After missing out on his third straight regular season MVP award, Nikola Jokic compensated by winning the 2023 Finals MVP trophy. 4 short months later, the 5-time All-Star delivered a phenomenal triple-double performance during the Nuggets’ season opener. Several NBA legends, including Magic Johnson, remarked on the display put on by Jokic and his Nuggets.?

Of course, the rest of the squad also performed at a high level in a matchup that looked like a blowout in the first quarter. A great start for a Denver Nuggets team looking to repeat their Finals victory.

The Denver Nuggets amazed Magic Johnson in the season opener

Magic Johnson knows a thing or two about repeating. Despite winning 5 championships, the Los Angeles Lakers legend only repeated once, in 1987 and 1988. Those were also his last two titles as an NBA player. As such, he has learned the hard way, what it takes for a team to win back-to-back titles.? Fortunately for Denver fans, Magic Johnson was captivated by the team’s display. He initially tweeted, “Tonight we learned the World Champion Denver Nuggets are going to be very tough to beat in the NBA Playoffs.“

In another tweet, Magic also called Mike Malone one of the best coaches in the NBA. He lauded the coach for his ability to unlock his players’ potential. Johnson said Aaron Gordon is playing “the best basketball I’ve ever seen him play.”

Impressed by the dynamic Serbian and Jamal Murray as a formidable duo, Magic also praised their exceptional pick-and-roll chemistry, going as far as labeling it the most outstanding in the entire league.

Jamal Murray contributed 21 points and six assists, while Nikola Jokic took the lead with an impressive performance, notching 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. This marked the 106th triple-double of his career.

The Lakers put on an impressive performance nonetheless, with LeBron James contributing 21 points and Anthony Davis adding 17. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t beat the Nuggets and suffered a 119-107 loss.

READ MORE: “NBA Analyst Thrashes LeBron James’ Agent Rich Paul’s Comments on Pressure of ‘Following’ Michael Jordan: “He Had to Follow Magic (Johnson)”

Joker, who spent the summer riding horses, displayed astonishing skills on the court, leaving even the legendary Boston Celtics player in a state of disbelief.

Kevin Garnett and Jamal Crawford astonished by Jokic

Earlier, the 2008 NBA Champion had warned of the Joker’s impending dominance on the court, and his prediction was accurate.

Following Joker‘s remarkable double-triple performance, Garnett turned to X to share his amazement and wrote, “How you don?t touch a ball all summer and get a calm triple-double and a dub like that! Wtf.”

3-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford also lauded the great energy delivered by both teams on opening night. Taking to X, he wrote, “That playoff energy already! Lakers / Nuggets.”

We can only anxiously await, on the edge of our seats, to witness the incredible season that has just kicked off. Do you think Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets can repeat this year?

Watch This Story: NBA Analyst Thrashes LeBron James? Agent Rich Paul?s Comments on Pressure of ?Following? Michael Jordan: ?He Had to Follow Magic (Johnson)?