Nuggets rally in fourth to defeat Clippers in opener
Nikola Jokic scored 21 points, Gary Harris added 20 and the Denver Nuggets opened the season with a 107-98 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
2019 ScheduleAll times ET
vs Suns
@ Clippers
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2019 Schedule
1-0, 1st in Northwest
Barton rises for the dunk (0:17)
Nuggets extend contract of coach Malone
The Denver Nuggets have agreed to a contract extension with coach Michael Malone, the team announced ahead of its season opener Wednesday.
Jefferson: It's time to 'move on' after 17 seasons
Richard Jefferson says he has decided to "move on from basketball" in an Instagram post Saturday that largely served as a tribute to his father, who died last month.
Uni Watch NBA season preview
Welcome to a new NBA season full of new looks, new courts and the full force of LockerVision.
Murray with nifty lay-in (0:18)
Plumlee lifts off for two-handed jam (0:16)
Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer
It's only the first game of the preseason but Juancho Hernangomez tried to give Mike Malone more reasons to play him this season. The third-year forward, who played 11 minutes a game and averaged 3.3 points in 25 games last season, drilled six-of-his-first-nine shots, including five-of-seven 3-pointers.
Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer
Even without the injured Gary Harris, the Denver Nuggets' offense looked as potent as advertised. Denver scored 66 points in the first half, shot 51% from the field and buried eight 3-pointers. The Lakers did give up too many open 3-point shots. Denver moved the ball well as nine of the 10 Nuggets who played in the first half registered at least one assist.
Ohm Youngmisuk ESPN Staff Writer
The Nuggets found condensation on the floor here in San Diego during their morning shootaround. But Denver coach Mike Malone just said the floor is safe and good to go now for tonight. He checked the floor before the game and talked to Lakers coaches, who said their players didn't experience any issues with the floor.
IT hopes to help Nuggets snap playoff drought
The debates have been so lively inside the Denver Nuggets locker room recently that coach Michael Malone wanders in to make sure everything's all right.
Stephen A. has major issues with Thomas' PGs ranks (1:29)
Seth Walder ESPN Analytics
Our preseason BPI ratings predict how many points per game better or worse every team is relative to the NBA average.
Young on Porter Jr.: Take time to recover (0:59)
Jalen sounds off on IT mocking Cleveland (0:55)
Porter says he's pain-free after back surgery
Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. said he's pain-free after a second surgery on his back, and the 14th overall pick in the 2018 draft is hoping to be on the court near the start of the 2018-19 season.
Isaiah Thomas apologizes for Cleveland comment (0:48)
IT profanely mocks Cleveland, quickly apologizes
Nuggets guard Isaiah Thomas apologized after making a profane remark about the city of Cleveland in a social media post.
Porter surprises his mom with new car (0:59)
Nuggets sign guard Morris to multiyear deal
The Denver Nuggets have agreed to a multiyear deal with point guard Monte Morris.
Jalen: IT was just looking for a job (1:16)
Thomas' career full of highs and lows (0:45)
'I played until I literally couldn't play anymore'
After a persistent hip injury, Isaiah Thomas understands the skepticism -- and he's ready to prove himself again.
Elhassan: 'No pressure' on Porter Jr. to rush back (1:25)
Marc J. Spears The Undefeated
The Nuggets say that rookie forward Michael Porter, Jr. has undergone surgery of the lumbar spine at The Carrell Clinic in Dallas, TX. There is no timetable for his return to basketball participation.
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2018-19 Northwest Standings
| TEAM | W | L | PCT | GB | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | - | W1 |
| Denver | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | - | W1 |
| Utah | 1 | 0 | 1.000 | - | W1 |
| Minnesota | 0 | 1 | .000 | 1 | L1 |
| Oklahoma City | 0 | 1 | .000 | 1 | L1 |
2018-19 Team Leaders
- Offense
- Defense
Points Per Game
Assists Per Game
Field Goal Percentage
Rebounds Per Game
Steals Per Game
Blocks Per Game
Team Stats
Points Per Game107.0Tied-18th
Rebounds Per Game56.04th
Assists Per Game20.0Tied-23rd
Points Allowed98.03rd
Injuries
2018 Draft Picks
| RD(PK) | PLAYER | POS | SCHOOL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1(14) | Michael Porter Jr. | SF | Missouri |
| 2(13) | Justin Jackson | SF | Maryland |
| 2(28) | Thomas Welsh | C | UCLA |
Team History
| YEAR | W | L | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 1 | 0 | 1.000 |
| 2017-18 | 46 | 36 | .561 |
| 2016-17 | 40 | 42 | .488 |
| 2015-16 | 33 | 49 | .402 |
| 2014-15 | 30 | 52 | .366 |