Following the first, Nikola Jokic put out an expressive shout aiming at the rafters and the newly hung championship banner. The stoic Joker’s emotions had reached an unforeseen peak only one quarter and one 3-point attempt into Denver’s title defense.

Yes, this game was important to the Nuggets.

By the time Jokic hit his third 3-pointer nearly two hours later, the tension in Ball Arena resembled that of the Western Conference Finals in May. But this time, Jokic’s attitude was more expressionless, more business-like. He had returned to save the Nuggets, leading them to a 119-107 opening-night victory over the Lakers on Tuesday.

Jokic finished with 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, dominating the first half as a post scorer before rescuing Denver’s ring night and ending his own drought in the fourth quarter. With 8:15 remaining, Darvin Ham called a timeout after hitting a 3-pointer for a 97-90 advantage. When Jokic left the game late in the third quarter, the Lakers were four points into a 13-0 run that cut Denver’s advantage to 87-84.

Michael Malone, who never let a second go by without Jokic or Jamal Murray on the floor Tuesday night, motioned for his two-time MVP to come to the scorer’s table two minutes into the fourth quarter — after a blunder in the backcourt allowed the Lakers to pull within four points once more. When Jokic entered a minute later, the score was 94-90. He had been on a 1-for-8 shooting streak since his 8-for-10 start to the game.

On Denver’s next possession, he drained a three-pointer. He assisted or scored on each of the Nuggets’ next 14 points. Los Angeles was never a threat again.

The four starters who were allowed to play this preseason all performed admirably on a night when the reigning champions never trailed after the first five minutes. Michael Porter Jr., returning from a sprained ankle, struggled to find a rhythm (2 for 8 from 3) but still managed to reach double figures. Aaron Gordon had a full game, keeping LeBron James at bay with his defense while scoring 15 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and dishing out six assists. He ascended to within an inch of the banner, using his left hand to slam an errant lob.

Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 41 points on 25 shots.

The first half provided an insightful view into Malone’s thoughts on his new-look bench. Reggie Jackson and Christian Braun were the first to arrive, kicking off a season-opening second unit that included Peyton Watson, Zeke Nnaji, and Murray. Experience is more valuable to Malone than the 16 carats of stones in his new ring, so rookies, including preseason sensation Julian Strawther, were not included in his nine-man lineup.

Malone’s second unit dominated Los Angeles early on, creating an 18-point lead in the second quarter. Jackson took the initiative in particular. He concluded the first half with eight points, three assists, three rebounds, and the best plus-minus on the squad. He pushed LeBron James to the floor with a rip-through in the corner at one point, then drained the three.

A playoff-caliber crowd seemed to exult in James’ less-than-perfect performances. During the first quarter, his own corner 3-point effort smacked off the backboard. In the second, he was whacked by a swooping Braun.

However, the result of a 63-54 Nuggets lead was a touch backward by halftime. Denver led in bench points 16-9, but Jokic’s slump began before the half against a smaller Lakers group.