Nuggets got Cameron Johnson and it seems to be working against Warriors

DENVER: The defending champs are back on the hardwood, and so far, the new-look Denver Nuggets are holding their own. Denver leads the Golden State Warriors 81–75, and all eyes are on the revamped lineup that features a new face in the starting five.

Gone is Michael Porter Jr, the sharpshooting forward who helped power Denver’s 2023 title run is now a Brooklyn Net. In his place: Cameron Johnson, the 29-year-old wing acquired in a blockbuster June 30 trade that sent Porter and a 2032 first-round pick to Brooklyn.

It’s a high-stakes gamble for Denver, a team still chasing titles in the Nikola Jokić era.

A CALCULATED RISK FOR DENVER

The Nuggets made the deal with one clear goal, maximizing their championship window around the two-time MVP. Porter Jr’s scoring touch was undeniable, but recurring back issues and defensive lapses left questions about how far Denver could go with him as a core piece.

Enter Johnson, a player long considered one of the league’s most underrated 3-and-D weapons. The former Tar Heel brings perimeter defense, spacing, and veteran steadiness, traits Denver believes will complement Jokić and Jamal Murray perfectly.

Last season, Johnson averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, while shooting a crisp 39.2 per cent from deep over his six-year career between Phoenix and Brooklyn.

THE WESTERN GRIND

In a Western Conference loaded with firepower, from Luka Doncic and the Mavericks to the ever-dangerous Warriors, Denver knew it couldn’t stand pat. Johnson may not have Porter’s star flair, but his two-way consistency could be exactly what keeps the Nuggets in the hunt.

For now, the move seems to be paying off, at least tonight. As the third quarter winds down, Denver’s holding a slim edge, 81–75, over Golden State. The Jokic-led squad is showing flashes of the balanced, defensive-minded identity the front office envisioned when it made the daring trade.

The Nuggets didn’t just trade a player this summer, they traded potential for stability, flash for fit, and hope for harmony. Time will tell if it’s enough to keep the champs on top.