The Golden State Warriors secured a surprising win against the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night at Chase Center, fueled by the precise shooting of veteran center Al Horford. Despite missing key stars Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Draymond Green, Golden State leaned on Horford’s sharp shooting to carve out a 128–117 triumph in a critical game for the shorthanded squad.
Horford’s performance not only energized the Warriors but also etched his name in NBA history, as he became the oldest center to sink five three-pointers in the first half, setting the tone for a decisive victory.
Horford’s Early Three-Point Barrage Forces Defensive Changes
Inserted into the starting lineup late due to Draymond Green’s lower back soreness, Horford did not hesitate to make an immediate impact. Within the first 76 seconds, he nailed two three-pointers, causing the Nuggets’ defense to quickly abandon their original strategy.
By the end of the first quarter, Horford had already hit three triples and added two more in the second quarter, capitalizing on the Nuggets’ tendency to sag off him. His early offensive outburst helped Golden State build a lead they maintained throughout the night.
Once I realized I had to start, I just needed to make sure that I brought energy and those shots were available early on,
Horford said afterward.
I wanted us to play with pace, play fast, and get the ball moving. That was the key for the rest of the game.
– Al Horford
In only 14 first-half minutes, Horford scored 17 points, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. This performance surpassed his previous season-high of 16 points in a full game and marked his most three-pointers made in a single contest this season. Golden State’s collective offense thrived, knocking down 15 three-pointers by halftime as their fast-paced spacing outmaneuvered Denver’s defense.
Coach Kerr Highlights Horford’s Role in Offense and Spacing
Warriors coach Steve Kerr pointed to Horford as a pivotal figure for Golden State’s early offensive success. His ability to stretch the floor and consistently knock down open shots helped establish a rhythm that the team rode throughout the first half.
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.
– Steve Kerr
Horford concluded the game with six three-pointers, a season-high 22 points, and seven assists. This all-around effort helped the Warriors snap a two-game losing streak and secure what many consider their most significant upset of the campaign so far.
Defensive Contributions Complement Horford’s Shooting
Al Horford’s impact extended beyond his shooting. Defensively, he held his ground against Denver’s powerful offense, contesting 13 shots, including seven from deep. His presence limited the Nuggets to just 6-of-17 shooting when he was the primary defender.
This defensive intensity reflects Horford’s recovery from earlier sciatic nerve problems that had hampered his play earlier in the season. Even with Nikola Jokić posting a dazzling 35-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double, Horford’s floor-spacing and defensive pressure forced Jokić into less comfortable positions, opening lanes for Golden State’s guards to attack.
Late Roster Shift Leaves Nuggets Struggling to Adapt
Denver’s head coach David Adelman acknowledged that the last-minute change in the Warriors’ lineup threw off his team’s preparation.
That was confusing,
Adelman said.
Obviously, the game plan was very different.
– David Adelman
The disruption was evident early, and by the time the Nuggets adjusted to Horford’s unexpected presence and shooting threat, Golden State had already seized control of the game’s momentum.
Balance of Youth and Experience Drives Warriors’ Resilience
The final phase of the game was dominated by youthful energy, exemplified by Brandin Podziemski’s strong fourth-quarter performance. However, the backbone of the victory was Horford’s composed shooting and leadership on both ends of the floor.
This game highlighted the Warriors’ ability to blend veteran poise with promising young talent, enabling them to challenge a championship-caliber opponent despite being short-handed. The win demonstrated that experience, spacing, and timing remain vital in today’s NBA.
At 39 years old, Horford reminded everyone that smart shooting and court awareness continue to play a crucial role in high-level basketball success.
Al Horford becomes the oldest center in NBA history to hit 5 threes in a single half. pic.twitter.com/7Luj0axMiu
— Polymarket Hoops (@PolymarketHoops) February 22, 2026
"I had to make sure I brought energy and those shots were available."
Al Horford on bringing energy to the team and hitting 3 threes in the 1st quarter pic.twitter.com/7nd958gWLZ
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) February 23, 2026
