The Nuggets have tried to tell us they’re real contenders for each of the last two seasons, even if the public wasn’t willing to listen.
Jamal Murray appeared offended at the consideration that Denver wasn’t a true Finals threat, and Mike Malone has expected nothing but superstar production and effort from Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets were treated as an enjoyable secondary story, a pleasant surprise after a few dormant years. Those expectations are now shattered, and the Finals are within reach. So does Jokic and Co. have what it takes to dethrone LeBron and the Lakers?