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NBA opens in-season tournament with another vintage Nikola Jokić performance, OT thriller in Grizzlies-Blazers

The opening day of the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament also looked like a pretty fun day in the regular season. Which it technically was.

The Denver Nuggets' clash against the undefeated Dallas Mavericks got top billing, and ended with the Mavericks no longer being undefeated. Nikola Jokić delivered yet another MVP-level performance, scoring a season-high 33 points on a comically efficient 14-of-16 shooting with 14 rebounds (seven offensive) and nine assists in a 125-114 win.

Nikola Jokić headshot
Nikola Jokić
C - DEN - #15
2023 - 2024 season
26.4
Pts
12.4
Reb
1.4
Stl
0.9
Blk
34:39
Min

While the Mavericks got their first loss, the Memphis Grizzlies are still in search of their first win after the night's most dramatic game. In a game against the Portland Trail Blazers that saw 21 lead changes, the Grizzlies blew a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter on their way to a loss in overtime.

Rising star Shaedon Sharpe tied the game at the end of regulation with a pair of free throws, then kept it tied with this block of sharpshooter Luke Kennard. He also scored seven of the Blazers' 13 points in overtime and finished with 22 points on 7-of-17 shooting.

There was more fun around the league, including a controversial (but correct) win for the Golden State Warriors and the Milwaukee Bucks avoiding disaster after leading for the vast majority of the game. Here are all the results and where the league stands after Day 1.

NBA in-season tournament results

Indiana Pacers 121, Cleveland Cavaliers 116

Milwaukee Bucks 110, New York Knicks 105

Brooklyn Nets 109, Chicago Bulls 107

Miami Heat 121, Washington Wizards 114

Golden State Warriors 141, Oklahoma City Thunder 139

Denver Nuggets 125, Dallas Mavericks 114

Portland Trail Blazers 115, Memphis Grizzlies 113

NBA in-season tournament standings

In case you need a reminder (we wouldn't blame you), the top team from each group and two wild cards will advance to a single-elimination knockout stage, with quarterfinals played on Dec. 4 and 5 in team markets and the final two rounds played in Las Vegas on Dec. 7 and 9.

Each team plays every team in its group once. Tiebreakers are, in order: head-to-head record, point differential, total points scored, 2022-23 regular-season record and a random drawing.

East Group A

1. Indiana Pacers: 1-0
2. Philadelphia 76ers: 0-0
2. Atlanta Hawks: 0-0
2. Detroit Pistons: 0-0
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: 0-1

East Group B

1. Miami Heat: 1-0
1. Milwaukee Bucks: 1-0
3. Charlotte Hornets: 0-0
5. New York Knicks: 0-1
5. Washington Wizards: 0-1

East Group C

1. Brooklyn Nets: 1-0
2. Boston Celtics: 0-0
2. Toronto Raptors: 0-0
2. Orlando Magic: 0-0
5. Chicago Bulls: 0-1

DENVER, COLORADO - NOVEMBER 03:  Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets high fives Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during the NBA In-Season Tournament at Ball Arena on November 3, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets are 1-0 in the NBA in-season tournament. (Photo by C. Morgan Engel/Getty Images)

West Group A

1. Portland Trail Blazers: 1-0
2. Los Angeles Lakers: 0-0
2. Phoenix Suns: 0-0
2. Utah Jazz: 0-0
5. Memphis Grizzlies: 0-1

West Group B

1. Denver Nuggets: 1-0
2. Los Angeles Clippers: 0-0
2. New Orleans Pelicans: 0-0
2. Houston Rockets: 0-0
5. Dallas Mavericks: 0-1

West Group C

1. Golden State Warriors: 1-0
2. Sacramento Kings: 0-0
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: 0-0
2. San Antonio Spurs: 0-0
5. Oklahoma City Thunder: 0-1