Nuggets become first NBA champion in this format to not face a top-3 seed

Published June 12, 2023 8:24 pm

By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Basketball Writer

In terms of opponent seeding, Denver’s run to this NBA championship was unlike any other since the league went to the 16-team playoff format 40 seasons ago. The Nuggets’ road to this title saw them beat No. 8 Minnesota in the Western Conference quarterfinals, No. 4 Phoenix in the West semifinals, the seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the West finals and then the East’s No. 8 seed in Miami in the NBA Finals. The Nuggets are the first champion in the 16-team format that didn’t have to play a No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3 seed on their way to the title.

Article Topic Follows: AP National Sports

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