The Denver Nuggets winning Game 7 in Oklahoma City on Sunday afternoon advances them to the conference finals and gives the Knicks homecourt throughout the remainder of the playoffs. Nobody expected that after New York struggled to defeat the top teams during the regular season, but they just bounced the defending champion Celtics in a playoffs defined by upsets. If Denver can pull off another, the Knicks get a massive edge.
Aaron Gordon’s status will play a massive role in the Nuggets’ chances. He is a crucial shot-maker and defender. Fans know Denver lacks depth, so missing Gordon would mean relying heavily on their inconsistent young talent in the biggest game of the year.
The Nuggets and Knicks could be on a collision course. The winner of Sunday’s Game 7 will be favored to win the West, and New York has all the momentum coming into their series against the Pacers. Both surprise runs could continue right into an NBA Finals matchup.
Nuggets can give Knicks’ homecourt throughout
Nikola Jokic led Denver to a championship in 2023, but nobody thought the franchise would be here after firing their head coach and general manager with just three games left in the regular season. It felt like a lost year, but having the best player in the world can make up for a lot of problems.
The Knicks are all-in on their starting five. Jalen Brunson has become a superstar and is flanked by a talent group. Karl-Anthony Towns did well slowing down the Joker in the 2024 playoffs for Minnesota. Jokic would certainly be amped to face New York in the finals and get some revenge on KAT.
Knicks fans will be rooting for the Nuggets in Game 7. Their crowd has been fantastic this season and would give New York a massive edge in the NBA Finals. The Knicks have to get there first. Any edge on this front is significant. The Nuggets have homecourt over Minnesota in the conference finals if they can knock out the Thunder. Winning in OKC is no easy task, but never count out Jokic.
The Denver Nuggets want to win a second ring with Nikola Jokic, and they have a fantastic chance in front of them. There are no guarantees moving forward. Look no further than Boston. The Celtics were favored to repeat before Jayson Tatum’s injury. The Nuggets need to seize this moment. It will help the Knicks, but Denver shouldn’t care. This is their chance and who knows how many are left with a prime Joker.