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NBA schedule reveal: Breaking down the Nuggets’ 10 must-see games – The Denver Post
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For the first time in franchise history, the Denver Nuggets will be the hunted. That’s the flip side of winning an NBA title. Following Thursday’s schedule release, we highlighted the most anticipated matchups. Get your popcorn ready and plan accordingly.
No. 10, Clippers at Nuggets, Nov. 14: At what point do the Clippers say to themselves, pairing Kawhi Leonard with Paul George simply isn’t good enough? The Nuggets own the Clippers. In four meetings last season, Denver swept the series. Ever since the Nuggets’ thrilling 3-1 comeback in the Bubble, it feels like there’s a psychological edge Denver’s earned. But given that it’s Los Angeles, with their ballyhooed roster and one charismatic point guard (Bones Hyland), we’re still going to watch.
No. 9, Pacers at Nuggets, Jan. 14: Denver’s biggest offseason loss was the departure of super-sub Bruce Brown, who, understandably, took the money. Despite teasing a return, no one from management to his teammates could fault him. And given what he did to contribute to the franchise’s first championship, it’s unlikely Brown will ever have to buy another beer in Denver again. His return should mark the date he gets his championship ring. And he’ll be celebrated regardless of the jersey he’s sporting.
No. 8, Nuggets at Celtics, Jan. 19: With the addition of Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s probably the pre-season favorite to come out of the East. And ever since the Nuggets’ rise, a crash-course against the Celtics for a championship has felt inevitable. Is this the year? The fact that both organizations are on similar timelines and have grown from within has imbued these matchups with just a bit more weight.
No. 7, Bucks at Nuggets, Jan. 29: Who’s the best player in the NBA? Is it Giannis Antetokounmpo, the most physically gifted guy in the league? Or is it Nikola Jokic, arguably the most cerebral player in the league? If this game previewed an eventual Finals matchup, absolutely no true NBA fan could be upset. The two European stars both came from humble beginnings to become behemoths in their respective ways. Fortunately this year, both meetings will feature both teams on full rest, which didn’t happen last season.
No. 6, Nuggets at Timberwolves, Nov. 1: An honest and fair question: Which individual player gave the Nuggets the most trouble during last year’s magical playoff run? If it wasn’t Anthony Edwards, then he’s at least in the conversation with LeBron James and Devin Booker as contenders. Without much help from his teammates, Edwards proved he’s going to be one of the most lethal players in the NBA for at least the next decade. Last April, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Aaron Gordon were both game for the challenge. But Edwards is coming.
No. 5, Nuggets at Suns, Dec. 1: The spice level between these two franchises has ratcheted up owing to playoff collisions in two of the past three seasons. Phoenix’s offseason addition of Bradley Beal adds to their formidable star power, but will it help elevate the Suns over Denver? Scoring, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, wasn’t exactly their problem. Defending and matching up with the Nuggets’ positional size may reveal a hurdle the Suns can’t overcome. Plus, Jamal Murray always seems to have a little extra for The Valley.
No. 4, Heat at Nuggets, Feb. 29: In fairness to Denver’s foe in the NBA Finals, Miami’s best player – Jimmy Butler – never looked fully healthy on the biggest stage. He gutted through five games before succumbing to Denver’s incessant and unrelenting offense. There didn’t appear to be much bad blood between the organizations, likely because Miami knew it was overmatched. But, rest assured, Pat Riley, Erik Spoelstra and Butler will have this date circled on the calendar.
No. 3, Nuggets at 76ers, Jan. 16: Last season, everything worked out organically. Philadelphia star Joel Embiid orchestrated a media swell, and it resulted in his first-ever MVP. Several time zones away, Jokic was taking laps in his pool and hanging out with his young daughter. Jokic essentially scoffed at the chance for three consecutive MVPs. And a few months later, he tore through the NBA playoffs, hoisting the only trophy that’s ever mattered to him. Without an MVP to chase anymore, maybe Embiid sets his sights on a different goal. But first, the embattled Sixers are going to have to take it from the reigning champions.
No. 2, Warriors at Nuggets, Dec. 25: It was only two years ago that the Nuggets, with then reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, were snubbed from the Christmas Day slate. A few things have changed since then, including how the NBA was forced to acknowledge the Nuggets as appointment viewing on their most visible day. This Christmas, the NBA gifted fans a showdown between the last two champions. With their contrasting styles and compelling stars, Golden State vs. Denver is always entertaining. When this era of basketball is over, perhaps Steph Curry and Nikola Jokic will both be described as superstars who changed the game.
No. 1, Lakers vs. Nuggets, Oct. 24: Ring night? Denver? Against the Take-that-L-on-the-way-out Lakers? The NBA schedule-makers cooked up a fantastic matchup to kick off the NBA season. Not only did these two teams collide in the Western Conference Finals — you might recall a humbling 4-0 sweep that sent LeBron James careening into the offseason — but there was all sorts of sizzle in the aftermath of that win. When James flirted with retirement after the Lakers’ Game 4 loss at home, momentarily taking the spotlight away from the Nuggets, you better believe Denver had little appreciation for his timing.
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