The Denver Nuggets had high expectations heading into last season, coming off a triumphant championship run the prior year. However, the team faced a sobering exit in the second round of the playoffs at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, falling far short of their lofty goals.
As the No. 2 seed in the highly competitive Western Conference, the Nuggets were poised for a deep playoff run. The team’s ambitions were bolstered by standout performances during the regular season, including key contributions from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Despite that, Denver stumbled at crucial moments.
In the playoffs, the Nuggets battled through a taxing series against the Los Angeles Lakers. This came as a stark contrast to their previous dominance over the Lakers, whom they had swept in the Western Conference Finals during their championship season. The team struggled to find the same rhythm, and key players such as Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell fell short of expectations. Meanwhile, the Lakers' stars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, delivered remarkable performances. James averaged an impressive 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, while Davis put up 27.8 points, 15.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Battling both formidable opponents and internal challenges, the Nuggets dealt with significant injuries to Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, which further hampered their postseason efforts. Analysts and fans alike cited a lack of timely adjustments and execution as critical factors in Denver's inability to advance. These shortcomings were highlighted by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who reflected on the team's energy expenditure during the regular season. "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," Caldwell-Pope lamented.
The offseason brought considerable changes, including Caldwell-Pope’s departure to the Orlando Magic, where he signed a three-year, $66 million deal. His exit signifies a pivotal transition for both the player and the Denver organization. Reflecting on their season's end, it is clear that beyond the physical toll, the Nuggets must address strategic missteps. One analyst noted that, "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 path forward involves reassessment and regrouping to reclaim their championship-contending form. Recovering players and potential new signings introduce hope for renewed vigor. With their core talent regrouping and the competitive edge of the West only becoming sharper, Denver faces an offseason ripe with opportunity. Only time will tell if the lessons learned from their recent disappointments will spark a return to their former glory.