Mile High Sports

Denver Nuggets shine in preseason win, appear ready for long road ahead

Oct 14, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) handles the ball against Chicago Bulls guard Jevon Carter (5) during the first half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

“I feel pretty good. I’m happy with the team and where we’re at.”

That was Jamal Murray after the Denver Nuggets put together another strong preseason performance, moving to 3-1 after a 124-117 win against the Chicago Bulls.

The final score was closer than the bulk of the game was, especially the minutes played by the starters. Denver appeared extremely comfortable in those moments, though Murray made sure to emphasize the process.

“We’re gelling really well. We’re playing together for the lineups, and guys are getting used to each other. So I think we’re on the right track.”

So far this preseason, the work has clearly paid off. Murray had his best game so far with 30 points in 27 minutes, getting to the rim and to the free throw line at will with quick twitch athleticism, contorting finishes, and physicality.

Murray’s approach, and the success he’s had early on, underscores an approach that’s permeating through the Nuggets organization in preseason. It’s a new year that’s barely begun, and the Nuggets know that if they’re going to do anything of consequence, the preparation has to begin now, not in December, or February, or April when the playoffs begin.

The Nuggets have brought a better version of themselves to the month of October, setting the table for ongoing success if they can maintain their focus and poise throughout an arduous regular season.

The starters stood out tonight as the best group, an encouraging sign after Sunday’s matchup vs the Los Angeles Clippers when the bench stood out. Nikola Jokic was his normal self, tough perhaps more attentive at some of the defensive details early on. The aforementioned Murray continues to impress. Aaron Gordon’s shotmaking has been absurd so far, raining down hellfire from odd angles all over the floor. Christian Braun took a break from making every shot to accumulate seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals in his 28 minutes, a well-rounded performance.

Cam Johnson is clearly still integrating himself and finding a comfort level with Denver’s system, though there were signs of progress today, plenty of movement shooting actions that generated a clean shot. Johnson is just 5-of-16 from three in the preseason so far, but one more make puts him at 38% from distance. He’s going to be just fine by the end of the year, even if he starts slow at the beginning.

But it’s not just the made shots that matter when Johnson is on the floor. It’s the way the Nuggets play. Denver’s offensive rating with Johnson on the floor is going to be ridiculous this season. They can score in so many different ways with various players filling different roles, and Johnson will adapt to every situation when needed. It’s going to be fun to watch.

Beyond those nine players, it will probably be a night-to-night rotation. That means Julian Strawther, who averaged 21.3 minutes per game last year, will be competing for playing time every night. Jalen Pickett will be an option if Denver needs ball handling. Zeke Nnaji will be Denver’s third center, having separated himself from DaRon Holmes II as the more readymade option early on.

One player who will play more than expected is Spencer Jones. He’s stood out as a contributor on the defensive end, playing a physical, hounding style of on-ball defense. The results have been mixed, but Jones has been the first “reserve” off the bench on several occasions and continues to earn opportunities.

The game last night wasn’t as much about defeating the Bulls as it was playing the right way. Denver will struggle to maintain their focus and attention to detail on nights like these when scoring is so easy for them. The Bulls offered very little resistance whatsoever, and that caused the Nuggets to grow lax at times.

But having depth and competition on the roster should drive the Nuggets to be better consistently. There was little pressure last year for the Nuggets rotation guys to be at their best every night because nobody was going to take anybody’s spot. Now, times have changed. Nothing is granted, and everything is permitted.

I will be interested in hearing who handles that news the best and the worst going forward.

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