Who Were the NBA Champions Last Season and How Did They Win the Title?

Let me tell you, watching the Denver Nuggets claim their first NBA championship last season felt like witnessing basketball history in the making. I've followed this league for over two decades, and there's something special about seeing a franchise break through for that inaugural title. The journey from perennial playoff disappointment to championship glory makes for one of the most compelling narratives in recent sports memory.

When Nikola Jokić stood on that podium holding the Larry O'Brien Trophy, his words resonated deeply with me: "Here we are, finally with two championships. What a journey it has been and I've never been hungrier to go for more." That statement captures everything about this team's mentality. They weren't satisfied with just making the Finals or even winning one championship - they immediately set their sights on building a dynasty. Having covered numerous championship teams throughout my career, I can confidently say this mindset separates good teams from legendary ones.

The Nuggets' path to the 2023 championship was masterfully engineered by head coach Michael Malone and executed by a perfectly constructed roster. What impressed me most was their strategic patience throughout the playoffs. They dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves in five games, then handled the Phoenix Suns in six despite Devin Booker's spectacular 45-point performances. The Western Conference Finals against the Lakers showcased their maturity - they swept LeBron James' team in four straight games, which frankly surprised even seasoned analysts like myself who expected a more competitive series.

Denver's championship formula centered around their historically great offense orchestrated by Jokić. The Serbian big man averaged 30.2 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists throughout the playoffs - numbers we haven't seen since the prime of Magic Johnson. His partnership with Jamal Murray created what I believe to be the most devastating two-man game in the league today. Their pick-and-roll actions were virtually unstoppable, with Murray averaging 26.3 points while shooting 39% from three-point range during their title run.

What many casual observers miss about Denver's success is their defensive improvement. While they ranked around 15th in defensive rating during the regular season, they elevated to top-8 in the playoffs. Aaron Gordon's versatility in guarding multiple positions proved invaluable, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's perimeter defense often went underappreciated despite his crucial role. Having studied championship teams for years, I've noticed this pattern repeatedly - regular season defensive numbers matter less than a team's ability to execute specific defensive schemes in playoff settings.

The Finals against Miami presented the ultimate test of Denver's championship mettle. Jimmy Butler put together an incredible playoff run, but the Nuggets' depth and consistency ultimately prevailed. Game 5's 94-89 victory showcased their ability to win ugly when necessary - something championship teams must master. Michael Porter Jr.'s 16 points and 13 rebounds in that clincher demonstrated how their role players stepped up in crucial moments.

Reflecting on their roster construction, the Nuggets front office deserves tremendous credit for maintaining continuity while making strategic additions. Bruce Brown's acquisition provided exactly the defensive versatility and secondary playmaking they needed, while Christian Braun contributed meaningful rookie minutes throughout the playoffs. In today's era of superstar movement and constant roster turnover, Denver's commitment to their core group feels refreshingly traditional yet brilliantly effective.

The championship impact extends beyond the court. Denver's victory marked the first major professional sports championship for the city since the Colorado Avalanche's 2001 Stanley Cup. Having visited Denver during the celebration, I witnessed firsthand how this title united the community in ways that transcend basketball. The parade drew approximately 750,000 fans according to city estimates - an incredible turnout that speaks to the franchise's growing connection with its fanbase.

Looking ahead, the real challenge begins now. As Jokić indicated, hunger for more championships drives this organization forward. The Western Conference has grown increasingly competitive with Phoenix acquiring Bradley Beal and Golden State adding Chris Paul. Maintaining championship-level intensity while managing the emotional and physical toll of a deep playoff run presents the next obstacle. Based on my observations of previous champions, the "championship hangover" is very real, and how Denver navigates this season will define their legacy.

Personally, I'm fascinated to see if Denver can establish themselves as the next great NBA dynasty. Their core players are all under 30, with Jokić just entering his prime at 28. The organization has built a sustainable model that should keep them in contention for years. While I typically maintain professional objectivity, I'll admit I'm rooting for them to build something special - the league benefits when small-market teams succeed through smart team-building rather than superstar acquisitions.

The beauty of Denver's championship lies in its demonstration that patience and strategic vision still matter in modern sports. In an era where instant gratification often drives decision-making, the Nuggets proved that developing talent, maintaining continuity, and trusting the process can still produce the ultimate reward. Their journey from playoff disappointments to raising that championship banner serves as a blueprint for organizations searching for sustainable success.