The NBA is finally back, and after an exciting slate that featured 14 games decided by five points or less, here are three key takeaways from this first week of NBA action.
The Denver Nuggets are head and shoulders above everyone else
After three convincing wins, the reigning-champion Denver Nuggets have already established themselves as head and shoulders above everyone else in the NBA. Two-time MVP Nikola Jokic is making mincemeat of opposing defenses with 26.3 points, 13 rebounds and 7.7 assists, and it doesn’t even look like he’s breaking a sweat.
Jamal Murray looks ready to take the next leap into star player territory and is actively making his case to be on this year’s All-Star team, while the forward tandem of Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. provides the perfect balance of offense and defense for this team.
While the loss of Bruce Brown in the offseason was a huge blow to this team, guard Reggie Jackson has stepped up in his absence, providing a stabilizing force in those crucial non-Jokic minutes.
The Nuggets have a great deal of continuity from last year’s championship-winning roster, and it shows on the court, with the team already possessing a deep understanding of where each player is going to be at all times.