Chapter 98: Warriors in Danger? Unyielding Deficit

Before the fourth quarter began, the Warriors' official account announced that Klay Thompson would not return to the game, with his injury needing further evaluation. The Tencent livestream exploded with fan reactions as soon as the news dropped.

"This is it, Warriors are done. They were already trailing, and now Klay is out too."

"Tang Lei's got foul trouble, Klay's out, KD's cold—this is all on Curry now."

"Denver's started double-teaming, Warriors can't turn this around. Even if they make shots, they can't defend Jokic and Murray together. That combo's just too deadly."

"Does this mean I'll never see the record-breaking win streak in my lifetime?"

"The bigger the hope, the greater the disappointment. Guess I should've expected this."

"It's all these external factors—a five-game road trip, back-to-back games, and now Denver's high altitude."

"Exactly! Tang Lei looks exhausted, like he can't put his full strength into his moves. The altitude's affecting him big time."

Amid the heated discussion, the Warriors and Nuggets prepared to start the fourth quarter. Curry and Durant stayed on the court, knowing the Warriors couldn't afford to give up yet, trailing by 12 points. If they rested now, the game would surely be out of reach.

Meanwhile, Denver's Jokic and Murray took a breather, with the Nuggets trusting their 12-point cushion and not wanting to risk their stars' health. Denver's bench, known for its toughness, could still hold the line and possibly even extend the lead.

With Denver in possession, Beasley brought the ball past half-court, spotting the athletic Torrey Craig open for a shot. Craig took the pass and, with no hesitation, launched a three-pointer.

"Swish!"

The ball cut through the air like a dagger, sinking into the hoop and into the hearts of Warriors fans and players alike. The score climbed to 88–73, and the Warriors were on the brink of collapse.

Green brought the ball up the court, only for Curry to be instantly fronted by Denver's defense. Worse, another defender lurked right behind him, ready to double-team. Green looked for Shaun Livingston, subbing in for the injured Thompson. Finding him open, Green passed, and Livingston capitalized with a long two-pointer, bringing the score to 88–75.

Denver returned the favor by running another play through Torrey Craig. His hot hand had turned him into Denver's surprise weapon, with over 20 points off the bench. Despite Livingston's defense, Craig confidently pulled up for a jumper—another basket, and the lead widened to 90–75.

Back on the other end, Durant finally managed a difficult three-pointer over Millsap, narrowing the score to 90–78. Durant had rested a game before, but his rhythm still seemed off; before that three, he had missed all five of his previous attempts from beyond the arc. He had managed just 15 points, mainly through drives and mid-range shots.

With possession again, Craig drew defenders and passed to Millsap, open in the corner. Millsap's experience shone as he feigned a drive, sidestepped Durant, and sank a three of his own, extending Denver's lead to 93–78.

Both sides continued trading baskets with impressive efficiency. However, this wasn't what Coach Steve Kerr wanted to see. The Warriors were fielding their main lineup against Denver's bench, yet still couldn't close the gap. If they couldn't cut into the lead now, how would they manage once Denver's stars returned?

Kerr called a timeout and made a critical adjustment, bringing Tang Lei back onto the floor. This time, Kerr didn't position Tang Lei as the center. Facing Jokic in that role had led to foul trouble earlier, and now with four fouls, Tang Lei couldn't afford to play tentatively.

Instead, Tang Lei took over for Curry, who needed a rest after facing relentless double-teams that drained his energy. Looney remained at center, anticipating Jokic and Murray's imminent return.

After the timeout, the Nuggets indeed sent Jokic and Murray back onto the court, signaling the start of a fierce showdown. The Warriors knew the clock was ticking, and every possession mattered in their uphill battle against a relentless Denver team.

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