Nuggets shine in season opener, Lakers fall short

Posted : 25 October 2023

In a thrilling NBA season opener, the Denver Nuggets, fresh off their championship victory, showcased their dominance on the court as they celebrated their success with a resounding 119-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers. The night was a perfect reflection of the best traditions of NBA season openers.

The highlight of the game was none other than Nikola Jokic, who continues to make a strong case for being the best player in the league. Jokic, known as "The Joker," notched his 106th career triple-double with an impressive stat line of 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in just 36 minutes of play. This remarkable feat puts him in elite company, joining the likes of Oscar Robertson, Russell Westbrook, Jason Kidd, Magic Johnson, and now, the Serbian phenom, as one of the few players to achieve a triple-double in two consecutive career season openers.

From the very beginning, the Nuggets asserted their dominance, establishing a double-digit lead by the end of the first quarter with a score of 34-20. While the Lakers managed to mount a comeback, closing the gap to 87-84 at the start of the fourth quarter, they fell just short in their efforts to change the momentum. Jokic was not alone in this effort, as Jamal Murray, Kentavius Caldwell-Pope, and Aaron Gordon played crucial roles in securing the victory.

LeBron James, in his remarkable 21st season in the league, led the Lakers with 21 points, demonstrating that age is just a number. Despite a valiant effort, the Lakers were unable to turn the tide completely in their favor. In the end, the Nuggets emerged as the superior team.

Before the game, a touching tribute was made to highlight a matter of global concern. Ten American flags were displayed in the arena to raise awareness for the 10 American hostages held captive by Hamas in Gaza. The NBA expressed solidarity with those affected by the ongoing conflict in the region and called for a peaceful resolution.

In the second game of the night, the Phoenix Suns clashed with the Golden State Warriors, and the result was an intense and dramatic contest that ended with a 108-104 victory for the Suns. The standout performance came from Devin Booker, who contributed 32 points, 8 assists, and 6 rebounds.

The game featured a seesaw battle with the Suns taking control with an impressive second quarter but the Warriors storming back with a strong run in the third quarter. In the end, it was Yusuf Nurkic's clutch basket in the final seconds that sealed the victory for the Suns.

Kevin Durant played a significant role in supporting Booker, adding 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Okogie contributed 17 points. For the Warriors, Steph Curry led the charge with 27 points, although he struggled from beyond the arc. Klay Thompson added 15 points, and Chris Paul finished with 14 points.

This thrilling doubleheader on the opening night of the NBA season set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and action-packed basketball season ahead.

Nuggets shine in season opener, Lakers fall short

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics