Denver Nuggets: 3 takeaways from Game 1 win vs. Blazers

In Game 1 of their second round matchup, the Denver Nuggets started off right with a 121-113 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Denver Nuggets once again headed into unfamiliar territory when they welcomed the Portland Trail Blazers to the Pepsi Center for Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals battle.

Most of the guys on the roster had yet to play in the playoffs before this season, while the organization as a whole hadn’t reached this level of success since the 2008-09 campaign. Yet, Denver managed to play well enough to take an early series lead, defeating the Blazers 121-113 in Game 1.

A number of Nuggets played supremely well in their first taste of second round basketball. Nikola Jokic continued his dominant play during these playoffs, registering 37 points along with nine rebounds and six assists. Jamal Murray poured in 23. Paul Millsap was the surprise performer of the night, with 19 points in just 27 minutes of action.

On Portland’s side, Damian Lillard scored a game-high 39 points on an efficient 12-of-21 shooting from the field. Down low, Enes Kanter did his best to match up with Jokic, scoring 26 with only three misses in 14 attempts.

The general consensus around the NBA is the Nuggets have to pay their dues this postseason before they can truly ascend up the Western Conference hierarchy. Somehow, though, this team continues to win games. This series is only getting started, but for Denver, it was as good a way to begin as there was for a team that may still be learning the ropes.