Gordon at the gate with a spear could not overcome the determination of a 37-year-old veteran.

There were only two NBA games today, and they represented two completely opposite extremes. The first game between the Pacers and Thunder was played at a very slow pace, with frequent whistles, extending all the way to double overtime. In total, both teams combined for 91 free throws, with Alexander alone attempting 26, ultimately scoring 55 points.

The Warriors and Nuggets game, on the other hand, was played at a fast tempo, with referees reluctant to blow the whistle, resulting in a smooth and fluid viewing experience. Although the first game went into double overtime, there’s no doubt fans preferred watching the Warriors vs. Nuggets match, which showcased a higher level of play.

The Nuggets dominated the Warriors in the first half, controlling the pace for two quarters. The Warriors started with a 10-0 run, but the Nuggets immediately responded with their own 10-0 run. After that, the tempo remained firmly in the Nuggets’ hands. Gordon shot a perfect 7-for-7 from three in the first half, scoring 25 points, marking the most accurate half of his career.

Everyone knows Gordon’s three-point shooting has improved; last season he had a 43.6% three-point percentage and even hit a game-winning three against the Thunder in the playoffs. Yet fans still instinctively see him as a spot-up shooter who can space the floor but isn’t an elite three-point specialist.

Today’s game was the one where Gordon shattered that stereotype. He not only nails spot-up threes but also excels in pull-up threes off ball screens. When Jokic gives him a handoff or a slight opening to shoot, Gordon can immediately release and hit the three-pointer.

After Gordon made his first four three-pointers, Kuminga still chose to go around the defender to give Gordon another shot, which he confidently knocked down, going 5-for-5 from deep. By halftime, Gordon was 7-for-7 on threes, setting the record for the most perfect three-point shooting in a half. In the third quarter, he hit another transition three, making it 8-for-8 and completely unstoppable.

Previously, Gordon was considered Jokic’s best inside partner because of his significant offensive threat near the basket. His presence lurking on both baseline sides made him Jokic’s best target for alley-oops. But now, with Gordon developing such a three-point shot and being able to run pick-and-rolls at the four or five spot with Jokic, the Nuggets’ style of play has transformed entirely.

The Nuggets shot 10-for-18 from three in the first half but their three-point accuracy dropped sharply in the second half, hitting only 2 of 13 in the third quarter. The Warriors managed to even the score within just one quarter as Curry warmed up in the third, and both teams engaged in a back-and-forth scoring battle.

Aaron Gordon truly showed the courage of Lü Bu at the gate today, dominating the game in the fourth quarter with 13 points including 2-for-2 from three. Besides his still-hot three-point shooting, he kept exploiting mismatches inside and knocking down mid-range shots. Today was definitely one of those days where everything he did worked perfectly.

With 30 seconds remaining, Gordon received a pass from Jokic and found an open three-pointer at a 45-degree angle. By that point, Gordon had already made nine three-pointers, and still getting an open look showed how much offensive threat Jokic posed. Gordon nailed the shot again, putting the Nuggets ahead by three with only 25.7 seconds left in the game.

Is the game over? No, it was just beginning. On the next possession, Curry caught the ball and, using a screen from Draymond, found a gap to get a three-point shot off. Looking back, Jokic probably should have contested that shot but likely chose to retreat to protect the rebound given the distance of the shot.

Curry’s shot went in instantly, a deep three to tie the game, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Warriors fans went from despair to ecstasy. This was only the second game of the season, and Curry was already producing such miracles. Beyond that tying shot, all 13 points the Warriors scored in the last five minutes came from Curry himself, lifting the score from 107 to 120.

The offensive and defensive battle in the final quarter was truly NBA at its highest level. The Nuggets focused on exploiting Curry’s defensive weaknesses, while the Warriors targeted Jokic’s defensive lapses. Both teams executed excellent off-ball movement, resulting in intense and thrilling competition.

The turning point of the game came when Coach Kerr put out a lineup featuring Curry, Draymond, Horford, Butler, and Kuminga, combining shooting and size with excellent defensive rotations.

As Jokic missed the game-winning shot, we witnessed the fifth overtime of the season and the third one today. The Warriors’ three veterans—Curry, Butler, and Horford—all hit three-pointers in overtime, with the “Hundred-Year Mountain” trio sealing the game in the extra period.

Of course, to some extent, Jokic lost to himself. In overtime, Jokic went 1-for-5, including 0-for-3 from three. With Gordon’s outstanding performance today, Jokic’s 8-for-23 shooting and 2-for-13 from deep were far from impressive, and he also missed the game-winning shot in the fourth quarter.

Despite only scoring 7 points in the first half, Curry exploded for 35 points in the second half and overtime, finishing 14-for-25 overall with 6-for-12 from three, totaling 42 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Many times today, Curry powered through defenders driving to the basket, throwing himself to the floor. Even if he hadn’t hit that tying shot, Curry’s effort today deserved all the praise.

From Curry, I saw the determination of a 37-year-old veteran. Today’s 42 points made him the oldest point guard in history to score 40+ points in a single game. Undoubtedly, Curry will continue to break this record, showing no signs of decline whatsoever.

During the offseason, Curry said: “I firmly believe we still have championship potential, even though we’re not considered favorites in any discussion. But we have a team capable of returning to elite status, with everything we’ve been through in the past 13 years and those four championship trophies. Adding another title would be incredible; for me, that’s practically my only goal right now.”

No one sees the Warriors as title favorites, but for Curry, his goal has never changed. Having reached the pinnacle four times, he understands the kind of determination it takes. That resolve in his heart has never wavered.