Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets Leave Lakers Without Chance In NBA Season Opener

The defending champions, Denver Nuggets started their quest of defending their title successfully by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 119-107 in the NBA season opener on Tuesday night at Ball Arena.

Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 39 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists and once again was unstoppable, while also making a number of key plays down the stretch.

Jamal Murray added 21 points and 6 assists for the Nuggets, while LeBron James led the Lakers with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. 

Anthony Davis added 17 points and 8 rebounds for the Lakers. 

The Lakers trailed by 18 early, trimmed that deficit to 63-54 at halftime and used a 13-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters to pull within three, before Aaron Gordon stopped the run with a 3-pointer and the Nuggets comfortably regained the lead. The Lakers never got closer.

The Nuggets will next play the Memphis Grizzlies this Friday, the Lakers will play the Golden State Warriors on the same day.