After arguably playing the most thrilling first-round series of the playoffs, one that went all the way to Game 7, the Nuggets managed to persevere and advance to what may be their toughest test yet: a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder. While many view Denver as clear underdogs, their series against the Clippers served as an ideal proving ground. Despite a lackluster finish, the intensity, adjustments, and challenges they faced in Round 1 have prepared them well for the upcoming conference semifinals.
A Limp Finish to an Epic Nuggets/Clippers Series
This wasn’t the ending most anticipated. The Nuggets closed out their series against the Clippers with a dominant blowout win in Game 7. It was a flat and anticlimactic finish to what had been an electric matchup early on. After Aaron Gordon’s iconic game-winning dunk in Game 4, the intensity that defined the first half of the series noticeably dropped off. Games 5 and 6, and especially Game 7, lacked the drama and competitive edge that made Games 1, 2, and 4 so captivating.
Playoff Mode Activated for the Nuggets
From the start, the Nuggets showed a clear shift in their approach, particularly on defense. They turned games into low-scoring battles by modern NBA standards, a surprising development from a team that finished just 21st in defensive rating. But they had no choice. Their poor finish to the regular season dropped them into a brutal first-round matchup against a deep, versatile Clippers squad.
The team from LA challenged Denver with a wide array of defensive schemes aimed at slowing down Nikola Jokic. They alternated between straight-up coverage with Ivica Zubac and small-ball lineups, allowing them to effectively swarm the Serbian big man with rotating primary defenders on Jokic, including Ben Simmons, Nicolas Batum, and even James Harden. That versatility kept Denver on its toes throughout the series.
On the offensive end, the Clippers leaned on star power. Harden delivered a vintage performance in Game 6, while Kawhi Leonard exploded for an incredibly efficient 39-point outing in Game 2. They also got good contributions from Norman Powell and Batum, who played pivotal roles throughout the series.
To survive that combination of star talent and depth, the Nuggets had to tighten their defensive rotations and raise their intensity. That started with vastly improved efforts from Christian Braun and Gordon, two of Denver’s best perimeter defenders who had been inconsistent throughout the regular season.
The Nuggets Finally Play Defense Again
A key development for Denver has been the emergence of Gordon and Braun as a formidable defensive tandem. Their ability to pressure the ball during hedges, especially from Braun, switch effectively, and stand their ground against formidable offensive threats like Leonard and Harden allowed Denver to regain their defensive identity. Pair that with a completely different level of defensive effort, especially from Jokic compared to the regular season, and it becomes clear why the Nuggets were able to slow down the Clippers in several games. That said, they weren’t flawless. Jamal Murray was often exposed on switches, particularly when matched up against Harden or Leonard. These low-resistance switches are something the Nuggets cannot allow against the Thunder when facing a different caliber offensive threat in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The Reemergence of Playoff Murray
Despite some promising signs early in the series, one major concern loomed over the Nuggets in Games 1 through 4. Murray didn’t look ready to fill the role of a dependable second option. His offense was erratic, and defensively, he became a frequent target for the Clippers’ stars. But everything changed in Game 5. Murray flipped the script with a dynamic performance, dropping 43 points and almost single-handedly carrying Denver to victory. The Nuggets’ ceiling rises or falls with Murray. If he maintains this level of play, the Nuggets are fully capable of taking down anyone in their path to their second championship in franchise history.
Bench X-Factors and Rotational Reality
This series also highlighted the importance of Denver’s bench, especially in contrast to the depth the Clippers brought. Batum was consistently impactful, and Bogdan Bogdanovic rebounded from a poor start in the series to nearly spearheading a 22-point comeback in Game 4. Denver relies heavily on its starters, most notably Jokic, but playoff success against top-tier teams demands energy and production from the bench. In the series against the Clippers, Russell Westbrook provided that crucial lift. It is no coincidence that their most dominant victories came in Games 5 and 7 when Westbrook was absolutely electric. Peyton Watson also showed encouraging flashes defensively and might be crucial in this upcoming series against the Thunder.
Looking Ahead: A Clash with the Thunder
Next up: Oklahoma City. Most analysts are leaning toward the 68-win Thunder, but there are reasons to believe Denver is well-prepared. The Clippers and Thunder share similarities—depth, athletic wings, and varied defensive schemes. One could argue the Clippers were better equipped to challenge Jokic, throwing length and physicality at him with Simmons, Batum, Derrick Jones Jr., and even Harden. Zubac also did one of the best jobs we have seen on Jokic in single coverage. The Thunder, by contrast, lack that same arsenal. Their best counter may be a dual-big lineup with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren, but its effectiveness against the three-time MVP remains to be seen.
What’s different in this upcoming series is that Jokic won’t always automatically be the best player on the floor. Gilgeous-Alexander is more than capable of outplaying the Serbian in several games. Against the Clippers, Denver could count on inconsistent nights from Leonard and Harden. Against the Thunder, that luxury may not exist.
Still, if this last series proved anything, it’s that the Nuggets have answers. Their path won’t be easy, but it’s far from impossible.
Photo credit: © Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
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