Written by Jonathan Peter on April 10, 2023.
The Nuggets ended their season with a home win against the Sacramento Kings, but they should still thank the New Orleans Pelicans. Because of the Pelicans win against the Memphis Grizzlies last Wednesday night, the Denver Nuggets clinched the number one seed in the Western Conference.
This historic feat for the franchise has been somewhat overshadowed because of the team’s lackluster end to the regular season. In the Nuggets’ last 23 games, they are a mere 12-11. Their record looks like it embodies a team which was coasting to get to the end of the regular season, rather than chomping at the bit to win a championship.
The biggest doubt surrounding the Nuggets is if their lack of urgency carry over into the playoffs. Only time will tell because it appears the team is only focused on getting to the playoffs healthy after knowing where they stand out West.
Recapping the Season
Still, there is so much to be appreciative about this Nuggets’ team. Nearly every regular season goal which the team had was accomplished.
First, it’s important to mention that the Nuggets stayed remarkably healthy this season. Every starter played 60+ games this season and the five starters (Jokic, Gordon, Porter Jr, Caldwell-Pope, and Murray) have played in 41 games together. Given that Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray are coming off major injuries, this has to be a win for Denver.
In light of the return of Murray and MPJ, it should be noted how they have seamlessly fit back into the lineup. After Nikola Jokic has had two MVP seasons, there was a level of interest about how the returning stars would play next him, given how Jokic has ascended to the best player in the league. The the truth is Denver has become one of the most difficult teams to play against. The starting lineup posted a 14.3 net rating, exemplifying their dominance on both ends of the court.
Both Murray and Porter Jr. did not have career seasons, but they were damn near close to it. After missing about 1 1/2 seasons of basketball, Murray averaged 20 points, 6.2 assists, and 4 rebounds per game, while shooting 45% from the field and 39% from three. On 48% field goal shooting and 41% three point shooting, Porter averaged 17.5 points per game while also snagging 5.5 rebounds. Both players were able to return to form and made it to the playoffs healthy. The team will expect the two of them to be ready to step their performances up for the playoff run.
Aaron Gordon’s season shouldn’t get lost in the mix either. Gordon certainly had a career season efficiency wise, by shooting 56% from the field. He has adjusted to playing off Jokic, Porter, and Murray by being able to scale his game up or down depending on the matchup and rhythm of the game. Another major aspect of Gordon’s game has been his willingness to take some of the physical burden off of Jokic and Porter. Gordon is generally buried in the paint among, absorbing hits and elbows from opposing teams big men. He has become the best version of glue guy that the Nuggets could ask for and they will need to him to replicate his mindset come playoff time.
Calvin Booth’s biggest offseason acquisitions made some noise too. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has been the perfect shooting guard for Denver. His elite three point shooting (41%), defense, and availability are a huge component of the Nuggets success. KCP has brought his championship experience to Denver and it is something intangible that the team desperately needed. They needed a guy who could do the little things to help push them over the edge, and Caldwell-Pope has been that guy.
He won’t receive it, but Bruce Brown deserves consideration for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Brown provides the squad with energy every single they play and he fills in wherever he is needed. Brown has played in 80 games overall and started in 31 games for the Nuggets this season and he was major reason Denver was able to stay afloat this season. Both Murray and Porter Jr. missed many games this season due to injury, but Brown filled in for them seamlessly. He has been the ultimate Swiss Army knife for this Nuggets team.
The rookie draft picks made a splash this season too. Peyton Watson had a fun last six games of the season and the future looks bright for him, but Christian Braun made his presence felt all season long. Braun was impactful enough where Denver was comfortable trading away Bones Hyland for next to nothing, in order to get him some more playing time. His defensive instincts are perhaps the best on the team and he has earned himself a rotation spot come playoff time. Not bad for the 21st pick in the draft.
And last, I can’t forget about the most important player in the league, Nikola Jokic. After two consecutive MVP seasons, Jokic doubled down by having his best season to date. Averaging nearly a triple-double per game on 24.5 points, 11.8 boards, and 9.8 assists, Jokic also shot 63% from the field and 38% from three. This absurd offensive season should not be taken for granted.
However, it’s important to note the significance behind this season, especially as it relates to Jokic. There is an immense amount of pressure surrounding #15 this postseason. It is the first season in a couple years where he has quality supporting talent next to him. The constant expectation is for Jokic to set the tone for his teammates. Everyone follows his lead.
He has done a good job at times, but there have been lapses throughout the regular season. It is noticeable recently that if he does not care about a game, the team is likely to lose the contest. He deserves some blame for the Nuggets latest skid. Believe what you want to believe, but this is the Jokic way. I expect him to turn it on for the playoffs.
Be Proud
All the way back on December 20, 2022, the Nuggets played the Memphis Grizzlies in a battle for the number one seed in the Western Conference. Denver bullied Memphis in that contest, grabbed the number one seed, and haven’t looked back since.
If you support the Nuggets, take pride in this historic season. They have done something no other Nuggets team of the past has been able to accomplish and that means something. They also did it in their own fashion. As Nuggets fans should know best, you never appreciate how good things are until they aren’t.
Stats Tell Stories 