Nuggets defeat Lakers 119-107 in season opener

The Denver Nuggets came out on top in their season-opening clash against the Los Angeles Lakers 119-107 on Tuesday night.

The defending champion showed real class and was the better team all throughout. Star player Nikola Jokic kicked off his campaign in style as he bagged 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

Took one (1) game to get our first win pic.twitter.com/5awIPfcJRV

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 25, 2023

Jamal Murray scored 21 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope had 20, Aaron Gordo – 15, and Michael Porter Jr. added another 12.

Scheduled post: Joker secured his first triple double of the season 🃏 pic.twitter.com/tzGbwTEa6M

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— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 25, 2023

For the Lakers all of the important starters also registered double figures, led by LeBron James, who notched 21 points in 29 minutes. Los Angeles are very careful, monitoring James’ playing time as the 38-year-old enters his 21st NBA season.

“I mean, I always want to be on the floor,” James said, “especially when you got an opportunity to win a game or feel like you can make an impact. But I guess there’s a system in place and I’ll follow it.”

Taurean Prince scored 18 points his his debut for the Lakers, Anthony Davis had 17 points, Austin Reaves 14 and D’Angelo Russell 11.

The Nuggets established an early lead of 18 points and despite best effort from Los Angeles to trim it down it proved too much as the defending champion kicked off their campaign in style.