The Denver Nuggets secured a commanding victory over the Phoenix Suns, winning 133-111 on October 28, 2023, in their home opener at Ball Arena. Nikola Jokic showcased his remarkable skills, recording his second consecutive triple-double of the season with 14 points, 15 assists, and 14 rebounds. Jamal Murray contributed significantly with 23 points, while Christian Braun added 20 points and Aaron Gordon chipped in with 17 points, just two nights after scoring a career-high 50.
The Nuggets displayed a dominant offensive performance, shooting 51.2% from the field, hitting 43 of their 84 attempts. Jokic’s ability to facilitate the offense was evident as he took only eight shots, making five, and did not attempt a field goal until late in the second quarter. The Suns struggled with their shooting, finishing the game at 43.2% from the field, despite Devin Booker leading their efforts with 31 points.
Oklahoma City Thunder maintained their unbeaten streak with a 117-100 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Chet Holmgren, who had been dealing with back soreness, overcame his discomfort to score a season-high 31 points and secure 11 rebounds. His impressive shooting numbers included going 8-for-12 from the field and 6-for-8 from three-point range. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 30 points, with 17 of those coming in a strong third quarter.
In Chicago, the Bulls triumphed over the Orlando Magic with a score of 110-98. Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 21 points, while five reserves collectively scored 58 points. Notable contributions included Jalen Smith with 16 points and Ayo Dosunmu with 15 points. Despite struggling with their shooting, Paolo Banchero was the game’s leading scorer for the Magic with 24 points.
The Philadelphia 76ers edged the Charlotte Hornets 125-121, thanks to a standout performance from Quentin Grimes. Coming off the bench, Grimes scored 24 points and hit a crucial three-pointer with just 15 seconds remaining to break the tie. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points and nine assists, while Joel Embiid added 20 points. LaMelo Ball put forth a strong effort for the Hornets with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
Lastly, the Memphis Grizzlies cruised to a 128-103 win over the Indiana Pacers, driven by rookie Cedric Coward, who scored 27 points, including six three-pointers. Ja Morant supported the team’s offensive flow with 19 points and eight assists. The Pacers struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Bennedict Mathurin, who finished with 26 points before leaving the game with a foot injury.
These matchups highlight the excitement of the early NBA season, with several teams displaying impressive performances and individual players stepping up to lead their squads.
