Denver Nuggets experience Western Conference growing pains

Ben Margot, The Associated Press Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, left, looks to pass the ball away from Denver Nuggets’ Gary Harris during the first half of an NBA basketball game Friday, March 8, 2019, in Oakland, Calif. 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…