Denver Nuggets postseason has been nothing short of a dream run till now. In the history of American professional basketball, there are only 13 instances where a team made a comeback from a 3-1 deficit to win the series. The King James last achieved this extremely rare feat led Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals. The Nuggets, in the 2019-20 playoffs, have already overturned 3-1 lead TWICE! Now let that sink in.
Mike Malone’s side was the favorites in the first-round series against Utah Jazz. So, when they won three back-to-back matches to win the series 4-3, it did not create that much buzz. But, going into the conference semis against a Clippers side with Kawhi and PG13 duo, the Nuggets were clearly the underdogs. However, the Clippers once again came short of their first-ever Conference Final appearance.
When Clippers attended a 3-1 lead, not even the most optimistic Nuggets fan thought, another exemplary comeback was on its way. But, the Nuggets squad had other plans. In the last three games of the series, the Nuggets were trailing by double digits in the halftime. Superb second-half displays from the Serbian Jokic and the Canadian Murray did the impossible for Denver as the franchise reached its third-ever conference final.
The challenges ahead
Though the Nuggets gifted the fans a breathtaking brand of basketball, the job is not done yet. This one-of-a-kind Denver Nuggets postseason will only go into the history books as one of the best postseasons runs ever, if the team lifts the Larry O’Brian Championship Trophy. Considering the competition left, it will be a gargantuan achievement if the Nuggets emerge victorious in the 2020 NBA Finals.
But before that, they have to overcome the challenge of their conference final nemesis, The Los Angeles Lakers. Before this season, Nuggets reached the WCF in 1984-85 & 2008-09 season. Both times, Lakers emerged as the last hurdle preventing Nuggets from reaching their maiden NBA Finals. Will Jokic and Co. be the third time lucky? Voice out your predictions in the comments.
The Lakers team has lately shown in-court dominance. Most of the squad members would have preferred Nuggets over Clippers. Now, as their wish is fulfilled, Vogel’s men have to be extra careful. Taking Nuggets lightly can prove to be a costly mistake. As Pacers legend Reggie Miller said, “Don’t go to sleep on the Denver Nuggets. Don’t. Do not do it.”
If the mid-westerners finally put down the Lakers in the Conference Final, that will only add validity to an already-awesome playoff run. Lakers are undoubtedly the Goliath of this series. They have always been whenever they faced Nuggets. But, a change for once will be wholeheartedly welcomed in the basketball community.
