The Denver Nuggets entered last season with high expectations, bolstered by their No. 2 seed ranking in the Western Conference and the momentum of a championship-winning performance the previous year. Yet, their campaign ended in disappointment, with an early playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round, leaving fans and analysts questioning what went wrong.
A significant aspect of Denver's struggles in the playoffs was their difficulty in making timely adjustments and executing plays effectively. This was particularly evident in their tough series against the Lakers, whom they had previously swept in the Western Conference Finals during their championship run. As per Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a key player for the Nuggets last season, the team expended much of their energy trying to secure a top spot in the West, which left them depleted for the playoffs. "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 series against the Lakers showcased some stellar individual performances, notably from LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James averaged 27.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, achieving playoff career-highs with 8.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Davis, on the other hand, mirrored this high level of play with an average of 27.8 points, 15.6 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. However, Austin Reaves and D'Angelo Russell’s subpar performances added to the Lakers' challenges. The downfall of the Lakers in that series was largely attributed to the lack of adjustments and late-game execution issues. "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," an attributed statement noted.
Denver's campaign was also marred by injuries, with key players like Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent facing season-ending setbacks. These injuries further complicated the Nuggets' quest for consistency and depth. Analysts and fans pointed to these untimely injuries and a general lack of execution as critical factors in their early playoff exit.
The offseason brought significant changes to the Nuggets' roster. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a pivotal figure in Denver's lineup, signed a three-year, $66 million deal with the Orlando Magic. His departure signals a new chapter for both Caldwell-Pope and the Nuggets. The organization now faces the task of regrouping and reassessing its strategy to reclaim its champion-contending status. The search for potential new signings and the recovery of injured key players will be crucial as they look to rebound from this setback.
Denver's journey last season serves as a reminder of the fine margins that define success and failure in the NBA. Their early playoff exit, despite a strong regular season, underscores the importance of maintaining energy, making timely adjustments, and executing well under pressure. As they prepare for the upcoming season, the Nuggets will need to address these areas to ensure they can return to their winning ways and make another deep playoff run.