**Nuggets Answer Offseason Question In Game 1**

Mas Arief

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Post on Oct 27, 2024

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Nuggets Answer Offseason Question in Game 1: Jokic Dominates, Denver Wins

The Denver Nuggets, fresh off their first NBA Championship, opened their title defense with a resounding 109-108 victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 1 of their first-round series. While the game was a close affair, the Nuggets' victory answered a critical question that had lingered throughout the offseason: Can they handle the pressure of being the hunted?

Jokic Leads the Charge

Nikola Jokic, the reigning Finals MVP, proved he's ready to carry the Nuggets to new heights. He put up a dominant performance with a game-high 32 points, 21 rebounds, and 9 assists, showcasing the same brilliance that propelled Denver to their championship.

"It's always tough to play the first game, you have to get your legs under you," Jokic stated after the game. "But we got the win and that's all that matters."

A Tense Finish

The game was a nail-biter down to the wire. The Jazz, led by a breakout performance from Lauri Markkanen, kept the Nuggets on their toes throughout the fourth quarter. The tension was palpable as the clock ticked down, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops.

Ultimately, the Nuggets' experience and composure prevailed. Jamal Murray, a key contributor during the championship run, delivered a clutch three-pointer with under a minute remaining, putting Denver in the driver's seat.

Looking Ahead

While Game 1 is just the beginning, the Nuggets' performance demonstrated their readiness to embrace the challenge of defending their title. Their ability to overcome a late-game surge from the Jazz showcased their mental toughness and unwavering focus.

With Jokic at the helm and a supporting cast that's proven itself capable of competing at the highest level, the Nuggets are poised to make another deep run in the playoffs. However, they know that the road ahead will be far from easy.

"We're not going to take anything for granted," said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. "We have to be ready for every game."

The Nuggets' victory in Game 1 answers the question of whether they can handle the pressure of being the hunted. They showed they are ready for the challenge, and their journey to defend their title has officially begun.