The Denver Nuggets have been eliminated from the playoffs. They fell in six games to the Minnesota Timberwolves in what was an injury-plagued first-round playoff season. Several players were not available because of injuries, including Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson.
In the final game of the regular season, the Nuggets beat the Spurs. Had they lost that game, they would have faced the Houston Rockets in the first round. Instead, they won the game, ensuring they would take on the Timberwolves in the opening series.
Cameron Johnson was asked after the game if that was a smart move. His response was one of incredulity.
GettyDenver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson shoots the ball. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
Cam Johnson Says Nuggets Winning Final Game was not a Problem
After the game, Johnson was asked about that decision to win the final game. Johnson was not having it.
“By winning? Because we wanted to win? As players, you’re always going to try to win. If you’re talking about San Antonio specifically, we have a group of guys that were playing that are fighting for their careers, fighting for their lives. No, they’re never going to lay down. It’s not about seeking a matchup. For us, it’s about winning the games that come our way.”
Johnson refused to say that winning that game was a mistake. In fact, he gave credit to the players who fought to emerge victorious in that matchup.
“For everybody that stepped up in that San Antonio game, I give them credit. Two-way guys, guys that hadn’t seen as much playing time, it means something to them. The guys that won that game, if we’re talking about San Antonio specifically, did not have Minnesota on their mind to seek a matchup.”
Winning that game isn’t the reason why the Nuggets weren’t able to beat the Timberwolves. Poor offense was the reason they couldn’t win. Denver had the 11th-best offense out of 16 playoff teams after having the best offense during the regular season.
GettyDenver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic drives the ball. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Denver is Headed for an Offseason of Change
The Nuggets will be facing an offseason that requires change. Firing Michael Malone doesn’t seem like such a smart idea at this point. David Adelman didn’t do any better than Malone did a year ago. Some fans would like to see Adelman go after just one year.
Figuring out a way to bring more defensive-minded players at the wing position is going to be key for them, as well. Christian Braun was supposed to be that player, but he was terrible in this series. To make matters worse, his five-year $125 million contract extension kicks in next year.
Denver has to find a way to better help Nikola Jokic. He is still one of the best players in the NBA, but he has to get some help. Figuring out a way to play better defensively is going to be their path to getting back into title contention.
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