A 16-point underdog, the Warriors were down 77-65 with 5:08 left in the third quarter. They went on a 43-15 run to take control and win for just the second time in 11 games.

Nikola scored 16 points and had 13 rebounds in a perplexing loss on the heels of beating the defending champion Toronto Raptors.

The Nuggets, who led by as many as 15 in the third quarter, fell to 24-8 at home. They were an NBA-best 34-7 at the Pepsi Center a season ago.

Even more alarming, Denver is 3-3 since the All-Star break.

„It’s a bad stretch,“ Jokic said. „Or maybe that’s us? You never know.“

PASSING FANCY

Jokic has been throwing one-handed, full-court outlet pass with more frequency this season.

„That’s something I spent a lot of time working with Nikola on,“ Malone cracked. „He’s finally understanding how to do it.“

The big man has the green light from Malone for the moderate-risk, high-reward pass.

„It’s a combination of Nikola’s vision, unselfishness and guys knowing he’s going to throw it so now let me get out there and run so I can catch it,“ Malone said.

IZVOR: ESPN

ESPN