Who Were Last Year's NBA Champions and How Did They Achieve Victory?

I still remember watching Game 6 of the 2023 NBA Finals with that mix of anticipation and nostalgia that comes when you know you're witnessing something special. The Denver Nuggets were closing in on their first championship in franchise history, and what struck me most wasn't just their victory, but how they achieved it. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've seen plenty of teams with superstar talent fall short because they lacked that cohesive system. The Nuggets demonstrated something different - a masterclass in team construction and strategic execution that I believe will be studied for years to come.

That early series moment where their lead ballooned to as much as eight points and had Miami searching for answers perfectly encapsulated their entire playoff run. I've always believed that championship teams reveal their character in these critical stretches, and Denver's ability to establish early control in crucial games became their signature. Their offense flowed through Nikola Jokić in a way that reminded me of those beautiful Spurs teams from the 2010s - everyone moved with purpose, every pass had intention. What impressed me most was how they maintained offensive efficiency even when Jokić went to the bench, which has been the downfall of many teams built around a singular superstar.

Looking at their roster construction, what Denver accomplished was frankly brilliant. They surrounded Jokić with exactly the right pieces - Jamal Murray's scoring brilliance, Michael Porter Jr.'s spacing, Aaron Gordon's defensive versatility, and that incredible bench mob led by Bruce Brown. I've always argued that championship teams need at least eight reliable rotation players, and Denver had exactly that. Their net rating of +7.3 throughout the playoffs was no accident - it was the result of meticulous planning and perfect fit. The way they dismantled opponents reminded me of watching the Warriors at their peak, except Denver did it with a center as their primary creator, which frankly makes their achievement even more remarkable.

Their playoff journey was particularly impressive because of how they adapted to different challenges. Against Minnesota in the first round, they showcased their defensive discipline. Against Phoenix, they demonstrated offensive firepower could win shootouts. Then against the Lakers, they exposed the limitations of relying too heavily on a single superstar, even one as gifted as LeBron James. I've never been shy about my preference for team basketball over individual brilliance, and Denver's system was basketball poetry in motion. Their ball movement statistics were staggering - averaging over 290 passes per game with a 65% assist rate on made field goals. These aren't just numbers - they tell the story of a team that trusted each other completely.

The Finals against Miami was where everything came together. Miami's defensive schemes, which had frustrated opponents throughout the playoffs, simply couldn't solve the Jokić puzzle. I remember watching Game 4 thinking how Miami kept trying different approaches - doubling Jokić, playing him straight up, switching everything - but Denver always had an answer. Their offensive rating of 118.7 in the Finals was historically good, and what's remarkable is they achieved this against one of the league's best defensive coaches in Erik Spoelstra. Having studied basketball strategy for years, I can confidently say Denver's offense was nearly impossible to scheme against because it wasn't based on set plays as much as principles and reads.

What many casual observers might have missed was how Denver's defense evolved throughout the playoffs. They started the postseason with a defensive rating around 110 but improved to 105.3 by the Finals. This improvement wasn't accidental - it was the result of players buying into their roles and executing Michael Malone's defensive schemes with precision. Aaron Gordon's ability to guard multiple positions gave them flexibility that few teams possess. As someone who values defensive discipline, I was particularly impressed by how they limited Miami's three-point shooting to just 32% in the Finals after the Heat had been shooting 38% from deep in earlier rounds.

The championship-clinching Game 5 was a masterpiece of controlled basketball. Denver led by eight points early, and you could see Miami scrambling for answers. The Heat tried everything - zone defenses, full-court pressure, even some unconventional lineups - but Denver's composure never wavered. Having watched countless championship-clinching games, what stood out to me was how businesslike Denver approached the entire affair. There was no panic, no rushed decisions, just methodical execution of their game plan. Jokić finished with 28 points, 16 rebounds, and frankly, he could have had more assists if his teammates had knocked down some open looks early.

Reflecting on their achievement, what Denver accomplished goes beyond just winning a championship. They proved that team-building through the draft and player development can still work in an era of superstar movement. They demonstrated that system basketball can triumph over individual talent. And personally, I believe they provided a blueprint for how small-market teams can compete and win at the highest level. Their 16-4 playoff record places them among the most dominant championship runs in recent memory, comparable to the 2017 Warriors who went 16-1. The numbers tell part of the story - Jokić averaging 30.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists in the Finals - but the complete picture is about how every piece fit perfectly together.

Watching Denver's celebration, I couldn't help but feel we were witnessing the beginning of something special rather than the culmination. This team has the core pieces locked up, the right coaching staff, and most importantly, the right mentality to potentially create a dynasty. In my years covering the NBA, I've learned to recognize when a championship feels like a peak versus when it feels like a foundation. Denver's victory feels like the latter - sustainable success built on principles rather than temporary convergence of talent. Their victory wasn't just about who they were last year, but about who they might become in the years ahead.