(Denver) Serbian Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets, crowned champions in June, opened the 2023/2024 NBA season with a victory (119-107) against LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at home.

The Nuggets swept the Lakers in the Western Conference finals in the spring, before dominating Miami for the title.

Serbian pivot Nikola Jokic, named best player (MVP) in the finals last season, weighed in on the match with a triple-double (29 points, 13 blocks, 11 assists), although appearing physically damaged for the restart.

Superstar LeBron James, who started the 21st season of his career in the league at age 38, finished as his team’s top scorer (21 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists) but was unable to prevent his team’s defeat.

The Nuggets made the difference in the first quarter (34-20) and never let the Lakers regain the score, resisting the Angelinos’ comeback at the start of the 4th quarter.