Was it bad that the Denver Nuggets were eliminated early?

2 of 3

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets lies on the floor after getting hit in the eye against the Golden State Warriors in the first quarter during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena on 24 Apr. 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The Denver Nuggets were able to keep the core healthy

Nikola Jokic has been in the top ten in minutes played in both the regular season and postseason.

Additionally, the Denver Nuggets have made a deep playoff run three out of the past four years. In between those playoff runs there were shortened off-seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The last time Denver didn’t make a deep playoff run was the 2017-18 season when the Nuggets lost the win-or-go-home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

So getting Jokic some much-needed rest would be beneficial for this team moving forward. Knowing what Nikola had to go through this past season to carry this team to the playoffs without two of Denver’s core players and win back-to-back MVP awards.

Some time off is well-deserved for the MVP.

When we talk about Michel Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, we talk about them needing to be healthy. Having a longer offseason to be able to get back in the gym work on their games and rest will only further benefit the two.

The Nuggets choosing not to rush Murray and Porter back was always much better for their future.

Home/Nuggets News