The Nuggets got the start they were seeking Saturday.

Here are three takeaways from Denver’s 116-105 win in Game 1 at Ball Arena:

1. The two best players on the court were Nuggets. Jamal Murray was better than everyone else and finished with 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds. Nikola Jokic was No. 2 with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists. It won’t be easy to keep Anthony Edwards, who finished with 22 points, from cracking the top two, but that’s Denver’s best recipe for making this a short series.

2. It’s too early to make plans for the second round, but history strongly favors the Nuggets after taking the series opener. Teams that win Game 1 have advanced 76.6% of the time in NBA history. That number jumps to 85.4% when the home team wins Game 1. Denver shook off its uncharacteristically inefficient first-quarter shooting and controlled the game for the final three periods. The hosts should feel confident and comfortable heading into Game 2.

3. As important as winning Game 1 is, the Nuggets have an opportunity to send a massive message Monday night. Teams that go 2-0 at home to start a series advance 94% of the time. The Timberwolves have run hot and cold all season. Putting Minnesota in a 2-0 hole would severely shake confidence, especially with Edwards operating at less than 100%.