The NBA Made A Huge Mistake With The Denver Nuggets…
When Nikola Jokic went down, the entire NBA took a collective breath and moved on. The reigning three-time MVP, the engine of everything Denver does, was out indefinitely with a hyperextended knee. Jokic’s absence wasn’t just a headline—it was a seismic shift in the Western Conference. Analysts recalibrated their playoff projections, opponents stopped game planning for Denver, and the league quietly wrote off the defending champions.
But what happened next was not just a surprise—it was a stretch of basketball that could redefine the Nuggets franchise for years to come. In the face of adversity, Denver didn’t just survive; they thrived, revealing a level of resilience, depth, and star-making that should concern every contender in the league.
The Context: Jokic Is the System
Let’s be clear: Jokic is the system. He touches the ball on almost every possession, orchestrates the offense, and is the team’s best scorer, passer, rebounder, and decision-maker. His unique blend of size, skill, and vision makes Denver’s offense one of the most dynamic in the NBA. When he went down, conventional wisdom said the Nuggets were headed for the lottery.
That reaction was understandable. Without Jokic, Denver’s offense was supposed to fall apart. Opponents stopped adjusting their game plans for the Nuggets. Why bother scheming for a team missing its best player? The expectation was simple: show up, execute your stuff, collect the win, and move on.
But as Bruce Brown said after the win over Philadelphia, “People are expecting us to lose. We have nothing to lose, right? Go out there and hoop.” That mentality became the Nuggets’ rallying cry. Instead of folding, Denver found a new identity.
The Injury Crisis: Seven Players Out, No Excuses
Jokic’s injury was only the beginning. Within days, Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson, and other rotation players joined him on the injury list. The Nuggets were missing seven legitimate rotation players, including their entire starting five. Head coach David Adelman was forced to piece together a lineup from whoever was left standing—a group jokingly dubbed the “Denver G-League.”
Their first major test? The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George—a team on a three-game winning streak and desperate for a win. Vegas had Philly as double-digit favorites. This was supposed to be a scheduled loss, a game nobody would remember.
Instead, Denver delivered one of the most improbable wins of the season.
The Philadelphia Game: The “Impossible” Victory
Denver’s patchwork roster didn’t just compete—they won. Jaylen Pickett erupted for 29 points, including seven three-pointers. These weren’t just open looks; Pickett hit a step-back three directly over Embiid’s outstretched arm. That shot alone captured Denver’s approach: no fear, no hesitation, just playing free because nobody expected anything from them.
Zeke Nnaji, forced to play center against Embiid, contributed 21 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, playing completely out of position. Hunter Tyson hit threes and talked trash like a seasoned veteran. The Nuggets won 125-124 in overtime against a full-strength Philly team with a roster that most NBA fans couldn’t name three players from.
Bruce Brown hit the game-winner on a goaltend by Embiid, while Jokic, sidelined, shouted defensive instructions to his young teammates on the final possession. It was a performance that shouldn’t have been possible—a testament to Denver’s culture and fight.
The Boston Game: A Statement, Not a Fluke
If the Philly game was a shock, the Boston game two days later was a statement. The Celtics, arguably the hottest team in the NBA, came in having won eight of their last nine games, boasting the second-best offense in the league and a resurgent Jaylen Brown.
Unlike Philly, Boston wasn’t going to overlook Denver. This game was war: 26 lead changes, nine ties, and neither team able to pull away for three quarters. Boston held Denver scoreless for over six minutes in the third quarter and still couldn’t build a comfortable lead. Every time it looked like the Celtics might take control, Denver answered.
Then came the fourth quarter. Down 90-87 midway through the final period, Denver unleashed a 14-0 run that ended the game. Boston had no answer. The Celtics went cold, turned the ball over, and watched Denver bury shot after shot. Payton Watson scored nine points during that run, Zeke Nnaji added eight more, and the supposed “bench guys” closed out one of the toughest wins of the season.
Final score: 114-110, Denver. But the individual performances were what really stood out.
Jamal Murray’s Ascension: The All-Star Case
Jamal Murray, long known as Jokic’s running mate, found another gear in Jokic’s absence. Against Boston, Murray finished with 22 points and a career-high 17 assists—more than the entire Celtics team combined (Boston had just 16 assists). Murray was seeing the game at a different speed, finding teammates in positions they didn’t even know were open, and controlling the tempo like a chess master.
This wasn’t just one game. Over the five-game stretch without Jokic, Murray averaged career-highs across the board: 25.3 points, 7.5 assists, and a blistering 44.3% from three. He’s making a legitimate case for his first All-Star selection, and it’s hard to argue against him. More importantly, Murray has shown he can be the engine every night, not just a complementary piece. When Jokic is healthy, Murray can pick his spots, defer when needed, and let Jokic carry the load. Without Jokic, Murray has taken on full responsibility—and thrived.
The numbers tell the story, but the eye test is even more compelling. Murray isn’t just scoring; he’s running the offense, making everyone around him better, and elevating his game under pressure. That’s what All-Stars do, and Murray is proving he belongs in that conversation.
Payton Watson: The Breakout Star
While Murray’s ascension has been critical, the emergence of Payton Watson is arguably the biggest story for Denver. At 23 years old, Watson was a raw prospect when Denver drafted him—athletic, full of potential, but unproven at the NBA level. Nobody knew if he’d figure it out. Over the last five games, Watson has answered every question.
Against Boston, Watson dropped 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting, including 6-of-7 from three. Every time the Celtics made a run, Watson hit a dagger. He played with confidence, poise, and a scorer’s mentality that belied his age and experience.
This wasn’t a one-off. Over the five games without Jokic, Watson averaged 24.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, a steal, and a block per game, shooting 41% from three. He scored 20 or more points in every game—a legitimate breakout happening in real time.
The wild part? Watson is playing himself into a contract that Denver may not be able to afford. With Michael Porter Jr. traded last offseason to add depth, Watson’s emergence makes Denver’s roster decisions even more complicated heading into the summer.
Depth Tested, Depth Proven
Last season, Denver’s playoff run ended in the second round, with critics citing a lack of depth. When the rotation shortened and minutes increased, the Nuggets ran out of trusted bodies. The drop-off from starters to bench was too steep to survive a playoff grind.
That’s why the front office made aggressive moves in the offseason: trading Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson, bringing back Bruce Brown, adding Valanciunas and Tim Hardaway Jr. It was all about building a roster that could hold up when it mattered.
But depth is just theory until it’s tested. Injuries forced Denver’s bench into the fire, and they responded. The “G-League” lineup proved they could compete with anyone. The depth problem that haunted Denver may have just been solved for good.
The Mentality Shift: Playing Free, Playing Fearless
What’s striking about Denver’s run without Jokic isn’t just the wins—it’s how they’re doing it. The Nuggets have adopted a mentality of playing free, with nothing to lose. Opponents expected them to fold, but Denver played with a level of fight and joy reminiscent of their championship run two years ago.
Bruce Brown captured it perfectly: “When I’m on the other side, sometimes that happens. The other team just comes out playing extremely hard and you’re like, ‘Hey, bench guys, they’re not starters.’” That’s exactly what happened. Teams came in expecting to coast, and Denver made them pay.
This mentality has permeated the roster. Young players are stepping up, veterans are leading, and the coaching staff has instilled a sense of belief that no game is out of reach. The result is a team that fights for every possession, plays together, and refuses to back down.
The Defensive Identity: Grit and Versatility
It’s not just offense. Denver’s defense has been gritty, versatile, and opportunistic. Zeke Nnaji, forced to play center against Embiid, held his own and made key stops. Payton Watson, known for his athleticism and length, is blocking shots, switching onto guards, and protecting the rim.
Hunter Tyson, another young player, is hitting threes and defending with intensity. The team’s ability to rotate, contest shots, and rebound has kept them in games against elite competition.
This defensive identity is critical for playoff success. Denver’s ability to switch, recover, and protect the paint gives them flexibility against different matchups. As the roster gets healthy, this defensive foundation will only get stronger.
The Future: Jokic’s Return and a New-Look Nuggets
Here’s what should genuinely concern the rest of the league: when Jokic returns—likely around the All-Star break—he’ll be joining a completely different team than the one he left. Murray has found another gear. Watson has emerged as a legitimate third or fourth option. The bench has proven it can compete with anyone.
Think about what that means for a playoff series. Teams were already terrified of facing Denver when it was just Jokic and Murray. Now, add a Watson who can drop 30, a healthy Gordon and Brown, and role players with meaningful experience. The Nuggets have developed the kind of depth and confidence that championship teams need.
Denver is battle-tested. Their young guys have been thrown into the fire and come out stronger. Murray has shown he can carry the load. Watson has proven he can be a star. The team knows they can beat anybody.
The Roster Puzzle: Contracts, Depth, and the Window
Watson’s breakout creates a roster puzzle for Denver. With Porter Jr. gone and Watson due for a big contract, the Nuggets will need to make tough decisions. Can they afford to keep their new core together? How do they balance depth with star power?
The front office will have to navigate salary cap constraints, trade possibilities, and the realities of building a contender. But these are good problems to have. Denver has options, flexibility, and a foundation built on culture and development.
The Lessons: Adversity Reveals Character
Denver’s run without Jokic is a lesson in adversity. When stars go down, when rotations are stretched, when the pressure mounts, that’s when new leaders emerge. The Nuggets didn’t just survive—they discovered what’s possible.
This stretch has revealed the character of the franchise: resilience, belief, and a commitment to playing the right way. The culture built by the front office, coaching staff, and veterans has paid off when it mattered most.
The Playoff Picture: A Nightmare Matchup
As the playoffs approach, Denver is suddenly the team nobody wants to face. Their depth, confidence, and star power make them a nightmare matchup. They can play big or small, fast or slow, and have multiple players who can take over a game.
Last year’s second-round exit was a story of not enough depth. This year, Denver has answered that question. They’ve developed young talent, found new stars, and built a roster that can withstand the grind of the postseason.
The Final Word: Denver’s Fire Burns Bright
The NBA looked at Denver without Jokic and saw a lottery team. The league assumed that losing Jokic meant losing for Denver. Instead, the Nuggets lit a fire under a team that knows it can beat anyone.
Denver’s season-defining turning point isn’t just about surviving adversity—it’s about forging a new contender. The Nuggets have developed the kind of depth, confidence, and star power that championship teams need.
As Jokic returns, Denver is poised to make a run. Their young players are battle-tested, their stars are ascending, and their culture is stronger than ever. The rest of the league should be worried. The Nuggets aren’t just back—they’re better.
