Former NBA guard Jeff Teague
believes the Denver Nuggets remain the team to beat in the Western
Conference – and he didn’t hesitate to put a prediction on
it.
“I’m going to be honest, if
Jokic and them are fully healthy, they are going to 4-2 OKC,”
Teague said in a recent podcast. “They already took them to seven
games last year and they were not healthy with some injuries here
and there. I really like this Denver team this year.”
Teague’s confidence isn’t coming
out of nowhere. There’s real substance behind his take, especially
considering how Denver has looked this season and how much
continuity remains from its championship core.
Nikola Jokic is once again
playing at an MVP level, averaging a near triple-double while
putting up historically efficient numbers. His command of the
offense continues to be the foundation of everything Denver does,
and when he’s healthy, the Nuggets’ ceiling rises to championship
level.
Jamal Murray, meanwhile, may
finally earn his long-awaited All-Star selection. He’s averaging
career highs across the board and remains the ideal No. 2 option
next to Jokic, perfectly complementing Denver’s read-and-react
style with his shot-making and playmaking.
Around them, Denver’s supporting
cast has quietly taken meaningful steps forward. Aaron Gordon has
improved as a three-point shooter while continuing to provide
physicality, toughness, and elite off-ball movement. Christian
Braun, fresh off a contract extension, has developed strong
chemistry with Jokic. Cam Johnson, brought in to replace Michael
Porter Jr., has seamlessly filled his role as a spacer and cutter,
maximizing his impact without disrupting the offense.
Off the bench, free-agent
additions Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas have
given Denver reliable depth, shoring up areas that were tested
during last year’s postseason run.
Perhaps the biggest revelation
this season has been Peyton Watson. His growth on both ends of the
floor has been noticeable, and with Jokic missing time, Watson has
stepped up offensively, giving Denver another viable option and
further stabilizing the rotation.
When you combine roster depth,
continuity, and elite chemistry, it’s easy to see why Teague views
the Nuggets as Oklahoma City’s biggest obstacle. If Denver stays
healthy, they may very well be the Thunder’s toughest challenge in
the race to return to the Western Conference Finals – and possibly
punch another ticket to the NBA Finals.
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