Trey Alexander claims he didn’t call his shot, but social media tells another story.

Hours before scoring the first points of his NBA career, the Nuggets’ rookie out of Creighton guard took to Instagram, posting a photo of himself from Denver’s season opener when the entire roster was introduced prior to the game.

Alexander added an audio clip of rapper Rod Wave’s song “Get Ready,” to the post.

“It took a whole lot of blood and sweat, tears

I don’t owe anybody anything, get that clear

A lot of sleepless nights and a whole lot of grinding

Was gon’ say it took forever, but it’s perfect timing”

That happened to be the case for Alexander.

After Jamal Murray sustained a concussion in Friday’s game and was unavailable for Saturday’s game, Alexander’s wait got a little shorter. Russell Westbrook moved into the starting lineup, and Christian Braun and Julian Strawther split most of the minutes that Westbrook rested. But with the win secured in the final minutes, Alexander got the most extensive playing time of his six-game pro career.

Aaron Gordon offered some advice before the rookie checked in, telling him that NBA players go off of rhythm. Gordon stressed the importance of Alexander’s first shot being a quality look and getting into the flow of the game from there.

“That’s kind of what happened. The first look felt good to me,” Alexander said in the postgame locker room. “Then after that, the game was just kind of in rhythm after that.”

Alexander’s first shot, a step-in 3-pointer, was a good look but a touch long. His second look, a step back jumper from 17 feet away was also off the mark. The breakthrough came in the final minute. The Nuggets ran a dribble handoff between Zeke Nnaji and Alexander on the left wing. A couple of dribbles got Alexander into the lane and he swished a floater for the first points of his career and the final points of Denver’s 129-103 win.

“It’s just a super-cool moment,” second-year wing Julian Strawther said. “I’ve been there not too long ago. I know how exciting it is. Just being able to have the game ball at the crib is one of the cooler things in the league.”

Nikola Jokic made sure to secure the game ball, and Nuggets coach Michael Malone presented the ball to Alexander in the post-game locker room.

“They can’t take it away from you, man,” Malone said in a video shared on social media. “Congratulations.”

Alexander said he appreciated Jokic’s selfless gesture. He’s keeping the trend going, sending the game ball to his family’s home in Oklahoma where it can be proudly displayed.

“I know my pops is going to be even more excited about it than I am,” Alexander said.

With Jamal Murray out at least one more game in the league’s concussion protocols, Alexander could get another opportunity Monday against Toronto. Even though Alexander claims he didn’t mean to call his shot, he’s got an easy way to remember the day he scored the first of what he hopes are many NBA buckets.

“You never know, bro. Anything can happen,” Alexander answered when asked if he knew he might get an opportunity to play later that night when he took to social media. “I really didn’t know, honestly, but I’m excited that it happened today. Obviously, the Instagram story was a good little foreshadowing.”

Injury Report

Denver

Jamal Murray – out – concussion protocol

Aaron Gordon – probable – right knee contusion/right calf inflammation

Vlatko Cancar – doubtful – right ankle sprain

PJ Hall – out – G League assignment

DaRon Holmes II – out – right Achilles tendon repair

Toronto

Scottie Barnes – out – right orbital fracture

Bruce Brown – out – right knee arthroscopic procedure

Kelly Olynyk – out – lumbar strain

Immanuel Quickley – doubtful -right pelvic contusion

D.J. Carton – out – G League assignment

Ulrich Chomche – out – G League assignment