Denver Nuggets reach first NBA Finals in franchise history

ESPN's Sportscenter also noted that this was Denver's first sweep in 45 playoff series.

While this marks a seminal moment in Nuggets franchise history, it isn't their first appearance in a title game. 

Denver appeared in the last ABA Finals during the 1975-76 season under head coach Larry Brown, losing to the New York Nets 4-2 in the finals. The ABA-NBA merger occurred ahead of the 1976 season and 47 years later, Denver is back on the championship stage.

As Brad Townsend noted, that means all four ABA franchises that joined in the merger have reached the NBA Finals.

Nikola Jokic led the way in Game 4, finishing with 30 points, 14 rebounds and 13 assists. He matched LeBron James' improbable first-half three with a ridiculous make of his own in the fourth.

Jokic won the Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP Award after averaging a triple-double with 27.8 points, 14.5 rebounds and 11.8 assists per game in the four-game series.

Denver was doubted entering the postseason despite holding the top seed in the Western Conference, Jokic being a two-time MVP and the team being healthy for the first time since it reached the conference finals in 2020.

The Nuggets were a victim of past perception more than anything. It's hard to believe something will happen until it does. With Denver here, no one doubts them anymore.