by Murat Karul
Confetti filled the air in Denver as jubilant celebrations erupted throughout the city. The seemingly impossible dream had become a glorious reality for the Nuggets as they passed around the NBA championship trophy. The hard-fought victory came in an ugly, frantic Game 5 against the Miami Heat, where Nikola Jokic once again proved his worth with a stellar performance of 28 points and 16 rebounds. As the game unfolded, it became evident that nothing was going according to plan for Denver, but Jokic’s resilience bailed out his teammates when nothing else seemed to work.
Jokic, who had already claimed two regular-season MVP awards in 2021 and 2022, was now honored with the prestigious Bill Russell trophy as the NBA Finals MVP. For him, this accolade held even greater significance than his previous individual achievements. Reflecting on the win, Jokic emphasized the team’s unity and the bond they shared, stating that their victory meant so much more because they played for one another.
The clinching game for Denver was a grueling battle. They struggled to shake off the tenacious Heat and were plagued by closing-night jitters. Their shooting was abysmal, missing 20 of their first 22 3-point attempts and several free throws. Despite holding a late seven-point lead, the Nuggets saw Jimmy Butler of the Heat go on a scoring spree, netting eight consecutive points to give Miami a one-point advantage with 2:45 remaining. However, the Nuggets found their footing when Bruce Brown secured an offensive rebound and made a crucial tip-in, reclaiming the lead for good.
With just 15 seconds left on the clock and trailing by three points, Butler attempted a game-tying 3-pointer but missed. Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope sealed the deal for Denver by sinking two free throws each, putting the game out of reach for the Heat. Butler finished the game with 21 points.
Although the contest was far from pretty, the aftermath was undeniably beautiful. Fireworks illuminated the sky outside Ball Arena as the final buzzer sounded. For the first time in the franchise’s 47-year history, the Larry O’Brien Trophy found its home in Denver.
The Miami Heat, led by coach Erik Spoelstra, had proven themselves as a gritty and tenacious team. However, their shooting performance was lackluster, with the team shooting only 34% from the field and 25% from beyond the arc. Until Butler’s late surge, he had struggled with his shot, converting only 2 of his 13 attempts for a total of eight points.
The Nuggets, known for their efficient shooting throughout the series, had a dismal shooting night, making just 18% of their 3-pointers. They also committed 14 turnovers and struggled to find their rhythm after Jokic and several key players found themselves in foul trouble early in the game. Despite these challenges, the Nuggets displayed their resilience, attacking their opponents relentlessly and finding a way to win even when the game deviated from their usual style of play.
Jokic expressed his joy at securing the victory, highlighting the unpredictable nature of basketball and the multitude of factors that influence the outcome of a game. He concluded by saying how happy he was that his team emerged victorious.
It felt almost poetic that an underrated second-round draft pick from Serbia, who was once considered chubby, would be the one to lead Denver to the pinnacle of the league. In a league often dominated by superstars and high draft picks, it was refreshing to see an unheralded player like Jokic shine and bring glory to the Nuggets.
Throughout their nearly five-decade existence, the Nuggets had remained a beloved underdog in the NBA, entertaining fans with their rainbow-adorned uniforms and colorful characters on the court and bench. However, they had always fallen short against bigger stars and stronger teams from other regions of the country. This season, they changed their narrative by making it to the NBA Finals, joining the San Antonio Spurs as the only two original ABA teams to capture the league’s ultimate prize. The other two ABA teams, the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets, have made it to the finals but failed to secure the championship.
The Nuggets’ success can be attributed to the blossoming of Jokic into a versatile force on the court. Even before this game, he had achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first player in NBA history to record 500 points, 250 rebounds, and 150 assists in a single postseason. However, despite their accomplishments, the Nuggets remained relatively underappreciated, with their location in a peculiar time zone and flyover territory possibly contributing to their lack of national recognition.
In a town that has traditionally been passionate about football, particularly the Broncos, this victory holds significant meaning. While it may not overshadow the iconic moment when John Elway led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl victory in 1998, it certainly stands alongside the team’s triumph. It represents a moment of triumph for all the Nuggets players who had fallen short in the past and were overshadowed by more glamorous teams and star players.
For the first time in their history, the Nuggets shine brighter than anyone else in the NBA. The team’s owner, Stan Kroenke, expressed his gratitude towards the incredible fans in the city, emphasizing the significance of this achievement to the entire organization.
The confetti may have settled and the celebrations might fade, but the memory of the Nuggets’ historic triumph will forever be etched in the hearts of their fans. This victory signifies the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and the unwavering belief that the underdog can rise above the rest.
