Malone only played guys who were a member of the championship winning team. Guys like Zeke, Pwat, and Reggie, who didn’t get much play during the playoffs, were the first off the bench last night’s game, along with CB. The only guy who didn’t play last night, but did last season was DJ. Too bad he couldn’t get in during garbage time, just for the continuity.

I expect Justin Holiday and Julian Strawther to make their '23-'24 debuts over the next few games. And when Reggie or MPJ need a rest day, we should see some Pickett and Tyson. Btw shout out to Pickett getting his first NBA bucket last night!

All this to say, I think Malone wanted to honor the guys who won the chip last year by letting them open the season. Go Nuggets!