3 Takeaways from impressive Thunder victory over the Nuggets on opening night

After many concerns going into the season opener, the Thunder squashed the bigger, stronger, and more experienced Denver Nuggets by a final score of 102-87. 

There were great performances from the night that helped secure victory, but some questions are still left unanswered. 

Here are three key takeaways from the impressive opening night win. 

Takeaways from impressive opening night Thunder win over Nuggets

Isaiah Hartenstein is a luxury

The Thunder played this game without any backup center for Chet Holmgren. Jaylin Williams looks good to go but sat out for the opener. Isaiah Hartenstein, meanwhile, will be re-evaluated in late November. 

This did not slow down the team at all, however, as Chet showed that he is more than capable of handling the paint by himself, and isn't afraid to be physical. The second-year big man finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds (4 offensive), 5 assists, and an impressive 4 blocks. 

If I-Hart played in this game, it would only have led to a bigger blowout. The big man could have helped out the sophomore by handling some of the more physical and gruesome tasks. 

Chet showed his clear improvement in strength from the offseason by meeting multiple players at the rim throughout the matchup. From having a few tipped blocks to blocking shots so hard it sent the opposing player to the ground, the big man's presence was felt!

If Holmgren keeps this up, it should lead to fear being sent throughout the entirety of the league. 

Defense won the game

Going into the season, the Thunder were expected to have a great defense after acquiring veteran Alex Caruso. 

Caruso would not show up much offensively during his debut, but, as far as defense is concerned, he was all over the map. Though he may not have tallied up any stats, it was the hustle stats and forcing bad shots where his impact was seen. 

Not only was Caruso being a difference maker on defense, but superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was doing everything on this end of the floor as well, as he would finish with 2 steals and 3 blocks.

SGA is quickly establishing himself as one of the best two-way players in the league. 

Other players who had an impact on this end of the floor were Cason Wallace, who lived in the passing lanes, Aaron Wiggins, who saved basketball on both ends, and Lu Dort, who locked up opposing players. 

It is clear when the offense is struggling, the team can rely on the defense to win them games. 

The fifth starter has yet to be decided

Isaiah Joe got the start in Thursday's opener, but that may not be the case the whole season as Thunder fans should expect multiple lineups rolled out over the next few games.  

After the insane performance Aaron Wiggins put up, it could be assumed that he will receive the start in game two against the Bulls this coming Saturday. After going nearly perfect from the field (7-for-9), playing great defense, and looking like he added a few new tricks to his bag, Wiggins seems like a complete player who has earned that spot.

Of course, another option is Alex Caruso, who would bolster the already-stacked defensive starting five. A duo between the veteran guard and Lu Dort on the perimeter to start games could lead to teams constantly scoring less than 90 points a game against the Thunder. 

The final decision in the long-term, however, could be that Isaiah Hartenstein will start for the Thunder, and that, in the meantime, they just need someone to fill in his role. 

Whatever is decided, it will end up being the right decision considering how deep this OKC team is.