Nuggets preseason opener: Jamal Murray looks sharp and other takeaways

Key Takeaways:

• The Nuggets fell 126-116 to the Timberwolves.
• The preseason opener took place on Saturday night in San Diego.
• Jamal Murray’s strong performance stood out despite the loss.
• The game offered initial lessons as Denver begins its 2025-26 campaign.
• This news is based on reporting by Bennett Durando for The Denver Post.

Nuggets Begin 2025-26 Campaign

The Denver Nuggets tipped off their 2025-26 season on Saturday night in San Diego, facing the Minnesota Timberwolves for their first preseason clash. Although the final outcome was a 126-116 loss, the game signaled the start of a fresh journey for a team that brought home the NBA championship just months ago.

Jamal Murray Shows Early Promise

One of the brightest spots from the evening was Jamal Murray’s encouraging performance. While full statistical details remain with paid subscribers, onlookers saw enough to conclude that Murray is ready to build on his form from the previous season. His moves on the court—marked by confident shooting and fluid playmaking—demonstrated that he intends to start strong as Denver’s new campaign unfolds.

Highs and Lows of Preseason

Preseason matchups rarely capture the complete picture of a team’s potential. Nevertheless, Denver took advantage of this early test to fine-tune its roster. Although the Timberwolves came away with a 10-point victory, those 48 minutes represented a chance for the Nuggets’ coaching staff to gather insights about which combinations might thrive down the line.

Looking Ahead

With the first preseason outing in the books, Denver has several more opportunities to refine its lineup and integrate returning stars alongside emerging talent. The lessons gleaned from Saturday’s result will guide the Nuggets as they gear up for the regular season and a chance to defend their championship status.