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What Would it Take for the Denver Nuggets to Win it All?

Who said the Nuggets were losing in round one without Jamal Murray? They were able to get past Portland in six games. They have a tough task in the Phoenix Suns now.

The team is good enough to go all the way. We’re about to tell you why.

Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets grabs a rebound in front of Robert Covington of the Portland Trail Blazers
Steve Dykes/Getty Images/AFP

Where They Currently Stand

The Nuggets bounced Blazers and Damian Lillard in the first round. And then they watched the Lakers fall short without Anthony Davis against the Suns. And this sets up an exciting 2-3 battle in the West. It is a series that is bound to be a lot of fun.

When you have the league MVP averaging 32 points per game in the first round, you’re probably going to win. And that is exactly what happened for the team in Colorado.

Injury Concerns

While Murray is out for the season due to a knee injury, Denver is still dealing with two short-term injuries. PJ Dozier remains out indefinitely, while Will Barton is close to a return. Barton was not around for the team during their conference finals run in 2020 but is likely to try and contribute this time.

Barton is a solid scoring option who can defend well. Dozier is somebody they have for defense and him not being there is vital. He played some big minutes against the Lakers in the conference finals a season ago.

Path to The Finals

The Jazz will face off with the winner of Mavs-Clippers. And regardless of which team pulls it out, the second-round matchup will be filled with scoring. Defensively, only one team has a player that has the potential to neutralize Jokic. And it’s Rudy Gobert.

If the Jazz make it to the conference finals, they will be a tough out. Denver has to beat the Suns before they can even think of that, though. DeAndre Ayton has been very good for the team in the playoffs and will be the new challenge for Jokic. Whereas Nurkic fouled often, Ayton is a little bit more reserved defensively.

Anything can happen, and now that the team has made it round two, it’s clear that they have something special happening here.

Odds of Victory

Prior to advancing past Portland, Denver’s odds of winning the West were set at +1000. Those are pretty accurate, as it is a bit of an uphill battle for them at this point. As good as they have looked, they have some flaws.

After a 22-point first-quarter last night, Michael Porter Jr. finished the game with 29 total points, and zero in the second half. He was actually benched in favor of JaMychal Green in the clutch. That is very telling of their situation. They have talent all-around, but it isn’t always guys locked in when it matters.

Jokic is elite. They have solid players around. But, if they don’t figure out the defense, there will be no title.

If they can make the Finals, Brooklyn would have a nightmare with Nikola. Milwaukee may stick Giannis on him.

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