(sabasports report) At one point, the Nuggets had a better than 80 percent chance of advancing to the Western Conference Finals, but they suffered a 45-point drub in the G6, the second-biggest margin of loss in playoff history. Despite building a 20-point lead in the first half of the game, the Nuggets were eliminated 98-90 by the Timberwolves, denying them their second straight title. The defeat reveals five important facts.
Nikola Jokic played 46 minutes in the tiebreaker, Posting 34 points, 19 rebounds, seven assists and one block. For the playoffs, he averaged 28.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 8.7 assists while shooting 54.5 percent from the field.
Despite Jokic’s best efforts, the Nuggets failed to complete a second straight title, largely because of the ups and downs of team building and key players. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. were in flux, Aaron Gordon and Murray were facing contract extensions, and the bench was thin.
Kevin Durant’s SUNS were swept in the first round by the Timberwolves, who, despite being ridiculed by the outside world, were a testament to their depth.
With the Nuggets out, no team in the past six years has completed two consecutive titles. This season’s champion will go to the Pacers, Celtics, Timberwolves or Mavericks, and the NBA will usher in a new situation of six championships in six years.
With veterans like LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry out of the game, A new generation of stars like Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Tyrese Haliburton and Anthony Edwards rose but lacked absolute dominance.