OAKLAND, Calif. – There are growing pains to greatness.
Michael Jordan and LeBron James both lost before they won. So did the dynastic Warriors, who Friday offered the latest referendum on the chasm between themselves and the ascendant Denver Nuggets.
Though the No. 1 seed may have technically been on the line, there was no question about the hierarchy in the Western Conference. Golden State has three titles in four years; this era of Denver basketball has yet to reach the postseason.
“They’ve won championships, we’re not near that yet,” said Will Barton hours before the humbling 122-105 defeat.