Game 7s are nothing new for these Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have played in six Game 7s, while the likes of Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun have played in a couple already.
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder could only count Shai Gilegeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein as its players with Game 7 experience, with Hartenstein’s experience coming from his time with the New York Knicks.
In this Game 7, though, experience wasn’t the best teacher.
Things were looking good for the Nuggets during the early portion of Game 7 as Jokic and Braun were able to guide Denver to a 26-21 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the Thunder seemed to be feeling things out in the opening quarter as they proceeded to land haymakers in the second and third quarters that essentially put the Nuggets away for good.
Nevertheless, this is still a season that Denver can look to as somewhat of a success. Their solid 2024-2025 campaign was marred by a late-season coaching change that could have thrown the Nuggets to the wayside, but they endured. Jokic remained a sensational force, while Gordon became a savant in the clutch. It was clear that championship experience was difficult to deny.
Denver was banged up at this point, as Gordon was playing through a strained left hamstring while Porter Jr. was dealing with a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder. Both were clearly laboring on the court and were shells of themselves, but by now, every team has their fair share of injuries.
The offseason should allow the Nuggets to reset, but to what degree is the looming question between now and opening night in October. Not only does Denver have no selections in the 2025 NBA Draft, but they are also over the salary cap, thus limiting their options. Aside from Rusell Westbrook, none of their pending free agents played significant minutes in the postseason so they can pursue cheaper options if need be.
However, they would have to assess those left behind, with a particular emphasis on Jokic. His tone has been different compared to recent seasons, and the events of this current campaign seemed to have taken its toll on the three-time NBA MVP.
The Nuggets front office must make a concerted effort to retool around Jokic because despite his at times dry demeanor, the 30-year old remains eager to win. Hiring a permanent general manager is a good start, because savvy moves would be needed to impress a savvy superstar like Jokic. It’s unlikely he will look elsewhere for now, but their efforts will let him know how all-in they are, unless of course, they pull a Luka Doncic on him.
For now, though, the Denver Nuggets can sit back and process the emotions of being on the wrong end of a Game 7. It’s been a tough season to say the least and given all the highs and lows, a beer (or two or maybe even three) would be great right now for them. https://x.com/ohnohedidnt24/status/1924241634046189919?s=61
