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Zero. Zilch. That's how many championships the Denver Nuggets have won since entering the NBA in 1977. For such a wonderful sports town- that zero is some real tough medicine. There has been plenty of highs in Denver in past decades. From appearing and losing the NBA Finals in just their third NBA season; to having real promise with the Melo-AI-JR trio that took the Nuggs deep in the West under George Karl. Now they have had growing promise under Mike Malone- as they try to make a deep run, end in galore.
Denver had missed the playoffs for 5 consecutive seasons, with three being under Mike Malone, but Coach Malone and the Nuggets have reached the Western Conference Semis or better in the past 4/5 seasons (one 1st RD exit); including a Conference Finals appearance in "The Bubble"- giving the Denver hopeful major league anticipation for that dreaded first championship. The new age Nuggets are building that championship core around a special superstar that has electrified the NBA since debuting.
I briefly mentioned Melo- who is one of the more iconic names that comes to mind when you start talking All-Time Nuggets. Denver has had plenty of superstars & rare talent across their history. Alex "The Blade" English. David "Skywalker" Thompson. Carmelo Anthony. Dikembe.
So many great performers and baller personas. But in 2016, the Nuggets adored the arrival of one of; if not; the most unstoppable players currently in the world of Basketball: "The Joker" Nikola Jokic.
Boy, has he elevated the franchise. Jokic has revolutionized the Center position in the modern era with elite level passing; spacing; and basketball IQ. We saw Shaquille O'Neal dominate the Center position using raw strength; power; and explosiveness. Jokic has dominated the position in a whole other way. Jokic can score- anywhere. Jokic can pass better than any guard. Jokic can defend any position. Jokic is simply one of the more rare and elite talents to ever step onto the NBA's hardwood. Back to back MVP award winner with already the second-highest Player Efficiency Rating of all-time behind Michael Jordan. He does it all. But, right now he is doing it all in the biggest moments of the NBA Playoffs. Denver is feelin' Mile High as they are all in on Joker and co.
Jokic has been unreal thus far in the Playoffs- posting ridiculous numbers as the Nuggets are continuing to climb towards The Finals. Joker went best in the world on the Suns' asses in the Second Round. Booker and Durant showed up like Captain America and Iron Man against a Thanos fueled Jokic; but Jokic did NOT care as he played out the scene just like Thanos: whoopin the scoring duo straight to Cabo. Big baller energy. The target is locked and set on Denver and Jokic's head. Luckily for Nikola- he isn't the only player stepping up in the Playoffs for Denver.
"Playoff P" the dumb nickname referring to Paul George was complete silliness. George proved it. Now, if we want to metaphorically nickname a player "Playoff **" then lets be realistic and name it "Playoff Jamal" cha heard. That's right. Playoff Jamal- because Jamal Murray is a damn stud when the lights are bright in the NBA Playoffs and is proving so time and time again. Murray doesn't just play "great" in the Playoffs- the cat plays like a whole different player. By different- I mean he multiplies his game and does it in the clutch time. Murray has the most 20-point 4th quarters in the playoffs of all-time. He joins Steph Curry as the only players to have five 20-point quarters in NBA Playoff history. Murray is one of the scariest heat waves in the world. When he is hot from the field- he is HOT. The numbers speak loud and clear:
I wasn't kidding about him multiplying his game. I was speakin' fact. The crazy thing? His superstar teammate; Jokic; has the second highest increase of all-time with a +7.0 differential. If their play doesn't speak clutch to you- then you are just a fool. They flip a whole 'notha switch when the playoff lights are a shine.
This dude Murray plays in the playoffs like Undertaker wrestles at WrestleMania. We have felt this energy before: Hoodie Melo; 3AM Kobe; China Marbury; Flu MJ and of course Angry Bron. Now we officially have: Playoff Jamal. Eat that Paul George. If Murray keeps poppin' off then the Nuggets go to the Finals. Plain and simple. Nuggs are up 2-0 on the Lakers in the Conference Semis. We know damn well Jokic won't slow down. I am telling you- if Jamal Murray keeps this play up: the Denver Nuggets will not only make the Finals; they will win The Finals. There won't be any rest for the wicked as we know Bron won't go down without swinging. There's also a strong chance they face a Compound V Jimmy Butler in the championship. Time to pack a punch again- you know Murray and Jokic are up for the task.
Denver fans, the hype is real. There is true light in that championship tunnel. In the Joker's hands you prosper. Buckle up lads, you might just be gettin' your parade on. All eyez on you.
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