive updates, especially with a couple of days before their next matchup, which could provide some time for recovery.