The Denver Nuggets are coming off their second consecutive Western Conference semifinals loss, and they’re determined to rebound in 2025-26.
The Nuggets fell in seven games to the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, who went on to capture the NBA title. In response, Denver has retooled its roster, bolstering its second unit and acquiring Cameron Johnson in exchange for Michael Porter Jr.
With Denver’s productive offseason coming to a close soon, the team will aim to maximize three-time MVP Nikola Jokic’s prime. The sky is the limit for Denver this season, and the club appears ready to get its revenge in a star-studded West.
MORE: Nikola Jokic earns praise from Hawks’ Kristaps Porzingis after EuroBasket clash
Aaron Gordon sounds off on Thunder
Aaron Gordon, who sustained a Grade 2 left hamstring strain in Game 6 against the Thunder, recently made an appearance on NBA Today and was asked if his injury altered the outcome of the series.
“Listen, I don’t believe in the coulda, shoulda, woulda, them youngins are right, but we’re coming right back around,” Gordon said.
Gordon was limited in Game 7 and logged just 24 minutes in the 125-93 loss. While Denver took an early lead, the Thunder ran away with the win-or-go-home matchup in the final three quarters.
Still, the Nuggets were the only team in the Western Conference to force a Game 7 against the eventual champions. Depth proved to be an issue, however, and the front office addressed it by signing Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., trading for veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas as well.
With Jokic leading the way and a stronger supporting cast around him, Denver has all the pieces to make significant noise this season. Still, the road to the NBA Finals runs through the Thunder, setting the stage for another potential playoff clash between the two teams.
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