‘Despicable’ Nikola Jokic steals Game 1 from Lakers

In an apparent cross-promotion for “Despicable Me 4,” the Nuggets star arrived at Game 1 of Denver’s first-round series dressed as Gru, the animated antihero of the film. The promotion continued with a Jokic commercial also promoting the film.

The Lakers come from Hollywood, so they should have known that Gru would triumph in the end. While Anthony Davis matched Jokic’s 32 points and 12 rebounds with 32 points and 14 rebounds of his own, any fan of the “Despicable Me” franchise knows that the real power comes from the Minions, who helped Denver win, 114-103.

That’s where Denver truly dominated. With the little guys helping out the big guy. All five of Denver’s starters scored in double figures, while Peyton Watson had eight points in 13 minutes off the bench. Meanwhile, the Lakers only had one bench player, Taurean Prince, who scored any points at all.

LeBron James had 27 points and eight assists, but in typical Gru fashion, the Nuggets did a lot of stealing. Seven steals in total, with James turning the ball over seven times in various ways. Sometimes due to ingenious traps from Denver coach Michael Malone, who was, as always, animated on the sidelines.

It was exactly the impressive opening weekend that the Nuggets needed as they seek to defend their NBA title. Unfortunately for the Lakers, the critics will probably savage D’Angelo Russell’s performance again, as he missed eight of his nine three-pointers.

The Lakers still have confidence, but so far this series is looking like the sequel to last year’s conference finals sweep.