The reigning NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets, extended their dominance by being the first team in the Western Conference to secure a postseason spot with a 130-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite being without their second-best player, Jamal Murray, the Nuggets continue to demonstrate their next-man-up mindset, with the others filling the void successfully. The Nuggets hit a milestone, but no celebrations were held. Instead, they were focused on bigger things.
Denver enjoyed one of its stronger offensive performances on Sunday afternoon, scoring 130 points for the tenth time this season. In the process, they set a season best for three-pointers with 21, shooting 63.6 percent from the field.
Despite their overall superb play as a team, the Nuggets showed no signs of content. Michael Malone, head coach, addressed the media, reassuring them of the team’s approach.
“It was not our goal this year to make the playoffs. We have a bullseye on our back. We are the current world champions, and our ambition is to repeat.” – Michael Malone
The Nuggets have made it clear that they are focused on winning the franchise’s second NBA championship. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope disclosed that the team chose not to attend the usual team trip to the White House in order to focus on securing the conference’s top seed.
However, Malone made it clear that winning a postseason berth is still a goal that “each team strives for” since it represents “sustained success.”
Denver has the Western Conference’s longest active postseason streak, spanning six years. Despite having one of the world’s best players, Nikola Jokić, the team’s success can be attributed to its exceptional depth.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Denver Nuggets
The Cavaliers are in no way a bad team. They are presently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and have been playing excellent basketball of late. Donovan Mitchell played his second game after returning from injury, and the club is now fully healthy.
Regardless of these factors, the Nuggets dominated decisively, delivering a message to the entire league.
In terms of domination, much of the conversation around the league has been about the Boston Celtics’ performance. However, the Nuggets demonstrated one of many methods to overcome you, and Caldwell-Pope played a key role in this victory.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Statistics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
Caldwell-Pope scored 22 points and nailed six three-pointers, setting a season record.
Along with his strong scoring productivity, he was an excellent defender, limiting Mitchell to 13 points on 3-12 shooting from the field. Caldwell-Pope has been a team leader and emphasized the significance of this victory.
“Tonight, we really demonstrated who we are. Just getting after it defensively, rebounding, and making baskets, that’s Nuggets basketball.” – Kentavious Caldwell Pope.
Caldwell-Pope was not the only player who stepped up. Reggie Jackson continued to prove his worth, scoring 19 points and making all five three-pointers. Jackson was a non-rotational player throughout last season’s championship run, but he has since developed into one of coach Malone’s most trusted players on the squad.
Nikola Jokić, the Nuggets’ two-time NBA MVP, continued his impressive performance with 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists. Since Joel Embiid’s injury, Jokić has been the leading contender for the MVP title this season.
Malone couldn’t stop praising his superstar for taking on the role of a leader.
“It explains why [Jokić] will be a three-time MVP…” It demonstrates his maturity, leadership, accountability, and ownership, all of which are qualities that genuinely great players possess. – Michael Malone
The Nuggets have seven games remaining and are at 52-23. They finished 53-29 last season and won the NBA championship, and they’ve only improved this season.
This squad plays a free and disciplined type of basketball, making them one of the league’s most intimidating opponents. Denver is gaining momentum as the postseason approaches and has set itself up for another lengthy run.