Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz: Looking into the Western Conference Playoffs contenders – NBA Feature Part 4
6. Denver Nuggets
When Carmelo Anthony left the Denver Nuggets for the New York Knicks, it was billed as the beginning of the end for the Nuggets. However this season, they have come out as one of the most ambitious teams.
Nuggets finished the season with a win loss record of 38-28. However they got to where they are courtesy of a strong end to the season, finishing off with a four game win streak. This helped the Denver side outlast
the chase for the number sixth spot only a week ago, for which they were locked in a race with the Dallas Mavericks.
With the current line up, Nuggets have the ability of running with every team in the NBA having adapted to high paced, scoring philosophy throughout the season. Equipped with players who are very good in transition,
Nuggets believe in out running their opponents. With the likes of Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo presenting a tandem backcourt, Nuggets have been a highly efficient team.
Even though many critics would consider them to be a weak team who have no business in the post season, however we still have to look at them during the playoffs as to pass a judgement on their presence among
the top contenders.
7. Dallas Mavericks
You may have been surprised to see the reigning NBA Champs, Dallas Mavericks on the number 7th spot. However with a depleted line up this year, the Mavs have got past first hurdle of qualifying
for the playoffs, finishing with a win loss record of 36-30.
However the Mavs players believe in taking it one step at a time as they like to deal with things, one matter a time. In recent comments by several players from the Dallas roster, they have shown intentions to
come out stronger in the playoffs.
With the offensive prowess of the German giant, Dirk Nowitzki at their disposal, there is no doubt that the Mavericks can be expected to be the surprise package, this time around. They do have the daunting task
of facing the power house of Oklahoma City Thunder. However with the experience in their favour, it may be an achievable task for them.
But experience alone cannot count for their chances of repeating this year because in the playoffs, the Mavs would have to evaluate and consider all their options in order for them to not tire out their old legs.
With the likes of Jason Terry and Jason Kidd still among the roster, Mavericks will be required to show their veteran style of play which got them to being the NBA Champions, last year in the first place.
8. Utah Jazz
In a very heated battle with Phoenix Suns for the number 8th spot in the Western Conference, Utah Jazz left it late to qualify for the playoffs. They secured that position by defeating
the Suns in a highly anticipated matchup in the second last game of the regular season. Along with the win, Jazz went on to finish the season with a record of 36-30, courtesy of a 5 game winning streak to close out the season.
In the 13 games, they have played in the month of April; they have only lost on four occasions and will look to prolong this run in the post season. However, they face the intimidating task of facing the San
Antonio Spurs in the first round.
However with the skilful, Al Jefferson, Jeremy Evans and Derrick Favors among several others in the roster, Jazz will look to notch up the biggest upset in the playoffs this year by putting a leash on the Spurs.
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