(Portland, OR)  --  The Blazers lost late in their preseason opener 105-94 to the Nuggets at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  It was a two-point game at the half, as the starters played sporadically, but in the third quarter when the game became a battle of the benches, Denver pulled away.  Mario Hezonja led the way with 12 points in 20 minutes.  Portland continues its exhibition slate hosting Maccabi Haifa tomorrow.