Who Were Last Year's NBA Champions and How Did They Achieve Victory?
I still remember watching that pivotal Game 4 of the NBA Finals last year, where the Denver Nuggets essentially sealed their championship fate. As someone who's analyzed basketball for over a decade, I've rarely seen a team execute with such precision when it mattered most. The Nuggets' journey to their first-ever championship wasn't just about talent—it was about overcoming years of playoff disappointments and finally putting together a complete postseason run.
That moment in Game 4 against Miami perfectly encapsulated their championship DNA. When the Heat threatened to make it a competitive series after stealing Game 2, Denver responded with absolute authority. I recall watching Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray dismantle Miami's defense with such surgical precision that the game felt over by halftime. The lead ballooned to as much as eight and had Miami coach Erik Spoelstra searching for answers early, a sight we rarely see from one of the league's most brilliant tactical minds. What impressed me most was how Denver maintained that pressure throughout the second half, never letting Miami within striking distance despite Jimmy Butler's heroic efforts.
Looking at their statistical dominance throughout the playoffs, Denver posted a historic 16-4 record, including a perfect 10-1 at home. Jokic averaged 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the Finals—numbers that barely capture his impact on both ends. But what the stats don't show is the psychological warfare Denver waged. They systematically broke down every opponent's strength, from outlasting Phoenix's offensive firepower to completely neutralizing LeBron James and the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. I've always believed championship teams need that killer instinct, and Denver displayed it consistently.
The roster construction deserves particular praise. While Jokic rightfully earned Finals MVP, the supporting cast of Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr., and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope provided the perfect complementary skills. Gordon's defensive versatility against opposing stars was something I hadn't seen since prime Draymond Green, while Caldwell-Pope's perimeter defense and timely shooting gave them that two-way wing every champion needs. What often gets overlooked is how GM Calvin Booth reshaped this roster after trading away players like Bones Hyland—moves that many questioned at the time but ultimately created better chemistry and defensive cohesion.
Their offensive system revolutionized how I think about modern basketball. The Jokic-Murray two-man game operated with such seamless chemistry that even when defenses knew what was coming, they couldn't stop it. Denver led all playoff teams in assists at 28.4 per game while shooting an efficient 48.9% from the field. Watching them dissect switches and traps felt like observing a master class in offensive execution. I've studied countless championship teams, but Denver's ball movement and player movement created advantages in ways I hadn't seen since the peak Spurs teams.
Defensively, they transformed from a regular-season middle-of-the-pack unit to an elite playoff defense. Their ability to protect the rim while still contesting perimeter shots demonstrated incredible discipline and preparation. They held opponents to just 106.8 points per 100 possessions in the Finals, a remarkable improvement from their regular-season numbers. Having watched them struggle defensively in previous postseasons, this transformation spoke volumes about their growth and coaching staff's adjustments.
The human element shouldn't be underestimated either. Jokic's journey from second-round pick to franchise cornerstone represents one of the best draft stories in NBA history. Murray's return from ACL surgery to championship form showed incredible mental fortitude. And coach Michael Malone, who I've followed since his Sacramento days, finally got the recognition he deserved after years of building this culture. These personal narratives added layers to their championship that went beyond basketball.
Comparing them to recent champions, what stood out to me was their sustainability. Unlike teams that relied on superhuman individual efforts or historic shooting streaks, Denver's victory felt repeatable because of their systematic approach and prime-age core. While I typically favor teams with overwhelming athletic advantages, Denver proved that basketball IQ and chemistry can be just as dominant.
Reflecting on their championship run, it's clear Denver mastered the balance between offensive artistry and defensive grit. They peaked at the perfect time, stayed remarkably healthy, and adapted to every challenge. In my analysis, their victory represents one of the most complete team performances in recent memory, blending individual brilliance with collective execution. The Nuggets didn't just win a championship—they provided a blueprint for sustainable success in the modern NBA, proving that system and synergy can overcome flashier approaches. Their victory last year wasn't just deserved—it felt inevitable to those of us watching their gradual ascent.