The Denver Nuggets are 2-0 since returning from the All-Star break and sit second in the Western Conference. Here are five reasons they are for real.
After defeating the Detroit Pistons handily 115-98 at home on Feb. 25th, the Denver Nuggets became the fourth team to reach 40 wins this season (they were also joined by the Boston Celtics later in the night). According to legendary coach Phil Jackson, true contenders win 40 games before losing 20, and with a 40-18 record the Nuggets have accomplished this feat.
As a testament to Jackson’s theory, since 2000 only two teams have won a championship despite losing 20 games before winning 40. Most recently, the 2005-06 Miami Heat reached 20 losses while only having 30 wins. In fairness, however, they did then win 10 straight games and held a 40-20 record, scarcely missing out on Jackson’s definition of a contender. The only other championship team this century to lose 20 before winning 40 was the 2003-04 Pistons who had 33 wins when they lost their 20th game.
Even going back to the NBA-ABA merger, the only champions to not meet Jackson’s criteria were the 1998-99 San Antonio Spurs who went 37-13 in the lockout-shortened season (and thus were on pace), the 1994-95 Houston Rockets (35 wins at their 20th loss), the 1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics (34 wins at 20th loss), the 1977-78 Washington Bullets (24 wins at 20th loss), and the 1976-77 Portland Trail Blazers (35 wins at 20th loss).
To put it simply, while winning 40 games before losing 20 certainly does not guarantee a championship, the 40 before 20 group is excellent company to be in as the overwhelming majority of teams that win a chip do follow Jackson’s theory. Besides the fact that the Denver Nuggets have met Jackson’s criteria, here are five (other) reasons they are for real.