Denver Nuggets perfect the drama-free path to their spot on NBA’s big stage

IRREPLACEABLE: Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets: His ‘supermax’ contract locks him in until 2028. Pic: Justin Tafoya/Getty Images

The Denver Nuggets don’t brawl with other teams or bicker among themselves. It’s been almost a decade since they fired a coach. Their most spectacular highlights often involve sublime skip passes across the court — or a backward, half-court shot from their mascot, Rocky, during a break in the action.

Some might call them downright boring. The Nuggets call it beautiful. Their no-drama way of doing business, both on and off the court, doesn’t grab tons of headlines. But it has set the franchise up for success and brought it to its first NBA Finals in 47 years in the league.