The Denver Nuggets are building momentum for a 2027 title push, entering the offseason on a three-game winning streak highlighted by a 136-119 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, 2026. Their recent form shows promise, with wins over Golden State and Phoenix following a tough stretch. But the core question remains: can this group, led by Nikola Jokic, return to championship contention after three straight seasons without a Western Conference Finals appearance?
Nikola Jokic is the foundation. He might not be the consensus best player anymore, but he's still the NBA's premier offensive engine. His ability to elevate teammates is unmatched. The starting lineup, featuring Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, posted a stellar +12.9 net rating last regular season. When healthy, that group has the firepower to overwhelm any defense in the West.
Health is the big if. Aaron Gordon's injury hampered the Nuggets in last year's playoffs, and Jamal Murray struggled to find his 2023 form. If both are at full strength, Denver's offense becomes a nightmare. The offseason additions of DeMar DeRozan and Marvin Bagley III aim to bolster a bench that lost key pieces like Peyton Watson and Tim Hardaway Jr. DeRozan brings scoring punch, while Bagley offers frontcourt depth.
Defense is the major concern. The playoffs demand grinding stops, and Denver hasn't shown it can consistently get them. They've lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves twice and the Oklahoma City Thunder once in the last three postseasons. Teams like the Spurs and Thunder operate on a different defensive level.
Even with a healthy Gordon, matching up with those elite Western Conference defenses is a tall order. The Nuggets' system relies heavily on outscoring opponents. When the game slows down in a playoff series, that approach has vulnerabilities. Their 125-93 loss to Oklahoma City in May 2025 exposed those defensive limitations.
The team's recent results are a mixed bag. After that heavy loss to the Thunder, they bounced back with a 119-107 win two days later. This season, they've shown resilience, fighting for a 125-123 road win in Phoenix on March 25, 2026. But a 125-118 loss in Memphis on March 19, 2026, reminded everyone of their inconsistencies.
Right now, they're on a positive run. The 136-119 win against Memphis and a 116-93 rout of Golden State demonstrate their high ceiling. The core of Jokic, Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. Is intact. The success of the new bench pieces will be important for a deep playoff run.
Improvement must come on the defensive end. The personnel might need a tweak, or the scheme requires adjustment. Containing elite perimeter scorers and protecting the paint without sacrificing offensive flow is the puzzle head coach Michael Malone must solve. Another factor is Jamal Murray recapturing his clutch playoff performances. He's capable of being a top-tier guard, and the Nuggets need that version in May and June.
The Western Conference is brutal. Oklahoma City and San Antonio are young, deep, and defensively sound. Minnesota remains a tough matchup. Denver's path involves handling this gauntlet, which they haven't done since 2023. Their offense, centered on Jokic's genius, gives them a chance against anyone. But turning that chance into a fourth NBA Finals appearance will require a level of defensive grit they haven't consistently shown.
