Many of the best games this past regular season had to offer went down in the Pepsi Center. From buzzer beaters against OKC, to the miracle against Milwaukee, Denver made the jump from underrated watch to league pass darlings. Despite missing the playoffs by one game for the second straight year, multiple major outlets showed them serious love in their preseason rankings. By all accounts, they are expected to end their playoff drought next season. The conversation around the Nuggets has changed.
This team has reached the peak of loveable underdog status—a position that’s objectively enjoyable as a member of a fan base, but one that is short-lived.