The Denver Nuggets stormed to the 2024 NBA playoffs after a strong showing during the regular season. Their outstanding record of over 50 wins on the year brought them a #2 seed in the very tough Western Conference. Only the upstart, youthful Oklahoma City Thunder emerged from the long regular season with a better record. The Nuggets, beloved in the mountainous city of Denver, Colorado, referred to by many as the “mile high city” seemed destined for a possible repeat title after going all the way to become world champions of the NBA in 2023.
Leading the Denver Nuggets in 2024 was the solid core of amazing talents on a roster that was unstoppable the previous season. King among all this talent is the center of them team, and always high on the list of nba mvp odds, is Nikola Jokic. Standing at over seven feet tall with a near eight foot wingspan, Jokic dazzled audiences and deflated opponents with his offensive onslaught. His smooth, deliberate shooting stroke devastated the rim from deep behind the 3-point-line, while his soft, deft touch around the basket led to many nights of scoring the basketball at will. The NBA has rarely, if ever, encountered a big man that can drop long and close range shots through the hoop at such a prolific pace.
Another key to the Nuggets’ big season is the dynamic point guard Jamal Murray. Rising ever since a long-term injury had him sidelined, the shifty player always hit the big shot while guiding the team night in and night out against high-flying opponents. On the downside, Murray appeared to twist an ankle in the playoffs, which seemed to hobble the usually lighting-fast dribbler.
Another irreplaceable cog in the Nugget’s 2024 season was forward Aaron Gordon. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, Gordon has been a steady force for the Nuggets over the past several years. His long range shots from deep frustrated smaller perimeter defenders as he shot close to 40%. Making his opponents more perplexed is his ability to drive to and finish at the basket. His clutch ability to come up with buckets in crunch situations helped keep the Nuggets on top most of the season.
However, Nikola Jokic is the best player on the Nuggets, and he won the NBA MVP of the Year in 2024 to back up his win in 2023 to top off that championship season. This back-t0-back dominance was called into question by many observers and pundits who thought handing him the trophy for a second year in a row was unwarranted.
Jokics’ chief rival over in the Eastern Conference for the NBA MVP crown in the 2024 season was Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, who had a stellar season. Embiid proved he can rival Jokic’s scoring acumen. Standing well above 7 feet tall, the Philly big man can stroke a three pointer with the best of them. Adding to his arsenal is a deadly mid-range game that many players simply cannot match in today’s game of long shots and flashy dunking heroics. This is not to say that Embiid could not dunk – the man can ferociously slam the orange ball through the rim like a mad man on crack. His performances in some games, scoring over 50 points, that led him to consideration to win the NBA award were nothing short than worthy of hall of fame consideration. But he fell short due to injuries and the 76ers faded in the standings, although they did make the playoffs. Had he stayed healthy and kept his team higher in the standings, Embiid definitely would likely have been the NBA MVP in 2024.
However, in the Western Conference, Jokic had to contend with the enigmatic Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers. Although that team was led by the all-timer LeBron James, Davis was the engine that drove the sports car that is LAL. Although injury prone, Davis is nearly unstoppable around the rim. His crushing dunks, flawless layups, and mid-range game make him a threat every time the Lakes race down the court on offense. Bullet passes from James into a fast break leading Davis nearly always result in two points after a rim-rocking slam for the men in purple and gold. But, then there is his defense. Davis blocks shots at an alarming pace, making opposing offenses feel discouraged and hopeless. His long length and quickness cause steals and disrupt the flow of nearly any team. After winning the team mid-season title, the Lakers were marching up the standings and Davis was heavily-considered a top contender for MVP. However, a rocky ending to the season and quick bounce in the playoffs doomed his chances of a crowning MVP.
All-in-all, Jokic was able to put together a stellar 2024 season and lead his team into the playoffs. He was a deserving MVP even as his team struggled against the up-and-coming Minnesota Timberwolves, led by a possible future MVP, Anthony Edwards.