The Denver Nuggets will begin their season with high spirits after clinching their first NBA title in the summer. They defeated the Miami Heat in five games on the back of amazing performances from Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. The Nuggets are ramping up their preparations for the long and grueling season ahead. As they look to become just the eighth franchise to retain their NBA title.

The Nuggets face off against the Chicago Bulls in their first game at the Ball Arena after clinching the title. They hosted an open practice before the game and the fans were treated to a really special gesture by their homecoming heroes.

Nuggets host an Open Practice Session

The Denver Nuggets hosted an open practice at a packed-out Ball Arena before their game against the Bulls. The reigning champions will look to gain sharpness and match fitness as soon as possible in order to defend their title. But before the start of the season, the Nuggets are indulging in celebration festivities. As star players like Murray, Aaron Gordan, and KCP could be seen in a video signing autographs and receiving adulation from thousands of fans during the open practice.

The Nuggets have started the NBA preseason with a mixed bag. They defeated title rivals Phoenix Suns 115-107 in their first preseason game. They followed it up with a disappointing defeat to the Chicago Bulls by 133-124. The Nuggets will look for revenge, as the Bulls come to town on October 15th for the reverse leg. The crowd in the Ball Arena will be raucous, as it is the first game at home after the Nuggets won the title. And now, the Nuggets begin their season against conference rivals the Los Angeles Lakers on October 24th at the Ball Arena, Denver.

Nuggets still Title Favorites

The Denver Nuggets begin their title defense against the Lakers. Despite their championship rivals like the Bucks and Celtics making significant trades that have improved their chances, they remain the team to beat. They arguably have the best player in the league in Nikola Jokic and their team chemistry is levels above any of their title rivals.

Read More: Nikola Jokic Compared to “Villain” LeBron James, as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Latest Achievement Gets Slammed

The departure of Bruce Brown might hamper the Nuggets, but it offers a chance for other players to make their mark. Players like Christian Braun and Zeke Nnaji can step up in the absence of Bruce Brown. The 21-year-old guard from Gonzaga, Julian Strawther has looked like an excellent pickup. Denver drafted Strawther late in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft and he has impressed during the preseason. With many doubting their title credentials, Denver will look to silence those voices and write their names into history books.

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