Last season, the Denver Nuggets faced a heart-wrenching end, leaving the playoffs earlier than they had hoped. Despite entering the postseason with high hopes, fueled by their status as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, the Nuggets stumbled in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves, dashing their title dreams.
This disappointing exit was particularly stinging given that just a year prior, the Nuggets had delivered a championship-winning performance. The team had high expectations to replicate their success but fell short, struggling notably in their playoff efforts. Among the challenges they faced was a tough series against the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise they had previously swept in the Western Conference Finals during their triumphant run to the championship.
The Series Against the Lakers
Revisiting the series against the Lakers, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key player for the Nuggets, reflected on the mismatch. "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," he said.
LeBron and Davis Shine Amid Nuggets’ Struggles
Conversely, the Lakers saw stellar performances from their superstars. LeBron James averaged an impressive 27.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, achieving playoff career-highs with 8.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Anthony Davis contributed heavily, averaging 27.8 points, 15.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. These efforts underscored the formidable challenge that the Nuggets faced.
Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell, on the other hand, had underwhelming playoff performances, further compounding the Lakers' reliance on their top stars. However, despite their struggles, it was a lack of timely adjustments and execution that some analysts and fans pointed to as the critical factors in Denver's failure to advance. "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," was the sentiment echoed by many.
Injury Woes and Roster Changes
The Nuggets also wrestled with significant injuries that marred their postseason efforts. Key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent suffered season-ending injuries, leaving notable gaps in the roster that the team struggled to fill. These injuries undoubtedly played a part in the Nuggets' inability to maintain their competitive edge during critical moments.
Adding to the team’s challenges, the offseason saw Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sign a lucrative three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic. His departure signifies a pivotal shift not just for Caldwell-Pope but also for the Nuggets, who will now need to reassess their strategies and rebuild their lineup to regain their former glory.
The departure of such a key player signals more than just a loss on the court; it represents a new chapter and the need for the Nuggets to adapt. Recovery and potential new signings are on the horizon as they aim to fortify their roster. As key players continue their rehabilitation from injuries, the front office's focus will likely pivot toward strengthening the squad with fresh talent and making the necessary adjustments to return to their championship-contending form.
While the memories of the past season's disappointments linger, the organization and fans remain hopeful for a resurgence. The Nuggets will need to regroup, reassess, and implement strategic changes to navigate the course back to the summit of the Western Conference. With the right adjustments, Denver hopes to reclaim its place among the NBA’s elite teams.