The Utah Jazz erupted for 36 points in the opening frame of their preseason curtain-raiser against the Denver Nuggets, building a 10-point cushion that the Nuggets ultimately could not overcome.

The Nuggets lost 109-97, but since it was the first time many of Denver's new faces played together, there's plenty to be optimistic about.

Here are the main takeaways:

The three-time MVP didn't need long to enter a flow state with the ball in his hands.

Nikola Jokic posted a modest stat line: 3 points, 3 rebounds, and 7 assists, with a steal and a block in 15 minutes. He attempted just one shot (1-1 FG).

However, the seven dimes showed a true basketball artiste at work.

Like an ace pitcher in a groove, Jokic painted out there, spraying audacious passes all over the floor—none more than the behind-the-back crosscourt laser straight into Cam Johnson's breadbasket, who buried the ensuing corner three midway through the first quarter.

After a season in which he played just 36 games due to recurring injuries, it was good to see Aaron Gordon doing what he does best.

Gordon led the Nuggets' starters with 12 points and four rebounds. He shot 4-for-8 from the field and 1-for-3 from beyond the arc.

It may have been just 10 minutes, but it showed head coach David Adelman a bunch. Gordon was efficient and sharp. A couple more weeks of in-game reps and he should be without restrictions come the start of the regular season.

Gordon has played in 87 games across the last two seasons. He missed several months last year because of nagging hamstring strains before suffering a left calf injury in the playoffs. The Nuggets will be hoping that's all behind him. 

Jamal Murray sat out the Nuggets' preseason opener for personal reasons. By all accounts, he should be back for the next one.

DeMar DeRozan scored 5 points on 2-for-5 shooting in 10 minutes in his Denver debut.

Ryan Nembhard showed upside with five points, three rebounds, and four assists in 17 minutes. Veteran guard Tyus Jones emerged as a potentially underrated signing, dropping eight points, two rebounds, and six assists in 19 minutes. His addition could let Murray play more off the ball, as a primarily scoring guard, because of Jones' pass-first style.

Going into Year 4, Julian Strawther — the former No. 29 overall Draft pick out of Gonzaga — could be poised for a breakout campaign.

Strawther showed an improved scoring punch against the Jazz. He had a team-high 14 points in 20 minutes for the Nuggets. He shot 6-for-13 from the field. The 1-for-6 from three-point range will need to be better, however.