(Denver) Serbian Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, crowned champions in June, opened the 2023/2024 NBA season with a victory (119-107) against LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at home.
The Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference finals in the spring, before dominating Miami for the title.
Serbian pivot Nikola Jokic, named best player (MVP) in the finals last season, weighed in on the match with a triple-double (29 points, 13 blocks, 11 assists), although appearing physically damaged for the restart.
Superstar LeBron James, who debuted at age 38 on 21e season of his career in the league, finished as his team’s top scorer (21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) but was unable to prevent his team’s defeat.
The Nuggets made the difference in the first quarter (34-20) and never let the Lakers regain the score, resisting the Angelinos’ comeback at the start of 4e quarter time.