The 2025-26 NBA season kicked off with a thrilling bang, as the Golden State Warriors narrowly defeated the Denver Nuggets 137-131 in an overtime classic on Thursday. The game showcased a high-octane duel between two of the league’s brightest stars: Stephen Curry and Aaron Gordon. While Curry’s second-half heroics ultimately sealed the victory for Golden State, it was Gordon’s career-night that nearly stole the show—and prompted an unexpected gesture from the Warriors.
Aaron Gordon, the 30-year-old Bay Area native, erupted for a career-high 50 points, including an astonishing 10-for-11 performance from beyond the arc. His offensive onslaught kept the Nuggets in contention, threatening to spoil Golden State’s home-opener. Despite the loss, Gordon’s lights-out shooting and relentless energy left an impression on the Warriors, who made a surprising post-game offer to honor his incredible performance.
According to AltitudeTV’s Katy Winge, the Warriors approached Gordon after the game, offering him the game ball as a nod to his sensational outing. However, the 12-year veteran swiftly declined the gesture. “They (were) asking if I wanted the game ball,” Gordon told Winge in the post-game media scrum. “No, I don’t want the game ball. I don’t want to take an ‘L’ home with me. No, thank you.”
Gordon’s rejection of the Warriors’ offer underscores his fiercely competitive mindset, prioritizing team success over individual accolades. Instead of basking in the recognition, he focused on the next steps, stating, “We’re going to reconvene, watch the film, and go back home and try to play better in our home-opener.”
On the other side, Stephen Curry proved why he remains one of the NBA’s elite, even in his 17th season. The 37-year-old future Hall of Famer poured in 35 of his 42 points in the second half and overtime, delivering clutch shots to keep Golden State alive and ultimately secure the win. His performance was a reminder that, at the peak of his powers, Curry remains nearly unstoppable.
Had it not been for Curry’s mind-boggling second-half takeover, Gordon’s dominant display might have propelled the Nuggets to a 1-0 start. The 6-foot-8 combo-forward’s efficiency and consistency from deep showcased his evolution as a two-way threat, making his performance one of the early highlights of the young season.
While the Warriors walked away with the victory, Gordon’s refusal to accept the game ball sent a clear message: for him, it’s all about the win, not the spotlight. As both teams move forward, this instant classic sets the tone for what promises to be an electrifying 2025-26 NBA season.