Denver Nuggets’ Playoffs History- How Have the Nuggets Performed In Playoffs Over the Years?

The Denver Nuggets, earlier Denver Larks, was founded in 1967 as a charter franchise of the ABA. Having joined the league in 1976 after the merger between the associations, the team made it to the playoffs for nine consecutive seasons in the 1980s and ten consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2013. 

Over the years, the Nuggets have been home to some incredibly good NBA players. With names like Alex English to Nikola Jokic, several top-class players have been a part of the franchise over the course of their more-than-50 years in the league. 

The Nuggets have been very consistent in terms of making a presence in the postseason. However, they made it to their first NBA Finals in 2023 and took down the Miami Heat to clinch the championship. Since then, they have more or less stayed the same in terms of finishing their season. This season, the Nuggets secured the playoff berth as the fourth seed on the back of a 50-32 record.

In the opening round, the Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets pulled off a 4-3 win over the LA Clippers in one of the most exciting and intense series. They advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals and booked a spot against the OKC Thunder.

As the franchise aims to secure its second Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy, let’s have a look at its rich playoff history. 

How Many Times Have the Denver Nuggets Been to the NBA Playoffs?

The Denver Nuggets have played a total of 49 seasons, and out of those seasons, they have made it to the post-season 31 times. In their last ten seasons, the Nuggets clinched playoff berths seven times. 

Also Read: Golden State Warriors Playoff Picture: What are Warriors’ Chances for Making it to the Playoffs?

The first season that the Nuggets secured a playoff berth was in 1977 as the 2nd seed in the Western Conference with a record of 50-32. However, they lost the Western Conference Semifinals 4-2 to the Portland Trail Blazers, the eventual champions. 

What Is the Denver Nuggets Win-Loss Record in the NBA Playoffs?

As stated, the Nuggets have made it to the playoff 31 times in their 49 seasons. In those years, they have played a total of 48 playoff series and ended up winning 19 and lost 29. They have a 39.6 winning percentage. 

Also Read: Milwaukee Bucks’ Playoffs History

Here are the top 5 years where they won the most playoff games

When Was the Denver Nuggets’ Last Playoff Appearance?

The last time the Denver Nuggets made it to the playoffs was in 2025. They posted a seasonal record of 50-32, a tally similar to the LA Lakers and the LA Clippers. Ironically, both teams were knocked out of the championship contention in the opening round.

The Nuggets defeated the James Harden-led LA Clippers in Western Conference First Round. In the Western Conference Semifinals, they booked a spot against the table toppers, OKC Thunder, who were coming off a historic regular season.

How Many Championships Have the Denver Nuggets Won?

The Denver Nuggets are one of the ten teams (active and defunct franchises) to win the NBA championship once. The other teams are the Seattle Supersonics, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards, New York Knicks, Baltimore Bullets. 

They were crowned as the champions in 2023, the season they entered the playoffs as the 1st seed in the West. They posted a 53-29 season record. 

In the first round of the Western Conference, they defeated the Timberwolves 4-1. They took down the Phoenix Suns 4-2 in the Western Conference Semifinals. They advanced to the NBA Finals after registering a 4-0 win over the LA Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. 

In the Finals, they took down the Miami Heat 4-1 to lift their first championship.