Back in 1976, when the NBA and ABA merged, the Denver Nuggets were one of four ABA teams to join the NBA. This marked a crucial turning point for the franchise. It's amazing to think that such a monumental event in sports history could set the stage for many unforgettable moments. It was an instant upgrade in competition, but the Nuggets were ready to roll with the big boys. So, we have seen moments that defined the franchise and carved their place in the annals of NBA's illustrious history.
Let's talk about the 1980s, specifically Alex English. Now, English wasn't just any player; he was the guy led the NBA in scoring during the '80s with more than 21,000 points. That's right, he wasn't a flashy superstar but the epitome of consistency and efficiency. He had a silky smooth jumper and could score from virtually anywhere on the court. I mean, can you believe he averaged over 25 points per game for a decade? The guy was an offensive powerhouse!
Fast forward to the early 1990s, and the Denver Nuggets pulled off something that stunned the world: the 1994 playoffs upset over the Seattle Supersonics. They became the first 8th seed in NBA history to defeat a 1st seed. Under the guidance of Dikembe Mutombo, who recorded an astonishing 31 blocks in that series, the Nuggets won that epic Game 5 in Seattle. Who would have thought this was possible? It’s the kind of story that makes you fall in love with sports. That image of Mutombo lying on the floor, clutching the ball, joyously grinning, will forever be etched in memory.
In the 2000s, another star entered the Nuggets' universe: Carmelo Anthony. Drafted 3rd overall in the 2003 NBA Draft, Melo brought a sense of star power that the franchise desperately needed. Melo averaged over 20 points per game during his rookie season and quickly became one of the league's best scorers. His ability to score from all over the court was unreal, whether it was a pull-up jumper, a post-move, or a three-pointer. Melo led the Nuggets to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade in 2004, and you could feel the buzz around Denver. How insane is it that he scored 33 points in his first-ever playoff game? This kid was something special.
Yet, no conversation about the Nuggets is complete without talking about the 2009-2010 season. This was when they made it to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades. With a roster that mixed veterans like Chauncey Billups with younger talent like J.R. Smith, they were a force to be reckoned with. They may not have made it to the Finals, but taking the series to six games against the Lakers, especially with Kobe Bryant playing some of the best basketball of his life, was nothing short of admirable.
And then, we must dive into the modern era, focusing on Nikola Jokić. The "Joker" as he's affectionately called, has redefined the role of a big man in today's NBA. Jokić's ability to dish out assists, grab rebounds, and hit clutch shots makes him a triple-double machine. Remember his MVP season in 2020-2021? He averaged 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game. The first center to win the MVP award since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000—just wow! It’s surreal when you think about how he was the 41st pick in the NBA Draft. Talk about a steal!
That same year, Denver made it to the Western Conference Finals again, battling the Los Angeles Lakers. It may have ended in heartbreak for Nuggets fans, but what a ride it was. To compete at that level during the playoff bubble, with all that was happening in the world, speaks volumes about their determination and resolve. Gary Harris, Jamal Murray, and others showed they could go toe-to-toe with the elite teams of the league. Remember those 50-point games by Jamal Murray? The dude was on fire, and it was a joy to watch.
All this history sets the stage perfectly for the future. One can't help but get excited about the potential of the current roster. Could the rising stars and experienced vets finally bring an NBA title to Denver? The pieces seem to be there, and the organization is doing things right, from drafting to player development. If you’re a Nuggets fan, you have every reason to be optimistic. Each new season brings the hope of capturing that elusive championship, and all the while, players like nba denver nuggets continue to make memories that we'll be talking about for years to come.