Well… that's certainly not how the Denver Nuggets wanted to start their playoff run. Against the Golden State Warriors, the team was just misfiring on all fronts. Nikola Jokic's heroics werent enough to save them in Game 1, as they lost in a 123 – 107 game that is more lopsided than what the box score shows.

After that brutal Game 1 showing, Nuggets coach Michael Malone sounded off after the game. Malone stated that the team lost twice today, as they were soundly beaten by the Warriors and themselves. He urged his players to be better, as well. (via Harrison Wind)

“We can't beat ourselves and the Warriors in the same game. We did that tonight.”

Article Continues Below
More Denver Nuggets News
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena.
Nuggets rumors: Russell Westbrook to get massive contract offer from surprise teamTroy Finnegan ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) watches the final minutes of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder from the bench in the fourth quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
DeMarcus Cousins reveals NBA’s major issue with Nuggets’ Nikola JokicJackson Stone ·
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) runs down the court against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter during game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Nikola Jokic’s wild ‘Joker’ origin story from Mike MillerBenedetto Vitale ·
Serbia and Denver Nuggets power forward Nikola Jokic (15) celebrates on the podium with teammates after winning the bronze medal in men's basketball during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
Novak Djokovic shuts down ‘fake’ Nikola Jokic narrativeTroy Finnegan ·
Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman in the third quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game six of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
David Adelman parts ways with several key members of Nuggets’ coaching staffTroy Finnegan ·
Denver Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke (left) and president Josh Kroenke (right) during the championship parade after the Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA Finals
Josh Kroenke puts his foot down on potential Nuggets ‘cultural reset’Rachel Strand ·

The Nuggets were completely outclassed by the Warriors in the game. Malone had no answers for Golden State's scintillating attack. Most of that, though, is because of the players not being able to key in on their shooters. That is why the Warriors were able to run away with the game despite Stephen Curry being on a minutes restriction.

Once again, the same old problem for the Nuggets on offense reared its head. Without Nikola Jokic, they were not able to muster anything up. They very clearly need either one of their offensive stars to return from injury, or have someone else step up in their stead.

There's a long series ahead for Michael Malone and his team. One bad loss doesn't mean that the Nuggets are doomed. However, if they fail to learn from their mistakes, they could be looking at an early exit from the playoffs… again.