By winning their first-ever NBA championship, the Denver Nuggets have become the fifth different team to claim the title in the past five seasons. Crickex Login analysts point out that such a competitive balance is extremely rare in league history—the last time the NBA experienced this kind of power shift was back in the 1970s. After 42 years, the league is once again in a new Warring States era, sparked when Kawhi Leonard led the Raptors to dethrone the once-invincible Warriors.
Since then, the Warriors have faced setback after setback: Klay Thompson endured devastating knee and Achilles injuries, Kevin Durant left for the East, and although Golden State managed to win one more championship, the team no longer resembles its dynasty-era self. Other champions in this period—the Raptors, Lakers, and Bucks—also struggled to sustain their dominance. The Raptors lost Kawhi immediately after their title run, the Lakers were plagued by injuries and roster mismanagement, and the Bucks, despite remaining contenders, failed to repeat their success. This season, Milwaukee suffered a historic first-round upset at the hands of the Miami Heat.
But this time around, Denver’s situation feels different. After years of building and maturing, the Nuggets now appear to be a dominant force in the Western Conference. Looking back at this season, Denver spent most of the year atop the conference. While other teams were fighting tooth and nail for playoff spots, the Nuggets had already locked in their seed and started resting their starters.
In the first three rounds of the playoffs, Denver easily dispatched the Timberwolves, Suns, and Lakers. Their commanding sweep over the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals showcased a level of control that struck fear into the rest of the league. With a stable two-man core and long-term contracts in place, Denver looks primed for sustained success. Nikola Jokic, the two-time regular season MVP, capped his campaign with a Finals victory, cementing his place as the franchise’s greatest player.
Jokic’s humility and selflessness shone once again on the night of the championship win, proving why the Nuggets are committed to him for the long haul. As for Jamal Murray, Denver showed remarkable faith by sticking with him through more than a year of injury recovery. That trust paid off handsomely in this year’s playoffs. With two years remaining on his contract, and based on his stellar postseason performance, Murray is a strong candidate for an early extension.
Supporting players like Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are also locked in for the foreseeable future. Rookie Christian Braun just wrapped up his debut season and will remain on a team-friendly contract for another two years. This summer, only Jeff Green and Bruce Brown are set to become free agents. If Denver handles contract negotiations well, they could return next season with nearly the same roster that just lifted the trophy.
Beyond talent, team chemistry is a crucial asset for Denver. Right now, the locker room atmosphere is exceptional, and the players remain loyal to head coach Michael Malone. They’re not just teammates—they’re a unified squad committed to each other’s growth and success.
Playing alongside Jokic not only increases a player’s shot at winning a ring, but also provides the perfect environment to shine individually and raise market value. As Crickex Login observers note, building a dynasty is never easy. Winning the first title is a monumental step, but crossing the chasm to repeat and three-peat requires another level of resolve, strategy, and a bit of luck. Still, the Nuggets have laid the foundation—and they’re ready to chase greatness.