Nuggets: The Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals: The window to compete for the championship is still there, but strengthening is imperative

The Denver Nuggets performed well in the 2024-25 season. The following comprehensive evaluation of the team from multiple angles:

1. Overall record and ranking

The Nuggets ended with a record of 50 wins and 32 losses in the regular season this season, ranking fourth in the Western Conference, and the same record as the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, only 1 game ahead of the Minnesota Timberwolves. They secured a playoff spot after defeating the Houston Rockets on April 13, entering the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, showing steady competitiveness. In the playoffs, the Nuggets narrowly defeated the Clippers 4-3 in the first round, and Aaron Gordon's key dunk in Game 4 became the highlight, but lost 3-4 to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round, failing to go further.

2. Key events and lineup changes

Management and coach changes: On April 8, the Nuggets announced the firing of head coach Michael Malone and decided not to renew General Manager Calvin Booth. This decision sparked heated discussion at the end of the season and may have an impact on the team's morale and future plans.

Draft and Trade: The Nuggets selected Ryan Dunn with the 28th overall pick in the 2024 draft, but sent the first and second round picks (28th and 56th overall) to the Suns through a trade in exchange for Daron Holmes II and future draft picks. However, Holmes torn the Achilles tendon in the summer league and was reimbursed for the season, which hit the team's depth in the interior. In addition, the team signed former MVP Russell Westbrook but lost reliable shooter Kentavius ​​Caldwell Pope, which affected the outside defense and three-point firepower.

Historical Moment: On March 7, Nikola Jokic scored 30+20+20 in the game against the Suns, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve this data, demonstrating his dominance.

3. Highlights of the team's performance

Nicola Jokic's dominance: Jokic's performance this season is phenomenal, winning second in the MVP vote (second only to Thunder's Shay Kyrgyz-Alexander), with a comprehensive and efficient average of data. He is not only the team's offensive core, but also demonstrates his leadership temperament in key games.

Jamal Murray's scoring explosion: Murray continued to improve in the eighth season, with outstanding scores per game, becoming another major firepower point on the Nuggets' offensive end.

New aid contribution: Westbrook averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 assists, 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game, integrating into the team faster, and despite missing some games due to hand surgery, it still brought vitality to the bench. The addition of Dario Salic also strengthens the depth of the bench.

4. Existing problems

Defensive end decline: After losing Caldwell Pope, the Nuggets' outside defense has been significantly weakened, and they exposed their shortcomings when facing fast offensive teams such as the Thunder. The loss against the Thunder in the second round of the playoffs showed insufficient defensive intensity, especially when it was difficult to limit the opponent at critical moments.

insufficient lineup depth: Holmes' injury and unstable performance of some role players make the Nuggets look stretched when facing injuries or rotations. The scoring and defensive contribution of the substitute lineup has declined compared to last season.

Management turmoil: The departure of Malone and Booth may lead to uncertainty in the tactical system and signing strategies, and the adaptation period of new coaches and managers may affect performance next season.

5. Fans and media comments

The Nuggets have received widespread attention this season due to Jokic's historic performance and tough playoff performance, but management changes and playoff defeats have also raised doubts. The media believes that the Nuggets still have the potential to compete for the championship, but they need to strengthen their defensive end and lineup depth, especially in the increasingly fierce competition in the West. Fans are looking forward to Jokic's dominance and Westbrook's joining, but are divided on management's decisions and future directions.

6. Summary:

The Nuggets in the 2024-25 season maintained their position as a strong Western Conference team under the leadership of Jokic, with a stable record in the regular season and showed resilience to defeat the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs. However, management changes, key player loss and injury issues limit the team's upper limit, and the second round loss to the Thunder exposed the deficits of defense and depth. If the new management team can effectively strengthen during the offseason and solve the transition issues of the coaching team, the Nuggets are still expected to return to the championship ranks in the future.