Denver's elevation–potential X-factor in any series. As the game progresses 3rd quarter and especially 4th quarter everyone talks about Denver's ability to just out execute teams (and they do!) but I think their elite conditioning has a huge impact on this (Jokic Murray 2 man game doesn't hurt)

I have been thinking about the Wolves - Nuggets series and watching some games. One thing which seems like an aberration but really isnt. All of the Nuggets players and as a team collectively plays extremely well in the 4th quarter. If you watch the Nuggets regularly Jokic a massive person who isnt "athletic" by the traditional standards consistently pushes the ball up the floor and beats his man down the other end. Murray gets a little extra seperation, AG get lost a bit easier on cuts etc etc.

Its not just in Denver (although its more pronounced at home) the same advantage they have travels with them just maybe not as pronounced.

How much of an x-factor do you think this plays? I watch a lot of UFC and while the intensity of that sport is night and day, whenever there is a fight in denver or mexico city any place with altitude the fighters ave to first off start their training at altitude and especially once they are a few weeks out from the fight in a perfect world they would move to that city or another city which has similar altitude in order to prepare for a few weeks and condition their body. Thats not possible in the NBA with the schedule and I wonder how important this it.

A lot of people are thinking the Denver Minnesota series is going to be nip tuck and maybe go 7. I personally think Denver has way more ways to beat them (not a hot take lol) and that Phoenix seriously lacked all most all of the aspects Denver has. Denver's offense is systematic and highly organized. They have a clear hierarchy on both sides of the floor. No matter what defense you play against them they will create great or good shots consistently.

This Minnesota team is equipped well for Murray, but as ever Jokic will be unstoppable. He isnt going to be guarding AD a player who is really going to make him work, I expect his FG to increase, and generally have bigger games.

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what you think

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