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The Denver Nuggets enter the 2023-24 season with confidence. The reigning champions have a well-constructed roster that is hungry for a repeat title. Denver had countless bright spots from last season, many of which will continue to shine. Two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic leads the way with his incredible scoring, playmaking, and rebounding while Jamal Murray intends to wreak havoc on offenses. The Nuggets look to set the tone of the season early against the Lakers, their new Western Conference foes. Here are three bold predictions for the Mile High City on NBA Opening night.
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Nikola Jokic will start the Nuggets' season with a triple-double
There is a reason Jokic almost won his third MVP in a row during the 2022-23 season. The 6-foot-11 Serbian nearly averaged a triple-double bringing in 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game. Jokic makes the game of basketball look easy, and the impact he has on his team is immeasurable. Expect his trend of high-level performances to continue.
Last year, Jokic scored 27 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds against the Utah Jazz in Denver's 2022-23 season opener. He could have a similar performance against the Lakers, but things are more personal this time.
Jokic was one of the main reasons the Nuggets denied the Lakers a path to the NBA Finals. The Joker put up 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds, 11.8 assists, 1 steal, and 1 rebound in the Western Conference Finals series. Even greater, he shot a blazing 47% on three-pointers. Los Angeles has been vocal about wanting revenge, and that starts with slowing down Jokic. The former MVP has something of his own to prove though.
Many questioned Jokic's love for the game of basketball considering how much he gets into his off-the-court hobbies. Now, he has a chance to silence the naysayers and put on a historical performance.
Jamal Murray will score at least 25 points and 5 assists
Jamal Murray was another reason the Lakers were denied NBA Glory. The Canadian guard went off in the Conference Finals. Murray averaged 32.5 points, 6.3 assists, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.8 steals for the Nuggets during the series. These numbers are up from his regular season average of 20 points and 4 rebounds per game. The 26-year-old took his game to another level against LA, and NBA fans should expect him to do so on Opening Night.
As seen, Murray has the ability to be Denver's primary scorer. Murray looked unguardable during the Lakers series. Yellow jerseys seem to light his fire. He might decide to take things into his own hands and torch the Lakers' defense once again. In addition, his pick-and-roll game with Jokic is one of the best in the league, so it would be no surprise to see a high number of assists from him.
Aaron Gordon starts the season with a posterizer
Aaron Gordon returns to the Denver Nuggets after being one of the most important pieces to the team's championship birth. Gordon played harassing defense on a variety of players while also being a strong finisher inside. He also stretched the floor when needed. The veteran forward averaged 12.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists during the postseason series against the Lakers. He will be a vital supporting piece for the season opener. Of course, most NBA fans know Gordon for his electrifying dunks.
As one of the best dunkers in NBA history, Gordon almost never escapes a season without a posterizer. As fans fill the stands for the start of the season, there is a chance Gordon could take flight and create a highlight against Los Angeles. If he gets the opportunity, he will not hesitate to finish with authority.
The curtains are finally being lifted for NBA Opening Night. Will the predictions come to fruition for Denver? The newly-found Nuggets-Lakers rivalry should make for a memorable game as the season gets started. The world watches as Nikola Jokic and company attempt to keep Denver at the top of the mountain.
