The Denver Nuggets finished up training game at CU Boulder this week with a game against the Utah Jazz, a preseason opener in front of local fans in the same venue they’ve practiced in for the last week.

Ultimately, the final score didn’t really matter, though Denver losing 109-97 and struggling to keep up in the first half wasn’t exactly encouraging. What was encouraging, however, was seeing Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets back on the floor and still doing incredible things.

Jokic’s cross-court behind-the-back pass took social media by storm on Sunday night, a brilliant showcase of basketball being back and just how beautiful it can be when orchestrated by a maestro.

Jokic finished with just 3 points on one shot attempt to go with 7 assists and 3 rebounds, adding a steal and a block for good measure. His engagement level was high, and he was very clearly focused on setting the tone of unselfishness for the Nuggets to open preseason play.

“He’s just 1-of-1 that can make that pass,” David Adelman said after the game of Jokic’s impressive dime. “Nikola knows what he’s doing. We’re working on things. I think there were six or seven times he could’ve just laid the ball in. If you want to create an atmosphere where people pass the ball to the open man, you have to do it in these moments in the preseason.”

“Sometimes, [Nikola Jokic] not shooting is good in the sense of us working on things.”

Outside of Jokic, Jamal Murray sat due to personal reasons and missed the opener. Tyus Jones started in his place and had 8 points and 6 assists, shooting 2-of-3 from three-point range. He was a big commitment at backup point guard from the Nuggets, and if Murray ever has to miss extended time, Jones will have plenty of responsibility.

Aaron Gordon led the starters in scoring and rebounding with 12 points and 4 rebounds. His physicality and basketball IQ were on full display, taking advantage of the Jazz defensive rotations by hanging around the dunker spot.

Christian Braun and Cam Johnson both performed at a solid level. Braun attacked in transition and played well defensively. Johnson had a quick trigger at the three-point line and added a steal and a block of his own.

Off the bench, DeMar DeRozan was Denver’s sixth man, replacing Jones at the seven-minute mark of the first quarter and playing about 10 minutes. DeRozan’s debut with Denver was hit-and-miss, as he contorted for an impressive And-1 in transition and hit a mid-range bucket but struggled to get other Nuggets involved as a playmaker.

Playing next to DeRozan in the second unit was Tyus Jones (staggered away from starters), Julian Strawther, Trevon Brazile, and Marvin Bagley III. Strawther got up shots but was more productive in the second half as was Brazile. Jones and Bagley showed some pick and roll (and pick and pop) chemistry.

Denver’s defense with this unit was surprisingly stout, as was the unit featuring Cam Johnson replacing DeRozan. The athletic frontcourt of Bagley and Brazile did some good things, though Denver very clearly got away with giving up some open threes with that group as well.

Brazile’s athleticism showed up in a big way too. His block in the third quarter to set up a three-pointer for Julian Strawther was just one example of a dynamic play that the Nuggets of last season could rarely make.

Brazile finished with 2 blocks, a dunk, and a pick-and-pop three. Strawther finished with 14 points and 3 assists. There were some nice performances off Denver’s bench.

When the reserves began to file in, Alpha Diallo showcased his defensive abilities, forcing an eight-second violation on former Nugget Trey Alexander. Diallo’s defense is going to be a factor for the Nuggets this season. He’s clearly their best perimeter defender already, and his effort level on that end should pair well with a Nuggets rotation that’s…offensively inclined.

Finally, Cam Whitmore had a decent start to preseason, scoring 6 points on two made three-pointers. He will have to get involved in other ways going forward, but the Nuggets have been singing the praises of his athleticism in the gym.

Ultimately, this was a good first game for the Nuggets. They played a fun brand of basketball in front of the Boulder crowd, and there was a lot to be intrigued about. How Denver builds upon this will be telling. Murray will be back in uniform on Tuesday night in Utah almost certainly. That should give a better picture of the Nuggets rotation heading into the season.

There’s much to improve, but also much to enjoy from Denver’s preseason opener.