Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- denver_nuggets [2025/05/26 00:48]
eziothekilla34 created
+++ denver_nuggets [2025/05/28 03:15] (current)
eziothekilla34
@@ Line 4: / Line 4: @@
 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.[([[https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/sports-and-leisure/denver-nuggets|ebsco]])]
+===== ABA Beginnings =====
+The team began in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before joining the NBA in 1976 during the ABA–NBA merger.[([[https://www.britannica.com/topic/Denver-Nuggets|britannica]])]
+===== Name Change to Nuggets =====
+In 1974, the team was renamed the Nuggets to reflect Colorado’s mining history and to avoid confusion with the Houston Rockets.[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/3q2s5f/how_did_nba_teams_get_their_name/|reddit]])]
+===== 1976 ABA Finals Appearance =====
+The Nuggets reached the ABA Finals in the league’s final season (1976), but lost to the New York Nets.[([[https://www.thegoldnuggett.com/post/the-last-aba-runner-up-the-1975-1976-denver-nuggets|thegoldnuggett]])]
+===== Skywalker Soared =====
+David Thompson, known as “Skywalker,” was a Nuggets star in the 1970s and was once considered Michael Jordan’s idol.[([[https://deadline.com/2023/06/denver-nuggets-nba-meadowlark-documentary-david-thompson-1235417076/|deadline]])]
+===== High-Scoring History =====
+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).[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5123278/2023/12/13/nuggets-pistons-nba-highest-scoring-game/|nytimes]])]
+===== Dan Issel’s Legacy =====
+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).[([[https://m.facebook.com/BrimItUp/photos/dan-issels-aba-career-was-marked-by-remarkable-achievements-including-being-a-6-/692468326487150/|facebook]])]
+===== Doug Moe’s Run-and-Gun Style =====
+Coach Doug Moe popularized an up-tempo, high-scoring style of play in the 1980s, making Denver an offensive powerhouse.[([[https://www.nba.com/news/doug-moe-2018-chuck-daily-lifetime-achievement-award|nba]])]
+===== Mutombo's Upset Moment =====
+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.[([[https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nba/boston-celtics/how-jimmy-butler-no-8-heat-made-history-with-upset-of-no-1-bucks/208175/|nbcsportsboston]])]
+===== Dikembe's Iconic Celebration =====
+Dikembe Mutombo holding the ball on the floor and smiling after that upset is one of the most iconic NBA playoff images ever.[([[https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/nba/appreciation-dikembe-mutombo-a-basketball-hall-of-fame-player-had-impact-far-beyond-the-game/|seattletimes]])]
+===== Carmelo Anthony’s Arrival =====
+Drafted 3rd overall in 2003, Carmelo Anthony transformed the franchise and led Denver to the playoffs every year he played there.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1564813-timeline-of-carmelo-anthonys-journey-from-the-denver-nuggets-to-ny-knicks|bleacherreport]])]
+===== Melo’s 50-Point Game =====
+Carmelo Anthony once scored 50 points in a game without attempting a single shot in the paint — a rare feat.[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/155bgtj/prime_carmelo_anthony_scores_50_on_all_jumpers/|reddit]])]
+===== The Chauncey Billups Effect =====
+Denver native Chauncey Billups helped lead the Nuggets to the 2009 Western Conference Finals, their first since 1985.[([[https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2009/05/15/etc/Nuggets-down-Mavericks-earn-rare-trip-to-conference-finals/2904835.html|koreajoongangdaily]])]
+===== 2009 Conference Finals =====
+In 2009, the Nuggets came close to making the NBA Finals but lost in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers.[([[https://lakersnation.com/denver-nuggets-vs-los-angeles-lakers-playoff-history/|lakersnation]])]
+===== Nikola Jokić Drafted 41st =====
+The Nuggets selected Nikola Jokić with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft — during a Taco Bell commercial.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/nikola-jokic-never-eaten-taco-bell-iconic-nba-draft-moment|si]])]
+===== The Joker Emerges =====
+Jokić became the team’s cornerstone, eventually winning multiple MVP awards and leading the team to greatness.[([[https://www.reddit.com/r/sports/comments/1ksowom/nikola_jokic_makes_history_with_5th_consecutive/|reddit]])]
+===== Back-to-Back MVP =====
+Nikola Jokić won the NBA MVP award in 2021 and 2022, becoming the lowest-drafted player ever to do so.[([[https://www.nba.com/news/nikola-jokics-kia-nba-mvp-a-win-for-hoops-crazed-nations-outside-united-states|nba]])]
+===== Triple-Double Machine =====
+Jokić holds multiple records for triple-doubles as a center, redefining the position with his unique passing ability.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5963504/2024/12/05/nikola-jokic-triple-double-record-nba/|nytimes]])]
+=====  2020 Bubble Comeback Kings =====
+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).[([[https://sports.yahoo.com/nuggets-complete-second-straight-3-1-comeback-with-game-7-obliteration-of-clippers-033631811.html|yahoo]])]
+===== Historic 2023 NBA Championship =====
+The Nuggets won their first NBA Championship in 2023, defeating the Miami Heat in five games.[([[https://www.npr.org/2023/06/13/1181861566/nba-finals-denver-nuggets-miami-heat|npr]])]
+===== Finals MVP Jokić =====
+Nikola Jokić was named the 2023 NBA Finals MVP after averaging a triple-double in the series.[([[https://www.si.com/nba/2023/06/13/nikola-jokic-2023-nba-finals-mvp-nuggets-heat|si]])]
+===== Michael Malone’s Leadership =====
+Head coach Michael Malone became the second-longest tenured coach in team history and was instrumental in their 2023 title run.[([[https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/08/denver-nuggets-fire-head-coach-michael-malone/|cpr]])]
+===== Jamal Murray’s Playoff Prowess =====
+Jamal Murray emerged as a postseason star, especially in the 2020 and 2023 playoffs.[([[https://www.forbes.com/sites/joelrush/2020/07/22/more-consistency-from-jamal-murray-could-help-the-nuggets-make-a-deep-playoff-run/|forbes]])]
+===== The Ball Arena Home =====
+The Nuggets play at Ball Arena (formerly Pepsi Center), which they’ve called home since 1999.[([[https://www.ballarena.com/arena-information/about-ball-arena/|ballarena]])]
+===== Mile High Advantage =====
+At over 5,200 feet above sea level, Denver’s altitude can wear down visiting teams — a true home-court edge.[([[https://www.quora.com/Does-Denver-have-a-unfair-advantage-in-sports-due-to-the-high-altitude-Is-it-true-the-visiting-team-s-body-s-are-not-adjusted-to-the-high-altitude-making-it-harder-for-them-to-breath-than-the-home-team-s|quora]])]
+===== Record-Breaking Offense (2022-23) =====
+The Nuggets had one of the most efficient offenses in NBA history during their 2022–23 championship season.[([[https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/which-nba-teams-will-have-best-and-worst-offenses-this-season-projecting-where-all-30-squads-will-finish/|cbssports]])]
+===== Longest Win Streak =====
+The Nuggets’ longest winning streak is 15 games, achieved during the 2012–13 season.[([[https://www.landofbasketball.com/teams/stats/winning_streaks_nuggets.htm|landofbasketball]])]
+===== Rookie Jokić’s Transformation =====
+Jokić entered the NBA out of shape, but transformed into one of the most skilled big men of all time.[([[https://talksport.com/basketball/3173433/nikola-jokic-unrecognizable-denver-nuggets-clippers-nba-playoffs/|talksport]])]
+===== Ty Lawson's Speed =====
+Ty Lawson was one of the fastest players in Nuggets history and once recorded 10 steals in a game.[([[https://www.denverpost.com/2012/01/14/ty-chico-lawson-alter-ego-playing-star-roles-with-nuggets/|denverpost]])]
+=====  Alex English’s Scoring Prowess =====
+Alex English is the Nuggets’ all-time leading scorer with over 21,000 points — and one of the smoothest forwards in NBA history.[([[https://www.2kratings.com/alex-english-all-time-denver-nuggets|2kratings]])]
+===== English Led the 1980s in Points =====
+Alex English scored more points in the 1980s than any other NBA player.[([[https://www.nba.com/news/history-nba-legend-alex-english|nba]])]
+===== Kiki Vandeweghe’s Scoring Duo =====
+English and Vandeweghe formed a high-scoring duo in the early 1980s, both averaging over 25 points per game.[([[https://www.quora.com/What-are-all-the-duos-in-NBA-history-that-have-each-averaged-25-points-per-game-in-the-same-finals|quora]])]
+===== Fat Lever’s All-Around Game =====
+Lafayette “Fat” Lever was a triple-double threat in the late ’80s, averaging near double digits in points, rebounds, and assists.[([[https://bleacherreport.com/articles/642745-dunks-dimes-and-dishes-magic-johnson-and-each-teams-best-point-guard|bleacherreport]])]
+===== 1985 Western Conference Finals =====
+The Nuggets reached the 1985 WCF but were overpowered by the Showtime Lakers.[([[https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2086298/2020/09/23/thirty-five-years-later-alex-english-looks-back-on-1985-matchup-against-lakers/|nytimes]])]
+===== Issel's Jersey Retired =====
+Dan Issel’s No. 44 is retired by the team, honoring his long-term impact.[([[https://247sports.com/college/kentucky/longformarticle/kentucky-wildcats-basketball-246127822/|247sports]])]
+===== Nuggets Retired Numbers =====
+The Nuggets have retired several jerseys, including numbers for David Thompson, Alex English, and Dikembe Mutombo.[([[https://www.denverstiffs.com/which-former-member-of-the-denver-nuggets-will-have-their-jersey-retired-next-nba-carmelo-anthony/|denverstiffs]])]
+===== Altitude TV Dispute =====
+Nuggets fans dealt with years of local blackout issues due to a long-standing dispute between Altitude Sports and cable providers.[([[https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/altitude-comcast-reach-deal-broadcast-denver-nuggets-colorado-avalanche-games-ending-nearly-6-year-blackout/|cbsnews]])]
+===== Fan-Favorite Mascot: Rocky =====
+Rocky the Mountain Lion is considered one of the most entertaining and acrobatic mascots in professional sports.[([[https://mascothalloffame.com/mascots/rocky-the-mountain-lion/|mascothalloffame]])]
+===== NBA All-Star Host =====
+Denver hosted the NBA All-Star Game in 1984, where Larry Nance won the first official Slam Dunk Contest.[([[https://www.nba.com/news/history-slam-dunk-contest|nba]])]
+===== Record Playoff Appearances =====
+The Nuggets have made the playoffs in 30+ seasons, a testament to their consistent competitiveness.[([[https://www.forbes.com/sites/joelrush/2023/05/11/nikola-jokics-historic-playoff-performance-is-elevating-the-denver-nuggets/|forbes]])]
+===== Underrated Team Defense =====
+While known for offense, Denver’s 2023 title run was also fueled by a vastly improved defense.[([[https://www.theringer.com/2024/04/29/nba/denver-nuggets-title-defense-cracks|theringer]])]
+===== Bruce Brown’s X-Factor Role =====
+Bruce Brown was a vital glue guy in the 2023 championship run, coming up huge in clutch playoff moments.[([[https://nbarankings.theringer.com/rankings/bruce-brown|nbarankings]])]
+===== Aaron Gordon’s Versatility =====
+Aaron Gordon’s defensive versatility and physicality became crucial during the 2023 title season.[([[https://theplayoffs.news/en/aaron-gordon-contract-extension-3-years-133-million/|theplayoffs]])]
+===== Draft Gems Beyond Jokić =====
+The Nuggets have had draft success with players like Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, despite injury risks.[([[https://nugglove.com/nuggets-stuck-major-michael-porter-jr-problem-cant-fix|nugglove]])]
+===== International Impact =====
+The Nuggets have long embraced international talent — Jokić (Serbia), Nene (Brazil), and others contributed to globalizing the brand.[([[https://www.quora.com/Who-is-the-best-non-American-NBA-player-ever|quora]])]

User Tools

Site Tools

Differences

Page Tools