2025-11-17 11:00
Who Was the NBA Champion Last Season and How They Won the Title
I remember sitting in my living room last June, watching the confetti rain down on the Denver Nuggets and thinking—this is what championship basketball looks like. After 47 long years of waiting, the Mile High City finally had its NBA champion, and what made it particularly special was witnessing Nikola Jokić’s masterful leadership throughout the postseason. When the final buzzer sounded in Game 5 against the Miami Heat, securing a 94-89 victory and a 4-1 series win, it wasn’t just the end of a season—it was the culmination of a carefully built roster, strategic coaching, and a superstar who redefined what an elite center could do.
Looking back, the Nuggets’ journey to the title wasn’t a sudden Cinderella story. They had been building toward this for years, with Jokić and Jamal Murray forming one of the league’s most dynamic pick-and-roll partnerships since 2016. But injuries, tough Western Conference matchups, and timing issues had held them back. Last season, though, everything clicked. Denver finished the regular season with 53 wins, earning the top seed in the West, and entered the playoffs with a healthy roster and a clear identity: unselfish ball movement, elite half-court execution, and a defense that could adapt on the fly. I’ve followed the NBA for over a decade, and what stood out to me was their consistency—they never seemed rattled, even when trailing in series.
The playoffs revealed just how complete this team was. They dispatched the Timberwolves in five games, then outlasted the Suns in a hard-fought six-game series where Jokić averaged a triple-double. But the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers was where Denver truly stamped their authority. Sweeping LeBron James and company wasn’t just a statement—it was a declaration that the Nuggets were the team to beat. Jokić’s 28-point, 17-rebound, 12-assist closeout performance in Game 4 felt like a coronation. And then came the Finals, where they faced a gritty, well-coached Miami squad. Despite Jimmy Butler’s heroics, Denver’s depth and composure shone through. In Game 2, for instance, Aaron Gordon stepped up with 27 points, while Michael Porter Jr. hit clutch threes. But it was Jokić who orchestrated it all, finishing the Finals with averages of 30.2 points, 14 rebounds, and 7.2 assists—numbers that earned him the Finals MVP.
What I found most compelling, though, was the mindset. In post-game interviews, Jokić often downplayed individual accolades, focusing instead on the team’s collective hunger. That attitude resonated with me because it reminded me of the Spurs’ dynasty—no ego, just basketball. And it’s exactly why the question, "Who was the NBA champion last season and how they won the title," has such a rich answer. It wasn’t just about talent; it was about culture. Head coach Michael Malone instilled a defense-first mentality, but he also gave his players the freedom to create. The Nuggets led the playoffs in assists per game at 28.4, a stat that underscores their selfless style.
I’ll admit, as someone who values team basketball, I was thrilled to see Denver’s approach rewarded. Too often, the NBA feels dominated by superteams or isolation-heavy stars. But the Nuggets proved that old-school principles—screening, passing, and trust—still win championships. And Jokić’s quote after the title win says it all: "Here we are, finally with two championships. What a journey it has been and I’ve never been hungrier to go for more." That hunger is palpable. It’s not just about celebrating one title; it’s about building a legacy. I believe this team has the potential to repeat if they stay healthy, especially with a core that’s mostly under 30.
In the end, the Nuggets’ 2023 championship was a lesson in patience and teamwork. They didn’t rely on a single superstar carry job—though Jokić was phenomenal—but on a group that elevated each other. From Jamal Murray’s return from injury to the unsung contributions of role players like Bruce Brown, every piece mattered. As the new season approaches, I’m excited to see if they can defend their crown. But for now, looking back at who was the NBA champion last season and how they won the title, it’s clear: Denver earned it with a blend of skill, strategy, and soul.
