RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The team was founded as the Denver Larks in 1967 as a charter franchise of the American Basketball Association (ABA), but changed their name to Rockets before the first season. The Rockets then changed their name again to the Nuggets in 1974. After the name change, the Nuggets played for the final ABA Championship title in 1976, losing to the New York Nets.
The team has had some periods of success, qualifying for the ABA Playoffs for all seasons from 1967 to the 1976 ABA playoffs where they lost in the finals. The team joined the NBA in 1976 after the ABA–NBA merger and qualified for the NBA playoffs in nine consecutive seasons in the 1980s and ten consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2013. However, they have not made an appearance in the NBA Finals since their last year in the ABA; as such, they are also the only one of the four surviving former ABA teams to have never reached the NBA Finals.
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Denver Nuggets • Thompson/English/Mutumbo vs Iverson/Carmelo/Jokic - 3-on-3 Blacktop Simulation
A 3-on-3 Blacktop Sim game where the Denver Nuggets' legends of different eras collide. On one side, we've got the dynamic trio of David Thompson, Alex English, and Dikembe Mutombo, each a star in their own right, representing the Nuggets' past. Thompson, known for his high-flying dunks and scoring prowess in the 70s and early 80s, English, the smooth-shooting forward who dominated the 80s, and Mutombo, the defensive stalwart of the 90s. On the other side, we have the modern Nuggets' icons - Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, and Nikola Jokic. Iverson, the electrifying point guard who had a brief but impactful stint with the Nuggets in the late 2000s, Anthony, the scoring machine who was the face of the franchise from the mid-2000s to early 2010s, and Jokic, the versatile center who's been making waves in the NBA today. This game provides a unique opportunity to see how these different generations of Nuggets' stars would match up against each other.
You're about to witness a virtual face-off between the 2006 Miami Heat and the 2008...
2006 Miami Heat vs 2008 Denver Nuggets Simulation / You're about to witness a virtual face-off between the 2006 Miami Heat and the 2008 Denver Nuggets, two teams with their own unique stories in NBA history. The 2006 Miami Heat, led by Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O'Neal, was a team that clinched the NBA championship that year, boasting a potent mix of veteran savvy and youthful athleticism. Wade, in particular, had a standout performance in the finals, sealing his reputation as a clutch player. On the other side of the court, the 2008 Denver Nuggets were a strong contender in the Western Conference. With Carmelo Anthony at the helm, the team was known for its high-scoring offense. They didn't win the championship that year but made it to the playoffs, showcasing their competitive spirit. This simulation game is sure to be an exciting match-up, offering a glimpse into what might have happened if these two teams, each at their prime, had faced each other.
On May 2, 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers faced the Denver Nuggets in Game 6...
1977 NBA Semi-Finals Game 6 - Portland vs Denver - Radio Broadcast / On May 2, 1977, the Portland Trail Blazers faced the Denver Nuggets in Game 6 of the NBA Semi-Finals, a pivotal moment in what was becoming an increasingly competitive series. The Trail Blazers, led by Bill Walton, were in the midst of a season that would ultimately see them capture their first NBA Championship. This particular game took place against a backdrop of high expectations and intense playoff atmosphere, with the Trail Blazers seeking to capitalize on their home court advantage to close out the series. Denver, featuring key players like David Thompson and Dan Issel, aimed to extend their playoff run by forcing a seventh game. The matchup was not just a test of talent but of strategies and resilience, as both teams were known for their strong defensive play and efficient scoring.
The game unfolded with a series of runs by both teams, reflecting the tight competition that had characterized their previous encounters that season. Portland's ability to control the tempo and leverage Walton’s inside presence was crucial, while Denver relied on their fast-paced offense to keep the pressure on. This game was indicative of the evolving NBA, where a more dynamic and physically demanding style of play was beginning to take center stage, setting the tone for future developments in the league.
