The Denver Nuggets finished last season with a palpable sense of disappointment, bowing out of the playoffs earlier than most had anticipated. Entering the postseason as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Nuggets carried high expectations, especially after winning the championship the previous year. However, their journey was cut short in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
One of Denver's standout players, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, reflected on the season's challenges. "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," Caldwell-Pope said.
The former champion's analysis hints at deeper issues within the team's approach and execution. The Nuggets struggled significantly during their playoff campaign, including a grueling series against the Los Angeles Lakers, a team they had previously swept in the Western Conference Finals during their championship run. Despite high hopes, the Nuggets found themselves down every game. "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," added Caldwell-Pope.
While the Nuggets were grappling with internal and on-court challenges, their opposition was not holding back. LeBron James and Anthony Davis showcased their playoff prowess, each averaging 27.8 points per game. James also grabbed 6.8 rebounds and achieved playoff career-highs with 8.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Davis further contributed with a formidable 15.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell were among other players who did not perform up to expectations, adding another layer of difficulty for the Nuggets. Denver leaned heavily on Caldwell-Pope, who had been a pivotal player for them last season. However, the offseason brought a significant change as Caldwell-Pope sealed a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic. His departure signifies a pivotal shift for both him and the Nuggets.
The injuries to key players Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent also hampered the Nuggets' playoff aspirations, exacerbating the struggles they faced throughout the season. Analysts and fans alike have pointed out that a lack of timely adjustments and execution were critical factors in Denver's failure to advance. The team's experience underscores the importance of depth and adaptability in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
Echoing the sentiment, a source noted, "The nails in the Lakers' coffin were 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 next steps are clear yet challenging. They must reassess their strategies and regroup if they hope to return to their championship-contending form. The road ahead involves helping key players recover from injuries and potentially making strategic new signings to strengthen their roster.
The disappointment of last season could serve as a powerful motivator for Denver. The team's management is undoubtedly scrutinizing every misstep that led to their untimely exit from the playoffs. In professional sports, especially basketball, the margins between success and failure are razor-thin, and the Nuggets' recent journey serves as a testament to that reality.
As the new season approaches, Denver's resolve will be put to the test. The coming months will reveal if they can harness the lessons learned and transform them into a cohesive strategy that propels them back to the top of the Western Conference and beyond. With key players on the mend and the potential for impactful new additions, the Nuggets have the ingredients to reclaim their standing as one of the league's elite teams.