Warriors vs. Nuggets Recap: A 40-Point Third Cashes the Over

Golden State won 134-114 in Denver. The Nuggets led 32-28 after one, but the Warriors took a 60-56 lead into the half and then scored 40 in the third quarter to take control, building the lead to 24. Golden State hit 22 of its 44 threes and 20 of 21 free throws. Yaxel Lendeborg led everyone with 31 points and 12 rebounds, and Stephen Curry added 24 in 27 minutes. Six DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

ALT: Over 230.5 total points (-186 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: The main total was 236.5, so the alt bought 6 points. These teams had cleared 218.5 combined in 17 of their last 20.
• What happened: 248 total points, 17.5 over the line. The Warriors' 40-point third quarter did most of the work.
• Worth watching: Both teams shot at least 50 percent from the field. When two offenses are this efficient, buying points under the main total gives a lot of room.

ALT: Brandin Podziemski 15+ points (-169 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: Podziemski had 15+ in 8 of his last 10, with Butler, Moody and Porzingis all out.
• What happened: 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 33 minutes. He finished +33.
• Worth watching: With those three out, his role is bigger. His scoring line is worth checking while that holds.

ALT: Brandin Podziemski 2+ threes (-182 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: 2+ threes in 9 of his last 10, with more shots available while Golden State is short-handed.
• What happened: He went 3-of-7 from deep.
• Worth watching: Seven attempts fits the bigger role. Volume is what makes this alt steady.

Gui Santos 13+ points + rebounds (-117 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: Santos had cleared 13+ points + rebounds in 7 of his last 10 and 16 of his last 20.
• What happened: 13 points and 3 rebounds for 16 in 28 minutes, on 5-of-6 shooting.
• Worth watching: He was efficient enough that the scoring carried it.

ALT: Gui Santos 16+ points + rebounds + assists (-115 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: 16+ in 8 of his last 10 and 17 of his last 20.
• What happened: 13 points, 3 rebounds and 1 assist for 17, 1.5 over.
• Worth watching: It was closer than the points + rebounds line. The assist floor is thin, so the combo depends on his scoring.

De'Anthony Melton 3+ rebounds (+107 at DraftKings): CASHED

• Our read: Melton had 3+ boards in 7 of his last 10 and 13 of his last 20. At +107 the price implied about 48 percent against roughly 65 percent from recent games.
• What happened: 4 rebounds in 19 minutes, with 3 points and 3 assists.
• Worth watching: Plus money on a line he clears most nights is the price we look for, even in short minutes.

How the game played out

Denver kept it close for a half, and DeMar DeRozan led the Nuggets with 21. Nikola Jokic had 19 points and 11 assists and Jamal Murray had 19 points and 8 assists, but Denver made 10 threes to Golden State's 22. That 36-point gap from deep decided it.

Trends to watch

• Lendeborg's 31 and 12 in 31 minutes is a big line. His points and rebounds props deserve a look while he plays that much.
• Curry scored 24 on 3-of-3 from three in 27 minutes. He did a lot in limited minutes, which keeps his points line live even in a lopsided game.
• With Butler, Moody and Porzingis out, Podziemski and Santos both saw 28+ minutes. Their lines are worth checking until the rotation fills back in.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. For more on these markets, see alt line and total, or get more at /nba.