NBA: Nuggets begin title defense with Lakers win, Suns slide by Warriors

Devin Booker capped a game-high 32-point performance with three key assists down the stretch Tuesday night, allowing the Phoenix Suns to get past the Golden State Warriors for a 108-104 victory.

SEASON OPENER: Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic shoots. Pic: AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Nikola Jokic had 29 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, Jamal Murray scored 21 points and the host Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-107 to begin defense of their title on Tuesday night.

Michael Porter Jr. had 12 points and 12 rebounds, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope chipped in 20 points and Aaron Gordon finished with 15 for the Nuggets.