Nikola Jokic looked back and forth between the shiny ring on his left hand and the new championship banner that was being raised to the ceiling.

The big man smiled big at both of them.

In front of a packed house, Jokic and the Denver Nuggets celebrated their first NBA title with a party before the game on Tuesday night. To start the season, the Nuggets played LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers were the defending champions, which was a big deal for them.

It sounded good, for sure. It’s also been a long time coming—47 NBA seasons.

“Last year was great,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone told the crowd. “One ring for us.” Do you want another? “Let’s get it.”

Adam Silver, the commissioner of the NBA, was there to enjoy the event. So were Stan Kroenke, who owns the Nuggets, and Josh Kroenke, who runs the team. To start the party, Josh Kroenke brought the Larry O’Brien Trophy to the middle of the court.

Last year, the Nuggets went 16-4 in the playoffs. In the Western Conference Finals, they beat the Lakers 3-0. Maybe it was meant to be that James and the Lakers were in the building for the first game and to hear the celebration.

Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon said, “It only makes sense that this season starts in Denver since that’s where last season ended.” “Thank you for coming out tonight and all season to help us get back to the top.”

As each Nuggets player walked onto the court, they received rings that were made in collaboration with Jason of Beverly Hills. This company makes championship rings that help tell the story.

The rings that Jokic, Jamal Murray, and the other players got had “World Champions” written on one side, along with the Nuggets’ old logo and their regular-season record (53-29). It had the player’s name, number, and the Nuggets’ motto, “Bring it on.”

On the inside of the rings, there was also the postseason record and the height of the Mile High City (5280). In the middle of the ring are the words “Nuggets” written in yellow diamonds, along with their famous pickaxes. The championship banner is also hidden on a retractable ring that can be pulled out.

It’s clear why Jokic couldn’t take his eyes off of it. He and his teammates also wore new warm-ups that said “World Champions” on the back.

With their backs to the wall, the Lakers in the West may be the way to a repeat. Phoenix, too. Memphis, too. Or the Golden State. As in Dallas. That or the Clippers.

In short, the West is stacked.

“Being aware that there is a target on our back every night is something we talked about before training camp,” Malone said. “Get ready to play the world champions.”

“The NBA is probably more even than it has ever been.” The depth of each conference is huge. Everyone will give their best every night because of the equal playing field and the fact that the champion is still in charge. As a result of our success, we have a duty to play at a high level every night.