The 1985 Denver Nuggets were almost as convincing. They ground out an opening five-game series against the San Antonio Spurs, then dominated the Utah Jazz in a best-of-seven. As the 2009 Nuggets would do 24 years later, the Old Guard steamrolled their opposition on the way to a Conference Finals Series; to the doorstep of the Championship.
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Those high-scoring Nuggets of old never finished a playoff game short of 109 points. Their rampage through the playoffs only stumbled when their best player, one Alex English, hurt his hand as the Western Conference Finals series turned to Denver after a 1-1 split in Los Angeles. Then… the Nuggets fell in five games.
Alex English takes it to the Lakers
These Denver Nuggets bear little resemblance to the be-rainbowed Denver crew of old. Now… the Nuggets prefer dunks to layups, and dribble-drive mania to the pick-n’-roll. Denver basketball today is a rainbow of tattoos; a street team of hyperactive athletes with streaks of mean and showy and brutally efficient.  These Nuggets sneered and won a game five (110-124) at home to close out the Dallas Mavericks and return to the Western Conference Finals. Once again, the path to the NBA Finals will likely pass through the Los Angeles.
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The Lakers play Game 6 at Houston tonight, and the whole world (Texas excepted) expects the Rockets to be overwhelmed. Even if they force a Game 7 at LA, their best shooter (Tracy McGrady) and dominant center (Yao Ming) are both out for the rest of the playoffs. Houston is a gritty team that will now be forced to outwork and outrun the dangerous Lakers. In the end, Los Angeles will drive a stake through the upstart Rockets hearts.
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Now… the Denver Nuggets have a confident swagger and a deep bench. These Nuggets are going to take the fight to LA with a 24-year-old score to settle. They may just battle their way to the Finals on the wings of an aging home-town hero and a young core of poised, passionate competitors.
