Denver Nuggets: Player grades in Sunday’s win over Lakers

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Torrey Craig #3 and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets box out JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on September 30, 2018 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Torrey Craig #3 and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets box out JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a pre-season game on September 30, 2018 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Denver Nuggets Mason Plumlee (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets Mason Plumlee (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets utilized a well-balanced offensive effort to torch the Lakers. Which players impressed (or disappointed) individually?

The Denver Nuggets trounced Los Angeles 124-107 in Sunday’s match, spoiling LeBron James‘ debut. Denver led by as many as 23 points in the fourth quarter, and appeared unfazed by LeBron’s significant fanfare.

Offensively, the Nuggets left nothing on the table. Denver poured in 124 points, receiving double-figure scoring from seven players. They shot an impressive 31-of-35 from the free throw line (88.6 percent), and snagged 13 offensive boards (NBA).

Defensively, Denver struggled on the interior. Their old friend JaVale McGee scored 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting (where was this in his Nuggets days?). Brandon Ingram also excelled, scoring 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting. (NBA).

Several Nuggets played brilliantly in this initial game. Others struggled in shocking fashion.

Let’s examine Sunday’s results and determine player grades from Denver’s first win.