When it mattered most, the Denver Nuggets showed why they’re the defending NBA champions. With a resounding Game 7 victory, the Nuggets flexed their championship pedigree and punched their ticket to the Western Conference Semifinals, silencing any doubts about their ability to repeat as title contenders.
Facing a fierce and resilient opponent, the Nuggets left no room for a dramatic finish. From the opening tip, Denver played with urgency, physicality, and focus. Their intensity on both ends of the floor set the tone early, and they never looked back. The final score may have confirmed the win, but it was the complete team effort and dominance throughout all four quarters that told the real story.
At the center of it all—as expected—was Nikola Jokić. The reigning Finals MVP delivered a vintage performance, controlling the game with his elite playmaking and soft touch around the rim. He finished with a triple-double, orchestrating the offense like a conductor. Whether it was dissecting double-teams with pinpoint passes or calmly knocking down mid-range jumpers, Jokić reminded everyone why he’s one of the most unguardable players in the league.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Jamal Murray came to life in a way fans have come to expect from “Playoff Murray.” His combination of shot-making and clutch gene was on full display, especially in the third quarter when the Nuggets blew the game open. Murray attacked the basket with aggression, hit timely threes, and brought the home crowd to its feet with a series of momentum-swinging plays.
Defensively, Denver was equally impressive. They smothered the opposing offense with disciplined rotations and active hands. Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope took on the toughest perimeter assignments and made life miserable for their matchups. The Nuggets’ interior defense, anchored by Jokić and Michael Porter Jr.’s improved rim protection, erased easy looks and dominated the glass.
Perhaps most encouraging for head coach Michael Malone was the bench production. The Nuggets’ second unit, often criticized for inconsistency, brought energy and physicality. Players like Christian Braun and Reggie Jackson gave the starters valuable rest without allowing the opponent to gain any ground—a crucial factor in surviving a Game 7 grind.
The win not only advances Denver to the next round, but it also sends a message to the rest of the Western Conference: the Nuggets are still the team to beat. They’ve battled adversity this season—from injuries to depth concerns—but when the pressure peaked, they responded like champions.
Up next is a tantalizing semifinal matchup against a battle-tested foe. But with Jokić playing at an MVP level, Murray locked in, and the supporting cast clicking, the Nuggets look poised for another deep playoff run. They didn’t just survive Game 7—they owned it.
Denver’s quest to go back-to-back is alive and well. And after a performance like this, no one should be surprised.
