Last season for the Denver Nuggets ended in disappointment, falling short of their high expectations after a promising start. The team, which had entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, was eliminated in the second round by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This exit was particularly disheartening given their strong regular-season performance and recent championship success.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key player for the Nuggets, highlighted the issues that led to their downfall. "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 remarked.
The Nuggets' playoff struggles were evident in their tough series against the Lakers, a team they had previously swept in the Western Conference Finals during their championship run. This time around, the Lakers put up a fierce fight, with LeBron James and Anthony Davis delivering formidable performances. James averaged 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game, while Davis matched him point-for-point, averaging 27.8 points and adding 15.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Despite these heroic efforts, the Lakers grappled with inconsistency, exacerbated by subpar performances from role players Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell, and the tactical shortcomings of coach Darvin Ham. An attributed statement captured the crux of the Lakers' collapse: "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 playoff campaign was further marred by critical injuries to Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent, which inevitably left them shorthanded. Besides injuries, the offseason shook up the team’s dynamics, with Caldwell-Pope signing a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic. His departure is seen as a pivotal moment, indicating a shift for both him and the Nuggets.
The team now faces an important juncture. Analysts and fans have pointed to a lack of timely adjustments and execution as critical factors in Denver's failure to advance. To return to their championship-contending form, the Nuggets will need to reassess and regroup. Key players are recovering from injuries, and potential new signings could be on the horizon.
The Nuggets’ journey through last season was a mix of high hopes and harsh realities. As they recuperate and recalibrate, the upcoming season will test their resolve and ability to adapt to changes. Only time will tell if the Nuggets can reignite the spark that once made them champions and fulfill their quest for another title.