After two rounds of the playoffs, the Nuggets are undefeated at home with a superb 6 out of 6 at the Ball Arena. Only the Lakers do as well, and this invincibility at home is essential to go far, especially when you are sure to have the advantage of the field until the conference final.
It has been difficult to win in Denver for several seasons, and it is not only due to the level of the team and the presence of Nikola Jokic, double MVP in 2021 and 2022. The altitude in Denver always posed problems for opponents, and now local fans are really passionate about their team. Why “now”? The answer with Mike Malone.
Denver is “a city of passage”
“I had met with businessmen to discuss ways to attract more people to the room” remembers the Nuggets coach. “Here’s what they said to me: ‘Coach, the people who live in Denver, for the most part, are not from this area. It is a city of passage where people come from everywhere. So you have to earn their trust and build a winning team.”
It’s done with a second conference final in four years, and a good first place in the regular season in the Western Conference. The first in their history. Mike Malone really feels the difference, because he’s been in place since 2015 and he’s experienced the change in attitude.
“I remember Year I, Year II, Year III and Year IV, and we finally broke through” he remembers. ” It was Game 1 against Spurs (in the first round in 2019), and I get goosebumps every time I think about it. This place was amazing. And since then, it has only gotten better. I think the fans appreciate the product, the win and the style of play.”
The Ball Arena was full during March Madness
NCAA champion with Kansas, Christian Braun ensures that at times, it is as hot as in a university hall. Especially when he ignites the Ball Arena with his dunks.
” In a way, it reminds me of college… We have a great audience and our audience is great all the time. But when you do this kind of action, it’s an opportunity to show emotion. »
Speaking of NCAA, a month ago the Ball Arena hosted 38,301 spectators over two days during a leg of “March Madness.” The four meetings had set fire to the room, and the seats had sold for around 300 dollars! The NCAA understood the message, and the hall will host the event again in 2025. Proof that this mixture of local fans and spectators just passing through can make sparks.
