I still remember watching the Finals last season with that mix of anticipation and nostalgia that only basketball can evoke. When the final buzzer sounded and the Denver Nuggets secured their first championship in franchise history, I found myself reflecting on Nikola Jokić's post-game comments that perfectly captured their journey: "Here we are, finally with two championships. What a journey it has been and I've never been hungrier to go for more." That statement wasn't just about personal achievement—it embodied the entire organization's transformation from perennial playoff disappointments to legitimate champions.
What made Denver's victory particularly compelling from my perspective was how they built this championship team through patience and strategic vision rather than chasing big-name free agents. They drafted Jokić in 2014 as the 41st pick—a selection that seemed insignificant at the time but would become the foundation of their entire system. I've followed basketball for over twenty years, and rarely have I seen a team so perfectly constructed around a unique talent. The front office resisted the temptation to make panic trades when they fell short in previous playoffs, instead trusting their core and making complementary additions like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who proved to be the perfect three-and-D wing to complete their starting lineup.
The playoff run itself was a masterclass in adaptability and resilience. They swept the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, then handled the Phoenix Suns in six games despite Devin Booker's incredible scoring outbursts. What impressed me most was their conference finals performance against the Lakers—they swept LeBron James and company, becoming only the second team in the past decade to sweep a conference finals series. Throughout these matchups, Michael Malone's coaching was exceptional. He made crucial adjustments, like having Aaron Gordon defend multiple positions and optimizing their rotation to maximize Jokić's playmaking while preserving his energy.
Statistics only tell part of the story, but Denver's numbers were staggering. Jokić averaged 30.2 points, 14.0 rebounds, and 7.2 assists during the playoffs—making him just the third player in NBA history to lead all players in all three categories throughout an entire postseason. Jamal Murray's clutch performances were equally remarkable, scoring 25.1 points per game while shooting 39.8% from three-point range. Their starting five outscored opponents by 12.3 points per 100 possessions—the best net rating of any playoff lineup that logged significant minutes together.
The Finals against Miami showcased their championship DNA. After dropping Game 2 at home, they won three straight games, including two in Miami's hostile environment. Game 4 particularly stood out to me—they overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit through sheer will and execution. Jokić played 43 minutes that night, Murray hit crucial shots down the stretch, and their defense held Miami to just 35 second-half points. That game demonstrated their growth from a talented regular-season team to legitimate champions who could win under pressure.
From a tactical standpoint, Denver's offense was revolutionary in how it leveraged Jokić's unique skills. Rather than running traditional pick-and-roll actions, they built an entire ecosystem around his decision-making from the high post. I've studied numerous championship teams, and Denver's offensive rating of 118.7 during the playoffs ranks among the top five of the modern era. Their ball movement was beautiful to watch—averaging 28.4 assists per game with only 12.3 turnovers. This wasn't just efficient basketball; it was aesthetically pleasing team basketball that reminded me of the 2014 Spurs in how they prioritized collective success over individual accolades.
Their defensive improvement throughout the playoffs was equally impressive. After being labeled an "offensive-only team" for years, they held opponents to 109.3 points per 100 possessions in the postseason—a significant improvement from their regular-season numbers. Gordon's versatility allowed them to switch defensive assignments seamlessly, while Jokić improved his positioning and rim protection when it mattered most. Against Miami, they effectively neutralized Jimmy Butler in the series' crucial moments by sending timely double-teams and forcing other players to beat them.
What I appreciate most about Denver's championship is how it validates team-building through the draft and player development. In an era where superteams often form through free agency, the Nuggets proved that organic growth and continuity can still win championships. Their core of Jokić, Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. had played together for five seasons before breaking through—that shared experience created chemistry that money can't buy. As someone who values organizational stability, I found their success particularly satisfying compared to teams that constantly overhaul their rosters searching for quick fixes.
Looking back, Denver's championship feels both inevitable and surprising—inevitable because their talent was undeniable, yet surprising because they achieved it without the typical trappings of a superteam. They won because they had the best player in the world, certainly, but also because they had the right complementary pieces, excellent coaching, and the resilience to overcome previous playoff disappointments. Jokić's hunger for more championships mentioned in his quote seems genuine—this team isn't satisfied with just one title. Having watched their entire journey, I believe they've built a foundation that could produce multiple championships if they maintain this core. Their victory wasn't just about last season—it was the culmination of years of strategic planning and development that other franchises would be wise to study.