The Denver Nuggets came into last season with soaring expectations, riding high from their previous year’s championship-winning performance. As the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, hopes were high for another deep playoff run. However, the season ended in disappointment with an early playoff exit in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The stark contrast from a championship year to an early elimination has left much for the Nuggets to reassess. The team's struggles were evident throughout the playoffs, with a particularly tough series against the Lakers, a team they had previously swept in the Western Conference Finals during their championship run. This time around, it was a different story. As 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."
The Nuggets' playoff difficulties were compounded by injuries to key players Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, which further hampered their ability to compete at the highest level. The absence of these vital contributors laid bare the team’s lack of depth and exposed areas needing reinforcement.
Throughout the playoffs, LeBron James and Anthony Davis continued to perform at elite levels, each averaging 27.8 points per game. James added 6.8 rebounds per game and achieved playoff career-highs with 8.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Davis matched his scoring with an impressive 15.6 rebounds, along with 4.0 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. Their standout performances were a silver lining for the Lakers, despite the team's ultimate failure to reach the heights they had during Denver's championship sweep.
On the other hand, Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell had subpar performances, unable to provide the support necessary for a deep playoff run. As an attributed statement summarized, "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."
Despite the on-court struggles, there were individual bright spots for the Nuggets. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope emerged as a key player during the season, providing valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. However, his departure in the offseason, signing a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic, marks a significant shift for both him and the Nuggets. Caldwell-Pope's exit forces Denver to address a pivotal void in their roster.
The early playoff exit has raised questions regarding the Nuggets' ability to adapt and make timely adjustments under pressure. Analysts and fans have pointed to a lack of execution as critical factors in the team’s failure to advance further. The necessity to rethink strategies and rotate players more effectively is apparent if the Nuggets are to regain their championship-contending form.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets have a challenging path to navigate. With key players recovering from injuries and the potential for new signings, the team has an opportunity to restructure and fortify its lineup. The ultimate goal remains to reclaim the dominance they once wielded and make a credible run for another championship.
For Denver, the offseason will be crucial in determining their future trajectory. Strategic acquisitions, a focus on player health, and a willingness to evolve tactically will be central to their aspirations. As the Nuggets reflect on the lessons from a tumultuous season, a redefined approach may be the key to unlocking their potential once again.