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MUST READ: The Nuggets’ Top 10 Rivalries from 2016

By Tim Hart

Jan 13, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) guards Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 13, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) guards Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 112-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 27, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

1 – Oklahoma City Thunder

The games played against the Oklahoma City Thunder were, individually and collectively, some of the absolute worst for the 2015-16 Denver Nuggets’ season.

While most games in the four-game series started off well fought, the second halves never looked to pretty for the Nuggets, who, to their credit, never backed off on their physical efforts, even when the games were clearly out of reach.

These games, ugly as they were, brought out a viscous physicality that can only be the start of a great rivalries. Coming particularly from highly physical play between big-men, the Nuggets vs. Thunder match-ups were old school and aggressive. Even the guards got into it, and it is worth noting that Russel Westbrook is speculated to have a personal vendetta against the Nuggets, after an alleged back-and-forth with the Nuggets’ mascot “Rocky”. He certainly played hard, averaging about 9 rebounds, 11 assists, and 21 points each time they met.

Now, with Durant and Ibaka gone, and Westbrook’s free-agency undecided, this rivalry may never again see its day; but still, the Denver Nuggets were handed rough defeat after rough defeat, and will surely be looking for redemption against the Thunder Organization in the 2016-17 season, regardless of OKC’s roster.

must read: Prediction: Each Nuggets 2k17 Rating

If Westbook stays in OKC, along with big-men Adams and Kanter, the inevitable Nuggets vs. Thunder match-ups will just be all the more brutal. You can expect some seriously physical basketball to break out when these two teams meet. Get your popcorn stocked up.

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