Three takeaways from Nuggets' opening preseason game

Westbrook is unlikely to be a start for Denver this season. However, that makes him the perfect player to take some pressure off the bench unit and allow Jokic to receive significant rest. If he can build off his performance against Boston, he could be the steal of the summer.

Jamal Murray's struggles continued

Murray struggled at times during the 2024 NBA playoffs and took those struggles with him to the Olympics in Paris. On Friday, he continued to search for answers on how to get back to his usual level. Murray played 15 minutes against Boston, shooting 1-of-4 from the field, dishing out two assists and turning the ball over twice. 

Having recently signed a $208M contract extension, it's clear Denver is invested in Murray and believes he can help lead them to success. However, along with his injury concerns, his current production, should it continue, will be incredibly concerning. Of course, this was only the first preseason game; he has plenty of time to bounce back.

Nikola Jokic is still the best player in the world

We already knew this. Jokic will enter the season as the reigning MVP for the third time. He dominated during his time at the Olympics. His game isn't based on athleticism, so his longevity will be impressive and scary. 

Against the Celtics, Jokic played his usual game. Despite not resisting many assists, he was the quarterback for the offense. He controlled the glass with eight rebounds and shot an efficient 5-of-7 from the field. There were also multiple moments where he overpowered the Celtics' defense to get to his spot and create a high-quality scoring opportunity. 

If Jokic had played more than 20 minutes against Boston, the Nuggets would likely have walked away with the win on Friday. As long as he remains healthy, Malone's team will have a legitimate shot at a championship.