NBA Playoffs: Will the Denver Nuggets Manage a Deep Postseason Run?

If the regular season were to end as it stands, Denver Nuggets would finish third in Western Conference. And under current circumstances, it is very much a possibility.

With a 0.662 record, the Nuggets are behind the two teams from Los Angeles. After a strong playoff performance last season, the Nuggets will be aiming to compete deep in the post season.

Denver Nuggets playoffs History

Denver Nuggets came into the NBA in 1976 as one of the stronger sides at the time. They finished on top of the Western Conference in the first two seasons in NBA. Although they made it to the playoffs quite consistently, they are yet to win the league. They went through a phase without the playoffs in the late 90s that went into the new decade.

But since the arrival of Carmelo Anthony in 2003, the Nuggets managed to make it to the playoffs in each of the next ten seasons. However, they did not go past the first round in nine of those occasions. After 2013, they underwent a playoff drought for for five years.

For the 2018/19 season, the Nuggets had a change in fortunes with a change in  their logo and uniforms. They went till the conference semi-finals where they lost to Portland Trail Blazers. They will want to better the record in the current season.

Players to watch out for

Nikola Jokic

After leading the Nuggets to a successful last season, Nikola Jokic did not start the season on the same note. His performances were lack-luster to start the 2019-20 season. However, as the season went on, Jokic settled into it and made significant improvements in the seasons. The big man leads the Nuggets on both ends of the court and is one of the most important players in their lineup

Jamal Murray

In a strong defensive unit, Murray could be their go to man going forward. He has bettered his career numbers this season averaging 18.8 points, 4.8 assists, 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45.5% from filed goals and 34.5% from beyond the arc.

Denver Nuggets: Strengths

Defensively, the Nuggets are one of the strongest units in the NBA. According to oints conceded per game, their record is among the best. Also, they have a strong home record. Their record at the Pepsi Center reads 25-8. With a strong defence on their back, the Nuggets will look to hold their fort and play deep into the postseason.

Denver Nuggets: Weaknesses

While the Nuggets contain their opponents well on most occasions, their offense does not always back up by outscoring the opponents. They lack an X-factor who could lead the team in pressure situations. This trait becomes extremely important in the postseason and the Nuggets will hope someone will step up.