Nuggets fall flat as Thunder get physical with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray

The Denver Nuggets suffered a 96-84 season-opening loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder as stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray struggled heavily under physical defense. The Thunder limited Denver to just 36 second-half points, utilizing a defensive blueprint reminiscent of the Minnesota Timberwolves' postseason approach against the franchise.

David Decker writes that OKC's defensive pressure neutralised Denver's leaders, with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren making scoring difficult inside. Jokic finished with 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting, while Murray contributed six points and six turnovers. The Nuggets will look to rebound in their upcoming home game against the New Orleans Pelicans.