2025 NBA Playoffs: Denver Nuggets’ Performance

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The 2025 NBA Playoffs highlighted the unrelenting spirit of the Denver Nuggets, showcasing their grit through dramatic wins, heart-stopping moments, and a fierce determination to compete against the best in the Western Conference. Representing Colorado, the Nuggets entered the playoffs as the 4th seed, facing formidable opponents and delivering unforgettable performances. 

From Aaron Gordon’s last-second heroics to their clash with the top-seeded Thunder, every moment defined the team’s resilience and connection with the passionate Colorado fan base. 

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Securing the 4th Seed in the Western Conference

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The Denver Nuggets entered the 2025 NBA Playoffs as the 4th seed in the Western Conference. Their regular season finish reflected a strong campaign that positioned them among the most dangerous contenders. The team battled through tough matchups all season long to earn their place in the playoff bracket, setting the stage for a challenging run.

Their playoff seeding was the product of consistency across 82 games, putting them in a prime position to face the 5th-seeded Los Angeles Clippers. Home-court advantage in four of the seven games was a direct result of this ranking and proved crucial in the first round.

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Opening Series Versus Los Angeles Clippers

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In the first round, Denver was pitted against the Los Angeles Clippers, igniting a series that turned into one of the most intense showdowns of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. All seven games were tightly contested, with momentum shifting back and forth in dramatic fashion.

One of the defining moments came in Game 4, when Aaron Gordon secured a 101–99 win with a historic buzzer-beating putback dunk. His emphatic slam over two defenders not only tied the series 2–2 but electrified fans and became a highlight across national broadcasts. It instantly entered the Nuggets’ playoff history as one of their greatest clutch moments.

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Aaron Gordon’s Game 4 Dunk

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Aaron Gordon’s Game 4 dunk was more than just two points, it was a momentum-shifting moment that prevented the Clippers from taking a commanding 3–1 series lead. With the clock expiring, Gordon flew in from the baseline, outjumped two Clippers big men, and hammered the ball through the rim to beat the buzzer and deliver a 101–99 victory.

The shot stunned both the opposing bench and the Ball Arena crowd. That dunk immediately trended across social media, with analysts and fans alike calling it one of the most explosive finishes in recent playoff memory. The series was officially reborn.

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Game 7 Triumph to Advance

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After six fiercely competitive games, the series was deadlocked at 3–3 heading into Game 7. Denver entered the decisive battle with confidence and urgency. Behind a cohesive team effort, the Nuggets delivered a commanding performance, securing the series win with a 120–101 final score.

The 19-point margin reflected their dominance on both ends of the court. Key contributions from Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. helped the team eliminate the Clippers and advance to the Western Conference Semifinals. Denver fans celebrated a hard-fought series victory that solidified the Nuggets as legitimate title threats.

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Semifinal Clash With Oklahoma City Thunder

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The Western Conference Semifinals saw the Nuggets go toe-to-toe with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder. A series brimming with talent, tactics, and high-stakes moments pushed both teams to their absolute limits. Denver’s defensive discipline and offensive movement kept the games close.

Each team took turns trading wins through six games, setting up another dramatic Game 7. Despite Denver’s aggressive play and sharp rotations, the Thunder managed to clinch the final game, ending the Nuggets’ playoff campaign. The loss was hard-fought and respectful, with fans acknowledging the Nuggets’ admirable effort in taking the top seed the full distance.

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Nikola Jokić’s All-Around Excellence

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Nikola Jokić, the team’s undisputed anchor, was at his dominant best throughout the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Averaging 26.2 points, 12.7 rebounds, and eight assists per game, Jokić’s triple-threat efficiency was the stabilizing force behind Denver’s success.

In nearly every playoff game, Jokić orchestrated the offense from the high post, made crucial defensive stops, and stepped up in crunch-time moments. 

Whether it was dishing dimes out of double-teams or muscling inside for contested buckets, his court IQ and composure elevated everyone around him. He remained the emotional and tactical leader of the franchise during their playoff charge.

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Jamal Murray’s Offensive Fireworks

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Jamal Murray once again showed his flair for the playoffs. With multiple 30+ point performances, his most iconic outing came during Game 5 of the first round when he dropped 43 points. That performance marked his sixth 40+ point playoff game, a franchise record that underlines his playoff pedigree.

Murray’s deep shooting, midrange mastery, and timely drives made him a constant problem for defenses. He provided the ideal scoring complement to Jokić’s playmaking and took over several quarters when the offense needed a spark. His performance solidified his status as one of the NBA’s elite playoff performers.

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Full Team Effort Behind the Stars

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Beyond the big names, Denver’s playoff run was also driven by its supporting cast. Michael Porter Jr. provided reliable perimeter shooting, while Russell Westbrook and Christian Braun stepped into defensive roles and timely shot-making duties. The bench was dependable, providing key minutes that helped the starters stay fresh deep into games.

Westbrook orchestrated the second unit. The synergy between units kept the team balanced, preventing opponent runs and ensuring that the Nuggets could weather momentum swings in every series.

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Stats Recap of the Playoffs

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Across all playoff games, the Denver Nuggets averaged 107.0 points per game while surrendering 111.9 points to their opponents. They shot 44.6% from the field, while their three-point efficiency hovered at 34.7%, indicating moments of hot and cold perimeter shooting.

While rebounding and ball control remained strengths, turnovers occasionally proved costly in close contests. Despite this, Denver’s offensive rating stayed among the top half of the playoff teams. Their balanced output showcased a team that could hang with anyone but just fell short against the Thunder’s depth and late-game execution.

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The Ending and What Comes Next

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The elimination at the hands of Oklahoma City marked the end of a compelling playoff story for the Nuggets. Still, the team exits with pride, having gone toe-to-toe with the West’s top team and narrowly missing a shot at the Conference Finals. The playoff experience gained will be vital for younger players and staff alike.

Denver now enters a crucial offseason with the intention to retool, retain key talent, and make another strong run in 2026. With Jokić and Murray leading the charge and a hungry core behind them, the foundation is firmly set for redemption and a deeper run next year.

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