The Denver Nuggets are in the NBA Finals after a dominant showing in the Western Conference playoffs. But it wasn’t easy. This team went through many tough times in the past 3 seasons and finally managed to come out on top. Let’s revisit their journey.
The 2022 Denver Nuggets
In the 2021-22 season Nikola Jokić retained his MVP title, causing significant controversy due to doubts about his worthiness. Critics argued that his failure to lead the Denver Nuggets to a top 3 seed in the Western Conference made him undeserving. Numerous TV analysts vocally supported Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers as the true league MVP. The Nuggets entered the 2022 playoffs as the 6th seed, and they faced off against the Golden State Warriors in the first round. The playoff series presented intriguing storylines, with Jokić aiming to defend his MVP status and the Warriors wanting prove that their dynasty was still alive.
In the 2022 season, the Nuggets were without Jamal Murray’s services. Michael Porter Jr. suffered from chronic back injuries, causing him to miss the majority of the games. The team relied on Jokić to carry them into the postseason. Despite low expectations, Jokić refused to surrender and delivered another historically efficient offensive season. He led the Nuggets to a 48-34 record and secured his back-to-back MVP award. Winning consecutive MVP titles without reaching the Conference Finals is considered unacceptable. In the first round, the Nuggets faced the Golden State Warriors, and although they were considered underdogs, people expected them to put up a fight. Yet, the Warriors surprised everyone by rallying together and defeating the Nuggets in five games. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole exploited Jokić’s weak pick-and-roll defense, while Draymond Green and Kevon Looney stifled his production. The Warriors ultimately went on to win the championship.
Success in 2023
Following two years of playoff disappointments, the Denver Nuggets garnered high expectations when fully healthy. The Nuggets were contenders once again! In a wide-open Western Conference, where even the New Orleans Pelicans briefly held the 3rd seed, the Nuggets maintained consistency. Despite a slight decline toward the end, they remained the best in the West. This playoff run showcased their battle-tested veterans who possess strong leadership skills. Nikola Jokić, the NBA’s best player, and Jamal Murray, a formidable weapon on the court, formed the league’s premier duo by combining their talents. Now, the Nuggets find themselves in the NBA Finals. Given their impressive performance, many, including myself, believe that they will emerge as champions. Nuggets in 5!
I suggest checking out more details on the Nuggets-Heat series here: https://www.nba.com/playoffs/2023/the-finals
Check out the video below to see how the Nuggets dominated the Heat in Game 1.
