Harken back to one year ago. The Denver Nuggets were the first seed in the Western Conference. Led by Nikola Jokic, head coach Michael Malone’s team went on a tear in the postseason. When all was said and done, the Nuggets captured their first NBA title in franchise history. In 2024, they are in a position to win it all yet again.
Denver Nuggets Avoid Championship Hangover
Last season, the Denver Nuggets finished the regular season atop the Western Conference. With a record of 53-29, the Nuggets secured the first seed and played their best basketball down the stretch. The way in which Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic dismantled the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference finals sent a message. Throughout their franchise history, the Nuggets struggled mightily against the Lakers in the postseason. However, Malone finally helped Denver vanquish their LA postseason demons in 2023. By the time they faced Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat in the 2023 NBA Finals, Malone’s troops were firing on all cylinders.
The Denver Nuggets came into the 2023-2024 NBA season with something to prove. For the first time since professional basketball arrived in Denver in 1967, the Nuggets are the defending NBA champions. This season, they established themselves as an elite NBA team. With their title window still wide open, they need to continue playing dominant basketball. Even though they are the second seed this season, Malone’s Nuggets still have the pieces in place to repeat. However, not securing home-court advantage could present a challenge for “Joker” and company.
Denver Nuggets Bench Becomes Leaders
This season, the starters provided Michael Malone with valuable minutes in every game. However, issues arose when the bench unit entered the game. Last season, the bench went through similar growing pains. Unfortunately, losing both Bruce Brown and Jeff Green during the offseason complicated things. Furthermore, general manager Calvin Booth didn’t make any significant moves during the trade deadline this year. Therefore, the play of their bench is why the Nuggets had to rely more heavily on their starters this season. In order for the Nuggets to capture back-to-back titles, players such as Christian Braun and Peyton Watson will need to provide a spark off the bench.
Denver Nuggets Repeat Path
Heading into the playoffs, the Denver Nuggets are in a good position to repeat as NBA champs in 2024. They are in line to face either the Los Angeles Lakers or Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. The most important aspect of Malone’s crew repeating as NBA champions this season is Nikola Jokic. When the Nuggets are firing on all cylinders, the Serbian MVP is leading the charge. Furthermore, the duo of “Joker” and Jamal Murray is Denver’s most dangerous weapon. If they are able to stay on the same page, there will be another championship parade in Colorado this summer.
Despite the Nuggets’ home-court advantage being well-documented, true NBA champions are successful on the road as well. Malone’s team will prove that this season. If head coach Michael Malone and the Nuggets can capture their second-straight NBA title in 2024, seeding won’t matter. Currently, NBA analysts predict the Boston Celtics will get the best of the Nuggets in the 2024 NBA Finals. However, Malone will have his team ready to go for each and every game. As long as Jokic continues to play at an MVP-level, the Nuggets will not go down without a fight. Hoisting the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy for a second consecutive season is the ultimate goal for Michael Malone and the Denver Nuggets in 2024.
