Fansided

5 reasons the Denver Nuggets can win the NBA Championship

By Baasil Ebrahim

DENVER, CO - APRIL 3: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during. He game against the San Antonio Spurs on April 3, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 3: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during. He game against the San Antonio Spurs on April 3, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 10: Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after making a three over Andrew Wiggins (22) of the Minnesota Timberwolves to take the lead with 31 seconds left during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 99-95 win on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 10: Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after making a three over Andrew Wiggins (22) of the Minnesota Timberwolves to take the lead with 31 seconds left during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 99-95 win on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

2. Ability to get clutch wins

Last night’s victory against the Timberwolves showcased the Nuggets ability to get clutch wins. It took a late Jamal Murray 3-pointer to win the game, but this is something the Nuggets are used to. The Nuggets led the NBA in clutch wins and clutch win percentage this year. The big moment doesn’t scare this team, so when the game is on the line, they will not shy away from taking and making the big shot.

The Nuggets net rating in clutch minutes is +12.9, a mark only beat by the Clippers and Pacers, both of whom have formidable first-round matchups. Compare that +12.9 to the +4 that they have averaged for the full season and it is no surprise that the Nuggets win clutch games. As the stakes get higher, their level of play rises to the occasion. Again, they do it the right way, by increasing the intensity of their defense. They have the best defensive rating the in the league in clutch minutes, making it incredibly difficult for opponents to get back into the game as the clock is winding down.

This experience in clutch minutes means that any lack of playoff experience should not be a major hindrance to the Nuggets. This stage doesn’t scare them.

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