Nikola Jokić made a striking entrance on Saturday, channeling the iconic character Gru from “Despicable Me” as he stepped onto the court at the Ball Arena. This playful sartorial choice, inspired by a humorous movie teaser, added an intriguing twist to the Denver Nuggets’ showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series.

While clad in his whimsical attire, Jokić showcased his basketball prowess, nearly achieving a triple-double with an impressive stat line of 32 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. His stellar performance fueled the Nuggets to a decisive 114-103 victory over the Lakers, securing a vital 1-0 lead in the series.

Despite facing an early deficit, with Lakers’ standout LeBron James leading the charge, the Nuggets staged a remarkable comeback. A pivotal 13-point surge in the third quarter firmly established their dominance, paving the way for a hard-fought triumph in the fourth quarter.

Reflecting on the team’s resilient spirit, Denver coach Michael Malone emphasized their unwavering determination in the face of adversity. Meanwhile, Lakers’ stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James delivered commendable performances, but it was not enough to thwart the Nuggets’ resurgence.

In other Western Conference matchups, the Minnesota Timberwolves showcased their strength with a commanding 120-95 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their playoff series. Shifting focus to the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers emerged victorious with a 97-83 win against the Orlando Magic, while the New York Knicks secured a hard-fought 111-104 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers.