In the heart of Oklahoma City, the Denver Nuggets faced an unvarnished truth on a difficult Sunday night: they were simply outmatched. After a 125-93 drubbing at the Paycom Center, the stark reality set in. The Nuggets are positioned to reflect on their season, but it raises a crucial question—can this current roster realistically contend for another NBA championship?
Post-game, Nikola Jokic’s analysis encapsulated the dilemma. He observed a stark contrast between his team and their playoff rivals, highlighting the Nuggets’ struggle against truly elite competition. “We played for so long in such a way, it’s hard for guys to step up against really good teams,” Jokic reflected, underscoring the challenge of integrating players who haven’t had adequate time on the court. The mantra of deeper rotations leading to success was echoed in the success of teams like Indiana and Oklahoma City, with the Thunder effectively deploying ten players for significant minutes.
When comparing the Nuggets’ bench to that of the Thunder, the difference was palpable. Russell Westbrook—averaging just 6.5 points over the last five games—alongside rookie talents like Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther, simply couldn’t make the impact needed. The Nuggets relied heavily on their starters, especially since Michael Porter Jr. was sidelined; even as established players clocked heavy postseason minutes, it was apparent their depth was lacking.
Game 7 was less about an epic showdown and more about Oklahoma City’s coronation as a rising power in the league. Despite their age often aligning with that of perennial college squads, the Thunder have emerged with a vibrant roster that showcases youthful talent ready to seize the moment. Meanwhile, the Nuggets looked more like caretakers than competitors. Aaron Gordon, limited due to injury, had to step up as the team’s third-best player, which tells a story of how far the Nuggets’ fortunes have fallen.
For Jamal Murray, attending the scoreboard felt like an exhale, not a celebration; he managed only 13 points along with a couple of turnovers and a single rebound, while Porter’s impact was virtually nonexistent. Evaluating this season as they stare into the future is crucial. No one expected the Nuggets to topple the Thunder, yet the outcome echoed the unease many had sensed as the playoffs unfolded.
Yet, amid the disappointment, there are glimmers of hope. After the recent shakeup that saw president Josh Kroenke make sweeping changes—firing coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth—this Nuggets team showed resilience, winning a series against the Clippers that many believed could slip away. This newfound spirit offers a strong case for interim head coach David Adelman to take the reigns permanently.
Kroenke expressed pride in his players’ efforts despite the heartbreak, recognizing that this season’s challenges might ultimately propel the franchise forward. Murray’s assertion that this core can still secure another title was met with skepticism from both teammates and fans. Jokic’s candidness was telling: “If we could [win it], we would win it. So, I don’t believe in those ‘if’ things.”
Looking ahead, the painful reality is that, even at full strength, the Nuggets may struggle to reach the heights needed to compete with the best. Two critical steps loom ahead: reinforcing the bench to build depth and seeking a true backup center to alleviate some pressure from Jokic, who, even as the league MVP, can only carry a team for so long against fierce opponents.
One of the most pressing considerations could involve exploring trade options for Porter. Averaging just 7.2 points against the Thunder in the playoffs, his inconsistency raises questions about his future with the team. While he battles through injuries, the risk that he may have hit his ceiling looms large.
On the contrary, moving Gordon seems far less appealing given the connection he forged with fans during this playoff run. Though he could fetch a sizable return, it might not be the move the organization is willing to make. Yet, if this season has taught the Nuggets anything, it’s that nothing should be off the table if they want to reestablish themselves as true contenders.
As the offseason beckons, the Nuggets sit at a crossroads, balancing pride in their resiliency with the stark acknowledgment that next season will need more than just effort to bring postseason success. With changes on the horizon, the foundational pieces need to align if they want to truly compete next May.
