How Al Horford’s Unseen Defensive Masterclass Crippled the Nuggets’ Offense

So, here’s a nugget of a question for you: what does it take to tame a beast like Nikola Jokic? Well, if you’re the Golden State Warriors, the answer might just be Al Horford — a seasoned vet who showed up Thursday night and put the clamps on one of the NBA’s most prolific triple-double machines. In a nail-biter 137-131 overtime thriller against the Denver Nuggets, Horford’s lockdown defense was the kind of performance that flips the script in high-stakes basketball. It wasn’t just a win; it was a statement, a glimpse at what this Warriors squad might look like when the playoffs roll around and every possession stretches like a high-wire act. Trust me, when a guy shoots 3-for-12 against you — including a dismal 1-for-7 in crunch time — that’s not luck; that’s strategy, grit, and downright tenacity, and it raises the question— can Golden State’s blueprint for shutting down juggernauts like Jokic be the secret sauce that finally tips the Western Conference scales?

Denver Nuggets v Golden State Warriors — (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Golden State Warriors squeezed out a 137-131 overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

It wasn’t an easy victory, but it was an important one with some star performances from their biggest players.

Newcomer Al Horford had a night to remember, especially because he limited one of the greatest players in the league.

Nikola Jokic produced 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, but his life was very difficult when Horford was guarding him.

“Nikola Jokić shot 3-for-12 from the field when defended by Al Horford — including 1-for-7 in the 4th quarter and overtime,” per ESPN NBA.

Nikola Jokić shot 3-for-12 from the field when defended by Al Horford — including 1-for-7 in the 4th quarter and overtime, per @ESPNNBA pic.twitter.com/Fw9aKbLUSn

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 24, 2025

Minimizing the output of Jokic is a huge deal, especially for a Western Conference rival like the Warriors.

There is a chance these two teams meet up in the playoffs months from now, so if Golden State has a way to shut Jokic down, they could be in good shape.

Horford was brought to the Warriors because he has years of great experience in intense, high-stakes situations.

He has also shown, repeatedly, that he isn’t afraid of the best players in the association.

They don’t get much better than Jokic, who has numerous methods of helping his team score.

They have high expectations and big goals, so every win is going to count for the Warriors this year.

The Nuggets are seen as one of the toughest teams in the West and true championship contenders, particularly because they improved their roster in the summer.

Golden State’s early-season win over them is a badge of honor, and it proves that they can compete with the best of the best.

Horford’s performance made that victory possible, and it also reminded everyone what a terrific big man he is.

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