The franchise was originally named the Denver Larks when it was founded in 1967, but the name was quickly changed to the Rockets before their first season.1)
The team began in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before joining the NBA in 1976 during the ABA–NBA merger.2)
In 1974, the team was renamed the Nuggets to reflect Colorado’s mining history and to avoid confusion with the Houston Rockets.3)
The Nuggets reached the ABA Finals in the league’s final season (1976), but lost to the New York Nets.4)
David Thompson, known as “Skywalker,” was a Nuggets star in the 1970s and was once considered Michael Jordan’s idol.5)
The Nuggets once scored 186 points in a single game in 1983 — still one of the highest-scoring games in NBA history (against the Detroit Pistons in triple OT).6)
Dan Issel is a Nuggets legend, both as a player and a coach. He retired with over 27,000 career points (NBA and ABA combined).7)
Coach Doug Moe popularized an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play in the 1980s, making Denver an offensive powerhouse.8)
In 1994, the 8th-seeded Nuggets upset the 1st-seeded Seattle SuperSonics in the playoffs — the first time an 8-seed beat a 1-seed in NBA history.9)
Dikembe Mutombo holding the ball on the floor and smiling after that upset is one of the most iconic NBA playoff images ever.10)
Drafted 3rd overall in 2003, Carmelo Anthony transformed the franchise and led Denver to the playoffs every year he played there.11)
Carmelo Anthony once scored 50 points in a game without attempting a single shot in the paint — a rare feat.12)
Denver native Chauncey Billups helped lead the Nuggets to the 2009 Western Conference Finals, their first since 1985.13)
In 2009, the Nuggets came close to making the NBA Finals but lost in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers.14)
The Nuggets selected Nikola Jokić with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft — during a Taco Bell commercial.15)
Jokić became the team’s cornerstone, eventually winning multiple MVP awards and leading the team to greatness.16)
Nikola Jokić won the NBA MVP award in 2021 and 2022, becoming the lowest-drafted player ever to do so.17)
Jokić holds multiple records for triple-doubles as a center, redefining the position with his unique passing ability.18)
Denver became the first team in NBA history to come back from 3–1 deficits in two consecutive playoff series (vs. Utah and the Clippers).19)
The Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in 2023, defeating the Miami Heat in five games.20)
Nikola Jokić was named the 2023 NBA Finals MVP after averaging a triple-double in the series.21)
Head coach Michael Malone became the second-longest tenured coach in team history and was instrumental in their 2023 title run.22)
Jamal Murray emerged as a postseason star, especially in the 2020 and 2023 playoffs.23)
The Nuggets play at Ball Arena (formerly Pepsi Center), which they’ve called home since 1999.24)
At over 5,200 feet above sea level, Denver’s altitude can wear down visiting teams — a true home-court edge.25)
The Nuggets had one of the most efficient offenses in NBA history during their 2022–23 championship season.26)
The Nuggets’ longest winning streak is 15 games, achieved during the 2012–13 season.27)
Jokić entered the NBA out of shape, but transformed into one of the most skilled big men of all time.28)
Ty Lawson was one of the fastest players in Nuggets history and once recorded 10 steals in a game.29)
Alex English is the Nuggets’ all-time leading scorer with over 21,000 points — and one of the smoothest forwards in NBA history.30)
Alex English scored more points in the 1980s than any other NBA player.31)
English and Vandeweghe formed a high-scoring duo in the early 1980s, both averaging over 25 points per game.32)
Lafayette “Fat” Lever was a triple-double threat in the late ’80s, averaging near double digits in points, rebounds, and assists.33)
The Nuggets reached the 1985 WCF but were overpowered by the Showtime Lakers.34)
Dan Issel’s No. 44 is retired by the team, honoring his long-term impact.35)
The Nuggets have retired several jerseys, including numbers for David Thompson, Alex English, and Dikembe Mutombo.36)
Nuggets fans dealt with years of local blackout issues due to a long-standing dispute between Altitude Sports and cable providers.37)
Rocky the Mountain Lion is considered one of the most entertaining and acrobatic mascots in professional sports.38)
Denver hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1984, where Larry Nance won the first official Slam Dunk Contest.39)
The Nuggets have made the playoffs in 30+ seasons, a testament to their consistent competitiveness.40)
While known for offense, Denver’s 2023 title run was also fueled by a vastly improved defense.41)
Bruce Brown was a vital glue guy in the 2023 championship run, coming up huge in clutch playoff moments.42)
Aaron Gordon’s defensive versatility and physicality became crucial during the 2023 title season.43)
The Nuggets have had draft success with players like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, despite injury risks.44)
The Nuggets have long embraced international talent — Jokić (Serbia), Nene (Brazil), and others contributed to globalizing the brand.45)