Denver Nuggets dropped their first preseason game

On Thursday night, Denver overcame a 14-point deficit to compete, but ultimately lost to the Chicago Bulls, 133-124. With 17 points on 8 of 10 shooting, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block, and 2 steals in 18 minutes, Nikola Joki was the best player for the Nuggets. He didn't participate in the second half of the exhibition game, along with Denver's starters.

Julian Strawther, put up yet another strong performance, scoring 16 points in 20 minutes of action. In a total of eight tries, the first-round choice showered down four made three-pointers. In the opening period of Thursday's game, Joki and Jamal Murray appeared to be in complete control. Murray had the most assists (five) in the first half, while Nikola had calmly scored 17 points at halftime. As the first substitute to come off the bench, Julian Strawther came in and scored 8 points right away. At 56 each, Denver and Chicago were tied going into the break.