The Golden State Warriors are halfway through a looming win in the first round after taking both Games 1 and 2 in the series against the Denver Nuggets. Will the Nuggets cut their series deficit in half? Check out our preview below of this Warriors vs. Nuggets 2022 NBA Playoffs matchup.
The Warriors are winning – and dominating – Denver with Stephen Curry coming off the bench. It’s just that kind of series so far, with the Warriors in cruise control. Curry scored 34 points off the bench in Game 2, knocking down 12 of 17 shots, including 5 threes on 7 tries. Golden State can afford Curry to be in the bench because Jordan Poole is doing a masterful job as a starter. Poole dropped 29 points in Game 2 and is now leading all scorers in the series with an average of 29.5 points, while shooting un unholy 65.5 percent from the floor and 58.8 percent from behind the arc. So far, the Nuggets have no answer to Golden State’s juggernaut offense that is averaging 124.5 points per game on 53.6 percent shooting from the floor in the playoffs, thus far.
The Warriors are 7-1 against the spread in their last 8 games overall.
Unfortunately for the Nuggets, they only have one Nikola Jokic. However, that’s one more Jokic than any team has. Jokic is still a an incredible talent who will continue to produce and look for ways to carry the Nuggets on his shoulders. The Serbian big man had 26 points with 11 rebounds and 4 assists in 28 minutes in Game 2. That being said, he’s not getting enough help. Aaron Gordon has seemingly become a non-factor, as he is putting up just 7.5 points per game on 31.6 percent shooting from the floor in the playoffs. Will Barton is averaging 18.0 points in the series, but is shooting just 45.5 percent. Even bigger problem for the Nuggets is stopping Golden State’s attack, as they clearly couldn’t keep uo with the Warriors offensively. Perhaps a home game will give the Nuggets that much needed shot in the arm.
The Nuggets are 5-1 against the spread in their last 6 games as an underdog.
