In a highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup, the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors went head-to-head in a closely contested battle. However, it was the struggles of the Nuggets' bench that stood out as the Warriors emerged as the victors.

Throughout the game, Denver's second unit, consisting of Christian Braun, Payton Watson, Reggie Jackson, and others, struggled to find their rhythm against the strong reserve crew led by Chris Paul and Andrew Wiggins. Their lack of effective possessions hindered the Nuggets' chances of keeping up with the Warriors. The best plus-minus from the Nuggets' bench came from Julian Strawther, who played only five minutes but finished with a minus-8.

Despite the challenges faced by their bench, the Nuggets' starters displayed impressive performances. Jamal Murray led the way with 19 points, along with 3 rebounds and 4 fouls. Michael Porter Jr. contributed 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while Nikola Jokic recorded a double-double with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, Jokic struggled with his shooting, going just 1-8 from the field but making up for it with a perfect 14-14 from the free-throw line.

On the other side, the Warriors faced a slow start, particularly for their star player, Steph Curry, who went 4 for 14 from the field and had 11 points. Nevertheless, the Warriors' supporting cast and reserve unit rose to the occasion, with Jonathan Kuminga scoring 13 points and grabbing 4 rebounds. Dario Saric added 12 points and 4 rebounds to the team's effort.

The game remained closely contested until the end of the third quarter, with the Nuggets holding a narrow lead of 92-89. Both teams showcased their offensive firepower but also struggled in certain aspects of their game. The Nuggets' starters dominated, boasting impressive plus-minus scores, while the Warriors' reserves continued to make an impact. Despite Curry's slow start, Golden State remained in the game, showcasing their resilience and ability to execute the little things that kept them competitive while their star player struggled.

As the game progressed, it became evident that the Nuggets needed to address their bench struggles and find a way to match the intensity and production of the Warriors' reserves. Additionally, the Nuggets relied on Jokic to step up offensively and overcome his shooting woes in order to take control of the game.

Ultimately, the matchup between the Nuggets and the Warriors proved to be an exciting and closely fought battle. While the Nuggets' starting unit showcased their talent and contributions, the struggles of their bench became a noticeable factor. The Warriors capitalized on these opportunities and demonstrated the strength of their reserves, ultimately emerging victorious in the Christmas Day showdown.