The Nuggets made up for Saturday’s disappointing loss with a surprising win Monday in San Francisco.

Here are three takeaways from Denver’s 114-105 win at Chase Center despite being without three starters.

1. Aaron Gordon eased some concerns with the decision to play him and the way he performed. On a night when Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun were unavailable with various injuries, it would’ve been easy for the Nuggets and Gordon to decide for an extra night off. Instead, Gordon not only played but looked explosive and sharp from the start. He started 4 of 5 from 3-point range and eclipsed 30 points before the third quarter ended. He finished with a game-high 38 points on 23 shots. He added six rebounds and three assists, while Michael Porter Jr. added 21 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two steals.

2. Credit Peyton Watson as the primary reason it was an inefficient night for Stephen Curry. Sure, Watson bit on a couple of pump fakes, but he was able to use his size and length to recover as the primary defender on Golden State’s star. Curry finished with 20 points but needed 21 shots to get there. He went 4 of 14 from 3-point range and also committed seven turnovers. Russell Westbrook and Denver’s other defenders deserve some credit, but it was a big night for Watson, who blocked four shots to go with his 13 points and five rebounds.

3. That game was the full Russell Westbrook experience. Without Murray, Westbrook had more freedom and more responsibility within the Nuggets offense. He made just one of his five shots in the first half but was instrumental in getting his teammates easy offense with 11 assists and three steals before halftime. He ended the night by extending his record with 203 triple-doubles, recording 12 points, 11 rebounds and 16 assists with three steals, two blocks and seven turnovers. There was good and bad, but it was all Russ being Russ.

NUGGETS 114, WARRIORS 105

What happened: Denver led by seven after the first quarter and extended the advantage to 62-50 at halftime. It was still a 12-point game to start the fourth, and Denver won by as much to end Golden State’s win streak at seven games to improve to 44-25 on the season.

What went right: Denver made 14 of its 18 free throws. Golden State wasn’t nearly as efficient, going 15 of 27 at the line. Peyton Watson was Denver’s only player who missed a free throw, going 2-6, while Aaron Gordon (6-6), Michael Porter Jr. (4-4) and Zeke Nnaji (2-2) were perfect.

What went wrong: Denver committed 22 turnovers, which led to 27 of Golden State’s points. Russell Westbrook and Gordon were both responsible for seven turnovers.

Highlight of the night: Gordon introduced himself to Quentin Post early in the first quarter. Westbrook hit Gordon rolling to the rim, and Gordon put Golden State’s rookie on a welcome-to-the-NBA poster with a right-handed slam.

Up next: The Nuggets head to Southern California for Wednesday’s game against the Lakers in Los Angeles.