This was the scene in the University of Denver field house as 3,629 persons watched the Denver Nuggets defeat Waterloo, 65-60, on Dec. 15, 1948. (Denver Post file)
Jack Gray plays for the Denver Nuggets (1947-1948) (Denver Post file)
In this copy of the original photo, Kenny Sailor, who is credited with inventing the jump shot while playing at the University of Wyoming, is pictured in 1949 as a member of the Denver Nuggets. (Denver Post file)
Rocket Coach Bob Bass, left, welcomes new guards R.B. Lynam, center, and Jeff Congdon, on Dec. 11 1967. (Photo by Ira Gay Saely/The Denver Post)
Larry Jones (32) of the Denver Rockets goes up between Indiana's Fred Lewis (14) and Oliver Darden (33) to get one of his 11 rebounds on Jan. 2 1968. The flashy guard also had big night with 35 points to lead Rockets. (Photo by Bill Peters/The Denver Post)
Bob Vandel, left rear, shakes hands with Lefty Martin who presented portable TV to Vandel for being the 100,000th fan to see the Denver Rockets play at home in the '67-'68 season on fan appreciation night, Jan. 29, 1968. Vandel's sons are, left to right, Tom, 12, Jeff, 7, Stewart, 10, and John, 8. (Photo by Bill Peters/The Denver Post)
Bob Presley, the number one draft choice of the Denver Rockets, poses with Donald Ringsby, left, and J.W. Ringsby, in the Rocket's office on April 26 1968. Presley, 6-11, 245-lb. Center. signed 3-year contract with the Denver co-owners. (Photo by Ira Gay Sealy/The Denver Post)
Denver Rocket center Byron Beck (40) goes high in attempt to block this field-goal attempt by Mel Daniels of Minnesota on March 6, 1968. But Beck was whistled for a foul on the play, his fifth. Backing up Daniels was Minnesota's Les Hunter. (Photo by Bill Peters/The Denver Post)
Jack Grunwald, right, pictured on April 28, 1968, served as general chairman of the Denver Rockets' season-ticket drive. Grunwald headed the previous year's drive, which set an American Basketball Association high of nearly 700 season tickets. Mapping plans are, from left, Rockets owner J. W. Ringsby, co-chairmen Max Moore and Frank Byrne. (Denver Post file)
Denver Rockets coach Bob Bass wants all in order before start of an overtime period in a game Rockets won, 109-107, on Nov. 6 1968. (Photo by Bob Jackson/The Denver Post)
Nancy Lewis, Denver Rockets secretary, shows R.W. Knowlton the season tickets his firm purchased that boosted the Rockets over the 1,000 mark on Oct. 27 1968. Denver business manager Del Klone pours champagne into a basketball shoe. Knowlton is district sales manager for UniRoyal. (Denver Post file)
Ancil Johnson, left, and Greg Wittman, pictured on June 14, 1969, signed with the Denver Rockets. (Photo by Bob Jackson/The Denver Post)
Spencer Haywood of the Denver Rockets gets another one of his 29 rebounds and 37 points in a game February 2, 1970. (Photo by John G. White/The Denver Post)
Denver Rockets' Spencer Haywood edges through he crowd on his way to the dressing room after his record setting performance of 59 points in a game against the Stars on April 15, 1970. (Photo by John G. White/The Denver Post)
Spencer Haywood after the title clincher sits out an impromptu victory bath, while giving the signal "We’re No. 1" in a delirious Denver Rockets Dressing room on April 10, 1970. (Photo by David Cupp/The Denver Post)
Denver Rockets coach Stan Albeck, right, welcomes Marv Roberts to Denver on April 22 1971.
Coach Joe Belmont of the Denver Rockets expresses his satisfaction with the performance of Byron Beck, right, after Denver's victory over Washington in clinching game of playoff on April 28, 1970. Beck tossed in 25 points. (Photo by John G. White/The Denver Post)
Dave Bennett, 12, of Cole Junior High School, tries his talents against ex-Denver Rocket Willie Rogers, right, on July 31, 1971. (Photo by John G. White/The Denver Post)
Gayle Foster models a t-shirt on Nov. 27, 1971, which the Denver Rockets would present to youngsters 14 years of age and under for a t-shirt night. (Photo by Phil Slattery/The Denver Post)
Manual High School Denver Rockets star Warren Jabali gives pointers on basketball to a group of kids on July 21, 1973. This was at sessions closing summer sports program for children at Manual High School. (Denver Post file)
T.R. Dunn of the Denver Nuggets lofts a shot to the basket while Alex English of the Nuggets and George Gervin of the Spurs look on, May 4, 1983. (Photo by Damian Strohmeyer/The Denver Post)
Doug Moe, coach of the Denver Nuggets, is pictured in 1988. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post)
Nuggets rookie Center, Dikembe Motumbo, feels the pressure from Houston Veterans, Hakeem Olajuwon and Matt Bullard during the first period at McNichol's Arena on Nov. 3, 1991. (Denver Post file)
Antawn Jamison, North Carolina forward, works out for the Denver Nuggets at the DU Fieldhouse on June 14, 1998. He was doing leg presses in the weight room as coach Dan Issel and other members of the coaching staff watched. (Photo by Barry Staver/The Denver Post)
The Denver Nuggets compete with the Houston Rockets during the last game to be played at McNichols on May 5, 1999. (Photo by Shaun Stanley/The Denver Post)
Dave Yonker, of Johnson Lake, NE, and his son Michael, 11, test out their Denver Nuggets season ticket seats in section 122 at the New Pepsi Center on Sept. 27, 1999. Though the pair live 500 miles away, they try to fly in on their plane for every home game. Dave says as long as Michael keeps a B average in school he can go along. Michael said he thought the court seamed smaller in the new arena, only to realize the court is the same size but the Pepsi Center is bigger that McNichols Arena, where the Nuggets had previously played. (Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post)
Sacramento Kings Vlade Divac (21) goes after a loose ball in the front row of seats as the Denver Nuggets Raef LaFrentz chases him in the fourth period of play at Pepsi Center on June 1, 2000. The Nuggets won 106 -93. (Photo By Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach Dan Issel on on Oct. 31, 2000, the team's last practice before the season opener. (Photo By Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets Raef LaFrentz (45) slams one down for two points over Los Angeles Clippers Darius Miles (21) at the Pepsi Center in Denver on Dec. 26, 2000. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post)
New Nugget players, clockwise from left, Vincent Yarbrough, Nickoloz Tskititshvili, Pedrag Savovic, Nene Hilario, and Lorinza Harrington Jr., join kindergarten students at Gilpin Elementary School on Oct. 18, 2002. (Photo By Glenn Asakawa/The Denver Post)
Members of the media photograph the number-three draft pick Carmelo Anthony during his introduction to local media at the Pepsi Center on June 27, 2003. (Photo By Glenn Asakawa/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fans, from left to right, Jeff Schubert, Cord Mossberg and Jack Glasser traveled from Ft. Collins to cheer on the eighth-seeded Nuggets in their playoff game on April 24, 2004. (Photo By Kathryn Osler/The Denver Post)
Carmelo Anthony celebrates his teams playoff victory of the Minnesota Timberwolves, 107-86, in Denver on April 24, 2004. (Photo By Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Nuggets fans made some noise attempting to distract Minnesota's Darrick Martin at the free throw line on April 27, 2004. Minnesota forward Kevin Garnett came early to the Pepsi Center Tuesday evening to practice his outside shots. (Photo By Karl Gehring/The Denver Post)
DJ Bedz scratches the vinyl as the Denver Nuggets take on the Houston Rockets on Jan. 8, 2005. (Photo by Brian Brainerd/The Denver Post)
Nuggets fan Robert Castillo supports his home team during a night out at Club Bash, Thursday, Feb. 18, 2005, during the start of NBA All-Star Weekend. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets Earl Boykins puts up a shot against the Houston Rockets at the Pepsi Center in Denver on Jan. 9, 2005. (Photo By Brian Brainerd/The Denver Post)
Before the Denver Nuggets took on the Sacramento Kings on Dec. 22, 2006, longtime Nuggets fans Brad Nelson, center, and his son Eric Nelson of Littleton show their satisfaction as Allen Iverson made his debut with the team. At the time, the pair were in their 18th year of purchasing season tickets. (Photo By Cyrus McCrimmon/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets Carmelo Anthony kids around trying to bit his gold medal on the medal stand. Next to him are Tayshaun Prince, and Chris Paul on Aug. 24, 2008. The U.S. men's basketball team won the gold medal at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games with a 118-107 victory over Spain. (Photo By Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Armando Arrieta, center, shows off his freshly purchased Denver Nuggets playoff ticket at Pepsi Center in Denver on May 1, 2009. His friend, Chris Lantz, right, drew the number one lottery ticket to be first in line to buy the tickets for the first game against the Dallas Mavericks. Daniel Vallez, left, from San Jose California, reacts to Arrieta, but landed playoff tickets himself. (Photo By Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Omar Abdul taps in to the Nuggets frenzy by selling playoff t-shirs at Colorado Boulevard and Bruce Randolph Street in Denver on May 12, 2009.(Photo By Kathryn Scott Osler/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen in the first quarter of play in Game 2 against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center in Denver on May 5, 2009. (Photo By Tim Rasmussen/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fans celebrate their teams 117-105 victory over the Dallas Mavericks with a kiss Tuesday May 5, 2009. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fans are on their feet during third game of the Western Conference Finals at the Pepsi Center on May 23, 2009. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin (4) gets his shot blocked by Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) in the fourth quarter of play in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals on May 29, 2009. (Photo By Tim Rasmussen/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony (15) gets a hug from Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) after the Nuggets' 119-92 loss in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals on May, 29, 2009. (Photo By Tim Rasmussen/The Denver Post)
J.R. Smith, of the Denver Nuggets, makes the holiday brighter for nearly 200 women and children at the Sacred House of Denver, a Denver shelter for women and children. Smith sign his autograph on Stephanie Montoya's cheek on Dec. 22, 2009. "These innocent children and women are homeless, I want to be able to take the stress away from them this one day and let them enjoy the holiday," Smith said. Smith with the help of several local Denver Target stores provided a variety of toys, toiletries, and a special gift surprise for the entire shelter. "For me, seeing a smile on everyone's face is a priceless gift within itself," the Nuggets guard went on to say. (Photo By RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
Chauncey Billups with the Denver Nuggets during practice at the Pepsi Center in Denver on April 6, 2010. (Photo By Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post)
Denver guard Chauncey Billups is elevated above the New Jersey Nets defense in the first quarter on Nov. 20, 2010. (Photo By Karl Gehring/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl doffs his cap at half court at the Cox Pavilion as he was honored before the NBA Summer League game against the Dallas Mavericks on July 9, 2010. (Photo By Andy Cross/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fan Robert Vigil, 13, is in Pepsi Center for Western Conference first round match against Utah Jazz in 2010. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets power forward Al Harrington (7) celebrates the Nuggets' 119-116 win over the Sacramento Kings with fans at the Pepsi Center on Monday, March 5, 2011. (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fans during the third quarter of play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 of the first round of the 2011 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2011. (Photo By Tim Rasmussen/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets power forward Al Harrington (7) leads his team in prayer before the Nuggets' 91-86 win over the Milwaukee Bucks at the Pepsi Center on Jan. 2, 2012. (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets small forward Corey Brewer (13) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half of Game 2 of their opening round NBA Playoffs series at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on May 1, 2012. (Photo By AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets fans outside the Pepsi Center before the start of Game 6 of the first round of the NBA playoffs Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Pepsi Center in Denver. (Photo By Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
Danilo Gallinari (8) of the Denver Nuggets rubs the head of Nikola Jokic (15) after he walks off the court for a timeout during the second half of the Nuggets' 112-93 win. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Toronto Raptors at the Pepsi Center on Monday, Feb. 1, 2015. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) plays tight defense on Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) during the first quarter at Pepsi Center in Denver on Jan. 16, 2016. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) hair flies during player introductions agains the New York Knicks at Pepsi Center in Denver on March 8, 2016. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets introduce their top draft picks during an introductory news conference at the at Pepsi Center on June 29, 2016. Jamal Murray with his dad Roger Murray pose for a photo after the press conference. (Photo By John Leyba/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets hoists Westley Unseld, son of Nuggets assistant coach Wes Unseld Jr., before the first quarter on Monday, April 9, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets rookies from right to left Michael Porter Jr., Jarred Vanderbilt and Thomas Welsh joke before an introductory press conference on Friday, June 22, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets high fives fans after the fourth quarter of Denver's 127-120 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets scores against Danny Green (14) and LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of game four at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets walks off the floor after the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 117-107 series-clinching win at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2020. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets gathers with teammates before the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Ball Arena on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets waves to the scant crowd after the fourth quarter of Denver's 114-112 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at Ball Arena on Wednesday, April 28, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets is cheered on by fans after participating in shoot around despite a season-ending ACL injury before the first quarter of Denver's first-round playoff series against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena on Saturday, May 22, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
The Denver Nuggets exit the tunnel to face Portland Trail Blazers before the first quarter at Moda Center on Saturday, May 29, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets holds his MVP trophy as teammates celebrate with him before the game against Phoenix Suns at Ball Arena on Friday, June 11, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for Game 3 of their best-of-seven series in the Western Conference Semifinals, which Phoenix won in four games. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets swats Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns resulting in a flagrant foul that would lead to his ejection during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Sunday, June 13, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game four of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets leaves the floor after being ejected following a flagrant foul he committed on Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Sunday, June 13, 2021. The Denver Nuggets hosted the Phoenix Suns for game four of their best-of-seven NBA Playoffs series. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after the fourth quarter of Phoenix's series-clinching 125-118 win at Ball Arena on Sunday, June 13, 2021. The Phoenix Suns swept the Denver Nuggets 4-0 in their second round NBA Playoffs series. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets hits Markieff Morris (8) of the Miami Heat with a retaliatory blow after Morris bumped Jokic near mid court during the fourth quarter of Denver’s 113-96 win on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. The altercation resulted in an ejection for Jokic and a flagrant and two for Morris. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
From left, Bam Adebayo, Kyle Lowry, Dewayne Dedmon and Jimmy Butler of the Miami Heat stand in a doorway as they wait for the Denver Nuggets to enter their locker room after the final minutes were marred by an altercation during the fourth quarter of Denver’s 113-96 win on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets struck Markieff Morris of the Miami Heat with a retaliatory blow sending him to the ground, which resulted in a flagrant and two on Morris and an ejection for Jokic. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets is fouled by Klay Thompson (11) of the Golden State Warriors as Draymond Green (23) defends Aaron Gordon (50) during the first quarter at Ball Arena on Sunday, April 24, 2022. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to a dagger three by Gary Payton II (0) of the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter of Golden State’s 102-98 win at Chase Center on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) and Nikola Jokic (15) stand for the national anthem before the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena in Denver on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets prepares to be introduced before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets catches a pass between Jordan McLaughlin (6) and Luka Garza (55) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Joel Embiid (21) of the Philadelphia 76ers stand side by side during the NBA All-Star game draft at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets drives as Kevin Durant (35), Deandre Ayton (22) Landry Shamet (14) and Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns attempt to play defense during the third quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Bruce Brown (11) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after hitting a three pointer over Cameron Payne (15) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 118-102 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets knocks down a floater over Deandre Ayton (22), Cameron Payne (15) and Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 118-102 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nuggets fan Deric Faucette, left, sits next to his friend and Lakers fan Griffen Peterson for Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post)
Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers and Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets tip off during the first quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets leads Aaron Gordon (50), Jamal Murray (27) and Michael Porter Jr. (1) of the Denver Nuggets towards the bench after drawing a foul from. Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 132-126 win at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. The Nuggets took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference Finals. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after ferociously attacking Anthony Davis (3) of the Los Angeles Lakers for a three-pointer during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 108-103 win in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Ball Arena in Denver on Thursday, May 18, 2023. Murray scored 23 points. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone holds the trophy as Nikola Jokic (15) laughs with boyish glee amidst the chaos of celebratory pats and cheers from teammates after the fourth quarter of the Nuggets’ 113-111 Western Conference finals game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Monday, May 22, 2023. The Nuggets swept the best-of-seven series 4-0 to advance to their first NBA Finals in franchise history. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
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This was the scene in the University of Denver field house as 3,629 persons watched the Denver Nuggets defeat Waterloo, 65-60, on Dec. 15, 1948. (Denver Post file)
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By Katie Rausch | krausch@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
For the first time in their NBA history, the Denver Nuggets are in the NBA Finals.
Take a look back at the team throughout the years in pictures from The Denver Post archives.
And click here to read about the 12 moments that have defined the Nuggets’ magical run to NBA Finals.
