The Denver Nuggets are building momentum for a key 2026-27 campaign, entering Nikola Jokic's contract year on a five-game winning streak. Their most recent victory was a 128-118 win over the San Antonio Spurs on April 13, 2026. Since their 2023 championship, Denver has suffered three straight playoff disappointments, making a return to the NBA Finals by 2027 a primary objective. Jokic has indicated he plans to re-sign, but the team's recent postseason struggles highlight areas needing immediate improvement.
A healthy Aaron Gordon is non-negotiable. His absence has been a major reason for the team's playoff failures. Gordon connects everything for Denver on both ends of the floor. The Nuggets badly missed him during their 2024 second-round loss to Minnesota, where they blew a huge Game 7 lead. He was also limited in their 2025 seven-game series defeat to Oklahoma City. When Gordon is on the court, he's one of their best individual defenders and the key to their team defense. Offensively, his cutting and spacing create opportunities for Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. His presence changes the entire dynamic.
Jamal Murray must rediscover his 'Playoff Murray' form from the 2023 title run. Jokic had a disappointing 2026 postseason, but Murray's drop-off was more severe. After making his first All-Star team and posting career regular-season numbers, he vanished in the playoffs. He averaged 23.7 points on just 35% shooting from the field and 26% from three-point range. Compare that to his regular-season averages of 25.4 points on 48% FG and 43% from three, or his 2023 playoff line of 26.1 points on 47% FG and 39% from three. Murray is the team's primary shot creator. Jokic gets his numbers, but he relies on Murray to generate and make difficult shots. When Murray is hitting them, Denver becomes a completely different, and far more dangerous, team.
The Nuggets' strong finish to the 2025-26 regular season provides a foundation. Their recent form shows five wins and zero losses (WWWWW). This run included decisive victories like a 127-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 11 and a 136-119 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9. They also edged the San Antonio Spurs 136-134 on April 4 and handled the Golden State Warriors 116-93 on March 30. This positive stretch stands in contrast to their playoff exit, a 125-93 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 18, 2025.
Denver's playoff path has been blocked by consistent issues. The 2026 first-round loss to Minnesota in six games was particularly tough, as the Timberwolves were without Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards late in the series. The 2025 loss to Oklahoma City was competitive but still a defeat. The 2024 collapse against Minnesota, surrendering a large Game 7 lead, remains a painful memory. These exits point to a need for greater resilience and execution under pressure. Limited offseason changes mean internal improvement from the core is essential. Jokic remains the engine, but the supporting cast must raise its game when it matters most. The margin for error in the Western Conference is slim.
Nikola Jokic's impending free agency adds another layer to this season. While he has given assurances about staying, performance on the court will dictate the future. The front office must demonstrate a commitment to building a contender around him. For the Nuggets, the formula is clear but difficult to execute. Keep Aaron Gordon on the floor. Unleash a consistent, efficient Jamal Murray in the postseason. Let Jokic be Jokic. If those three things happen, their current winning form could translate into a deep playoff run. The goal isn't just to make the playoffs; it's to get back to the summit they reached in 2023. The clock is ticking, and the Western Conference isn't getting any easier.
