The Nuggets beat the Lakers 119-107 on a festive Tuesday night at Ball Arena.

Here are three takeaways from the season-opening victory:

1. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment did not skimp on the rings. In a spectacular pregame ceremony emceed by Altitude Sports host and former Nuggets ballboy Vic Lombardi, the Nuggets received rings designed by “Jason of Beverly Hills.” The gaudy jewelry feature 89 points of red rubies, 24 points of yellow diamonds and a retractable compartment that reveals the championship banner. Bling, bling.

The perfect selection as emcee, Lombardi told The Denver Gazette: “Tonight was the No. 1 night of my career, hands down.”

Nuggets fans who waited a half-century agreed.

2. The Nuggets’ dominant starting five picked up where it left off in the NBA Finals. Jokic had a triple-double of 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, even letting out an uncharacteristic scream after a 3-pointer. Jamal Murray overcame a physical Lakers defense to score 21 points. Michael Porter Jr.’s shot remains off. MPJ missed six of eight 3-pointers and had 10 points. See, right where they left off.

3. While the Nuggets last season rolled to a 34-7 record at home during the regular season, the homecourt advantage should be more formidable in 2023-24. There was a buzz never seen in Ball Arena as Nuggets fans were feeling their oats. At tipoff, 300-level tickets were going for $130 on StubHub. And did you notice the number of Lakers fans, who often took over LoDo in the past, was severely diminished?

NUGGETS 119, LAKERS 107

What happened: After a fast-paced start, Denver’s defensive intensity picked up, helping the Nuggets to a 14-point lead at the end of the first quarter. The Nuggets stretched the lead to 18 in the second and settled for a 63-54 halftime lead. The Lakers closed within six early in the third quarter. Denver led by seven to start the fourth. The Lakers closed within three in the first minute of the fourth quarter before the Nuggets pulled away for a season-opening win.

What went right: The Nuggets handled the emotions of the pregame celebration well, especially on the defensive end. Denver allowed the Lakers to score just 20 points in the first quarter. Los Angeles shot 32% from the field and made just two of the 10 3s taken in the opening 12 minutes.

What went wrong: That strong defensive start didn’t carry over to the second quarter. The Lakers scored 34 points in the second, making 14 of their 24 field goal attempts, including two of three from 3-point range. Anthony Davis scored 11 of his 17 points in the second quarter. The Nuggets forced just two turnovers in the quarter.

Highlight of the night: After the Lakers closed within six early in the third quarter, the Nuggets got a stop and started to run. Michael Porter Jr. grabbed the rebound and passed it to Nikola Jokic. Jokic moved the ball up the floor to Jamal Murray. Murray dribbled toward the hoop down the left side, forcing the defender under the basket to commit. Murray then flipped a lob to the other side of the rim. Aaron Gordon adjusted to the slightly off-target pass, catching the ball with his left hand for a one-handed dunk that got the crowd on its feet.

Up next: The Nuggets take their title defense on the road for the first time Friday at Memphis.