Aaron Gordon Rejected Game Ball from Nuggets After Scoring 50 in Loss to Warriors

Despite scoring a career-high 50 points, Aaron Gordon was not in a celebratory mood after the Denver Nuggets lost 137-131 to the Golden State Warriors in overtime on Thursday.

Gordon told reporters after the game he rejected the Nuggets' offer to give him a game ball because "I don't want the game ball, take an L home with me."

Gordon dropped 50 by shooting 17-of-21 from the field, including 10-of-11 from three-point range. He also grabbed eight rebounds in 39 minutes against the Warriors.

Nuggets-Warriors Full Highlights

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Gordon did keep a proper perspective by noting it was only the first game of the season for the Nuggets, and they will "reconvene, watch the film and try to play better in our home opener."

It's hard to outshine Nikola Jokić, who had a very casual triple-double with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, but Gordon was able to stand out on a night when the Nuggets needed him.

There was also a remarkable consistency from half to half in Gordon's performance. He scored 25 points on 7-of-8 shooting in the first half, then dropped 20 points on 8-of-11 in 18 minutes during the second half.

Even in overtime, the Warriors couldn't find an answer for Gordon. He scored five of Denver's 11 points in the extra period.

The Warriors got the win thanks in large part to Stephen Curry's 42-point effort, including 28 in the second half. His three-pointer with 21 seconds remaining in regulation tied the game at 120 to force overtime.

This was a tough matchup for the Nuggets to open the season, playing on the road against a Warriors team with a 25-7 record in 32 games with Jimmy Butler dating back to last season.

Gordon and the Nuggets gave the Warriors all they could handle, but it wasn't enough on this night. These two teams don't have to wait long to see each other again, with Golden State scheduled to play in Denver on Nov. 7 in an in-season tournament game.

Next up for the Nuggets is an off day before playing their home opener on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.