The Denver Nuggets entered last season with high hopes, coming off a championship-winning performance and securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. However, those dreams quickly dissipated as they failed to live up to expectations in the playoffs, culminating in an early exit in the second round at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The sense of disappointment was palpable among the team and its fans. Key player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope noted, "You know how, towards the playoffs, guys get their rest, but I feel like that's where we spent most of our energy at times, trying to get that first place [spot in the West]. Playing catch-up. And then, we get to the playoffs, we have no gas. We felt like the Lakers should've beat us. We was down every game—at least 10 to, like, 20-something… Taking that energy and using it there. It was a lot that went into that season, no doubt."
Indeed, the Nuggets' playoff journey was marred by struggles, including a tough series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite sweeping the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals during their championship run, Denver couldn't replicate that performance last season. Analysts and fans pointed to a lack of timely adjustments and execution as critical factors in their failure to advance. The cited causes ranged from poor game management to injuries derailing their momentum.
The Nuggets had to overcome significant adversities, including season-ending injuries to key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent. These absences, combined with less-than-stellar performances from players such as Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell, made it difficult for Denver to maintain their championship form.
The Lakers, despite being ousted by the Nuggets previously, put up a strong fight led by their star players. LeBron James averaged an impressive 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and set playoff career-highs with 8.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Anthony Davis matched James' scoring with 27.8 points per game and dominated the boards with 15.6 rebounds per game, also contributing 4.0 assists and 1.6 blocks per contest. Despite their efforts, the rest of the Lakers’ roster struggled to contribute, encapsulated by frustrating performances from anyone not named LeBron James or Anthony Davis.
The nails in the Lakers' coffin were ultimately attributed to "Darvin Ham's lack of adjustments and late-game execution -- which resulted in those blown leads -- as well as poor performances from anyone not named LeBron James or Anthony Davis."
For the Nuggets, the aftermath of this disappointing playoff run has already brought significant changes. Key player Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a vital contributor throughout the season, signed a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic in the offseason. This move signals a pivot for both Caldwell-Pope and the Nuggets, who now find themselves needing to reassess their roster and strategy.
The focus for Denver moving forward will undoubtedly be on recovery and restructuring. With key players on the mend from injuries, the Nuggets also have an opportunity to explore potential new signings to bolster their squad. As they look to regain their championship-contending form, the lessons from this past season will be crucial in shaping their approach moving forward.
The road ahead won't be easy, but the Nuggets remain a formidable team in the NBA landscape. Reassessing their strategy and making the necessary adjustments could very well position them back in the race for the championship. Only time will tell if Denver can convert their high expectations into another title-winning season.