The Golden State Warriors pulled off one of their most stunning upsets of the 2025-26 season, defeating the Denver Nuggets 128-117 on Sunday night (Feb. 22, 2026) at Chase Center—despite missing four key stars: Stephen Curry (knee), Jimmy Butler (torn right ACL), Kristaps Porziņģis (sick), and Draymond Green (late scratch with lower back soreness).
Warriors’ Al Horford reveals mindset ahead of Nuggets win
This victory snapped a two-game skid, improved the Warriors to 30-27, and highlighted the “next man up” mentality—with 39-year-old Al Horford stealing the show and turning back the clock in epic fashion.
Horford, inserted into the starting lineup at the last minute, exploded early: He drained two threes in the first 76 seconds, forcing Denver to scrap their defensive scheme immediately. He finished Q1 with three triples, added two more in Q2, and went 5-of-6 from three in the first half for 17 points in just 14 minutes. Per Polymarket Hoops, the 39-year-old became the oldest center in NBA history to hit five three-pointers in a first half—a remarkable record.
Horford closed the night with a season-high 22 points (8-of-11 FG, 6-of-7 3PT), 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 3 steals—dominant on both ends. He spaced the floor brilliantly (Warriors hit 15 threes in the first half), contested 13 shots (7 from deep), and limited opponents when primary defender (Nuggets shot 6-of-17). Even Nikola Jokić‘s dazzling 35-20-12 triple-double couldn’t overcome the discomfort Horford created by pulling him out of the paint.
Head coach Steve Kerr praised: “Al was fantastic. The spacing with him—popping and knocking down shots early—really set a good tone. We hit 15 threes in the first half. Even when we went cold in the third, the spacing and ball movement were really good, and Al was a big part of that.”
Horford post-game: “Once I realized I had to start, I just needed to make sure that I brought energy and those shots were available early on. I wanted us to play with pace, play fast, and get the ball moving. That was the key for the rest of the game.”
While Horford set the tone with veteran poise and shooting, Brandin Podziemski (18 points, 15 rebounds, 9 assists) sealed it with 12 points in the final five minutes of Q4, sparking a 20-2 run. Moses Moody led scoring with 23 points (4 threes), and De’Anthony Melton added 20—proof of Golden State’s depth.
Denver (36-22) was caught off guard by the late lineup change. HC David Adelman admitted: “That was confusing. Obviously, the game plan was very different.” By the time they adjusted, Warriors had seized control.
This win was a perfect blend of experience, youth, and spacing—proving the Warriors remain dangerous shorthanded. Horford, who signed with Golden State in free agency summer 2025 after leaving Boston, continues to thrive (season averages: 7.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.5 APG; up to 10.9 PPG in February). He joined LeBron James as the only players 39+ with 6+ threes and 7+ assists in a game.
Dub Nation—what do you think? Is Horford the key to a playoff push? Or just a magical night? Drop your takes below!