The Denver Nuggets return to Oklahoma City with the series tied at 2-2, which isn't a bad position against the team that many picked to win it all. The Nuggets aren't satisfied, though. Why would they be? The job isn't done yet. It isn't time for Nikola Jokic to go home.
Denver isn't looking ahead to what might be next, but fans are. The Timberwolves won Game 4 against the Warriors on Monday to take a 3-1 series lead. Given that Steph Curry isn't expected to play in Game 5, Minnesota could finish the series with a win on Wednesday. The Nuggets could face the Timberwolves in the playoffs (again), but this time, in the Western Conference Finals.
Want to take it a step further? The Celtics and Cavaliers entered the playoffs with the highest odds to represent the East in the NBA Finals, but both teams are down 3-1 in their respective series. Indiana could end Cleveland's season as soon as Tuesday night, while New York could do the same to Boston on Wednesday. The Pacers and Knicks could square off in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Let's make one thing clear — nothing comes easy in the playoffs. However, there could be a more favorable path for whichever team wins the Nuggets-Thunder series.
Beating the Thunder is the toughest hurdle Nuggets can clear in playoffs
Denver will still need to pick up eight more wins to win its second title in three years if it eliminates Oklahoma City, but its most challenging series will be in the rearview. The Timberwolves have been a thorn in the Nuggets' side the last couple of years; however, they traded away one of their stars who played an instrumental role in beating Denver last postseason: Karl-Anthony Towns.
Does that mean the Nuggets would cruise past the Timberwolves? No, Julius Randle is playing the best basketball of his career. Anthony Edwards exists. Minnesota knows Denver well (maybe too well). It'd give Denver a prime opportunity to avenge its loss to Minnesota last season, though, with more on the line this go-around.
Nuggets fans wouldn't have to worry about clashing with what looked like an unstoppable Celtics team with a trophy on the line. Barring a miracle, Boston will join the list of recent champions to get eliminated in the second round.
Nobody thought Denver would have a real chance to make it past the second round, much less out of the West, after Michael Malone was fired with three regular-season games left. The Nuggets are in a better position than anyone expected, but the work isn't over. The pressure is on, so it's a good thing that Denver knows a thing or two about performing when the lights are at their brightest.