Denver Nuggets

Published October 22, 2026 10:36pm

A strong start was undone by an uninspired second half, and the Nuggets lost their season opener Thursday in Oklahoma City.

Here are three takeaways from the Thunder’s 96-84 win at Paycom Center:

Recommended Stories

1. The Nuggets were lucky to hang on to the lead as long as they did. Jamal Murray started 2 for 10 from the field, while Nikola Jokic made just 5 of his 18 shots in the first three quarters. Murray finished with as many points, six, as turnovers. Jokic needed 19 shots to score 13 points. It wasn’t all bad. Murray grabbed 10 rebounds, and Jokic finished with seven rebounds and five assists. Holding the Thunder under 100 points should’ve been enough for the Nuggets to stay competitive, but they didn’t get enough from their stars.

2. Credit Christian Braun and Alpha Diallo for their defensive work on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.…