The Nuggets lost their 2026-27 season opener 96-84 in a game that reminded anyone who remembers of the NBA in the 1990s, when defense ruled and points were hard to come by.

So here are some things that caught my attention…

THE NUGGETS DEFENSE WAS PRETTY GOOD

The Nuggets didn’t lose this game because they couldn’t defend. They held Oklahoma City to 96 points, to 37.9 percent shooting from the field, and to 25.6 percent from the free throw line. Thunder star, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, shot a frigid 6-of-19 from the field, the first time he had been held under 20 points in a game in ages. And to one — one(!) — made shot in the paint. Denver defended well enough to win the game, but…

THEY TURNED THE BALL OVER TOO MUCH

The Nuggets turned the ball over 22 times, resulting in 21 OKC points. And so many of them in the second half. It was the biggest factor in the Thunder taking 13 more shots than the Nuggets. That’s a big deal at any time, really. But especially if you are shooting as poorly as the opponent. This is the biggest reason for the loss.

MIX AND MATCHING LINEUPS ALREADY

Cam Johnson left the game early with a sprained ankle and did not return, and the carousel of lineups began immediately. DeMar DeRozan with mostly starters. Alpha Diallo with all of the other starters. Trevon Brazile with significant time. And the case of those three, growing pains as they tried to fit in with Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun. If you’re looking for one reason why the offense stalled, it was because new players were finding it difficult to get comfortable with the players who have been there all along.