The 2008-09 Denver Nuggets had a standout season, finishing with a 54-28 record. This marked a significant improvement from previous years, largely due to the acquisition of Chauncey Billups in exchange for Allen Iverson. Billups’ arrival provided stability and leadership, complementing Carmelo Anthony’s scoring prowess.
Under head coach George Karl, the Nuggets secured the second seed in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, they defeated the New Orleans Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks in the first two rounds, each in five games. This success led them to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985.
However, their postseason run ended when they faced the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets fought hard but ultimately lost the series in six games. Despite the loss, the season was deemed a success for its deep playoff run and the strong core players they developed for future seasons.
- Regular Season Record: 54-28
- Playoff Result: Western Conference First Round: 4-1, Western Conference Semifinals: 4-1, Western Conference Finals: 2-4
Denver Nuggets Roster and Stats for 2008-09 Season
| Regular Season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% | GP | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3P% |
| Carmelo Anthony | 66 | 22.8 | 6.8 | 3.4 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 37.1 | 16 | 27.2 | 5.8 | 4.1 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 36.4 |
| Allen Iverson | 3 | 18.7 | 2.7 | 6.7 | 1.0 | 0.3 | 25.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Chauncey Billups | 77 | 17.9 | 3.0 | 6.4 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 41.0 | 16 | 20.6 | 3.8 | 6.8 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 46.8 |
| J.R. Smith | 81 | 15.2 | 3.7 | 2.8 | 1.0 | 0.2 | 39.7 | 16 | 14.9 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 35.8 |
| Nenê | 77 | 14.6 | 7.8 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 20.0 | 16 | 11.5 | 7.5 | 2.6 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 |
| Kenyon Martin | 66 | 11.7 | 6.0 | 2.0 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 36.8 | 16 | 10.9 | 5.9 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 20.0 |
| Linas Kleiza | 82 | 9.9 | 4.0 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 32.6 | 14 | 6.9 | 3.2 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 42.5 |
| Chris Andersen | 71 | 6.4 | 6.2 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 2.5 | 20.0 | 15 | 6.5 | 6.3 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 0.0 |
| Dahntay Jones | 79 | 5.4 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 64.7 | 16 | 7.0 | 2.4 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 25.0 |
| Anthony Carter | 78 | 5.3 | 2.6 | 4.7 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 23.9 | 16 | 2.8 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 16.7 |
| Renaldo Balkman | 53 | 5.0 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 28.5 | 8 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Johan Petro | 27 | 2.2 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 10 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Chucky Atkins | 14 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 29.4 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Sonny Weems | 12 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Jason Hart | 11 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 9 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 |
| Juwan Howard | 3 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| Cheikh Samb | 6 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Denver Nuggets in the 2009 NBA Playoffs
Playoffs First Round vs. New Orleans Hornets
In the first round of the 2009 NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets dominated the New Orleans Hornets, winning the series 4-1. Led by the dynamic duo of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets showcased their offensive prowess, including a historic 58-point victory in Game 4. This performance set the tone for Denver's deep playoff run, highlighting their capability as a formidable contender in the West.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 19, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 113-84 | |
| Apr 22, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 108-93 | |
| Apr 25, 2009 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 95-93 | |
| Apr 27, 2009 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 121-63 | |
| Apr 29, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 107-86 |
Playoffs Second Round vs. Dallas Mavericks
In the 2009 NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, where they faced the Dallas Mavericks. Led by Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, the Nuggets displayed a dominant performance, winning the series 4-1. Their aggressive defense and balanced offense proved too much for the Mavericks, propelling Denver to their first Conference Finals appearance since 1985.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 03, 2009 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 109-95 | |
| May 05, 2009 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 117-105 | |
| May 09, 2009 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 106-105 | |
| May 11, 2009 | @ Dallas Mavericks | L 119-117 | |
| May 13, 2009 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 124-110 |
2009 Conference Championship vs. Los Angeles Lakers
In the 2009 NBA Playoffs, the Denver Nuggets made a strong push to the Western Conference Finals, showcasing a dominant performance led by Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. They faced off against the Los Angeles Lakers, putting up a fierce battle but ultimately falling in six games. This playoff run marked a significant achievement for the Nuggets, as it was their first conference finals appearance since 1985, highlighting their resurgence as a competitive force in the league.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 19, 2009 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 105-103 | |
| May 21, 2009 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | W 106-103 | |
| May 23, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 103-97 | |
| May 25, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 120-101 | |
| May 27, 2009 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 103-94 | |
| May 29, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 119-92 |
Denver Nuggets 2008-09 Regular Season Game Log
Here is the game log for the 2008-09 season for the Denver Nuggets.
| Date | Opponent | Result | High Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 29, 2008 | @ Utah Jazz | L 98-94 | |
| Oct 31, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 113-103 | |
| Nov 01, 2008 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | L 104-97 | |
| Nov 05, 2008 | @ Golden State Warriors | L 111-101 | |
| Nov 07, 2008 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 108-105 | |
| Nov 09, 2008 | vs. Memphis Grizzlies | W 100-90 | |
| Nov 11, 2008 | @ Charlotte Bobcats | W 88-80 | |
| Nov 13, 2008 | @ Cleveland Cavaliers | L 110-99 | |
| Nov 14, 2008 | @ Boston Celtics | W 94-85 | |
| Nov 16, 2008 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 90-84 | |
| Nov 18, 2008 | vs. Milwaukee Bucks | W 114-105 | |
| Nov 19, 2008 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W 91-81 | |
| Nov 21, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 104-90 | |
| Nov 23, 2008 | vs. Chicago Bulls | W 114-101 | |
| Nov 26, 2008 | @ Los Angeles Clippers | W 106-105 | |
| Nov 27, 2008 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | L 105-101 | |
| Nov 29, 2008 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 106-97 | |
| Nov 30, 2008 | vs. Houston Rockets | W 104-94 | |
| Dec 02, 2008 | vs. Toronto Raptors | W 132-93 | |
| Dec 04, 2008 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | L 108-91 | |
| Dec 06, 2008 | @ Sacramento Kings | W 118-85 | |
| Dec 10, 2008 | vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | W 116-105 | |
| Dec 13, 2008 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 123-105 | |
| Dec 15, 2008 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 98-88 | |
| Dec 16, 2008 | @ Houston Rockets | L 108-96 | |
| Dec 19, 2008 | vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | L 105-88 | |
| Dec 20, 2008 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 108-101 | |
| Dec 22, 2008 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 97-89 | |
| Dec 23, 2008 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 101-92 | |
| Dec 26, 2008 | vs. Philadelphia 76ers | W 105-101 | |
| Dec 28, 2008 | @ New York Knicks | W 117-110 | |
| Dec 29, 2008 | @ Atlanta Hawks | L 109-91 | |
| Dec 31, 2008 | @ Toronto Raptors | W 114-107 | |
| Jan 02, 2009 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 122-120 | |
| Jan 03, 2009 | vs. New Orleans Hornets | W 105-100 | |
| Jan 05, 2009 | vs. Indiana Pacers | W 135-115 | |
| Jan 07, 2009 | vs. Miami Heat | W 108-97 | |
| Jan 09, 2009 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L 93-90 | |
| Jan 13, 2009 | vs. Dallas Mavericks | W 99-97 | |
| Jan 15, 2009 | vs. Phoenix Suns | W 119-113 | |
| Jan 17, 2009 | vs. Orlando Magic | L 106-88 | |
| Jan 19, 2009 | @ Houston Rockets | L 115-113 | |
| Jan 20, 2009 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 118-99 | |
| Jan 25, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 117-97 | |
| Jan 27, 2009 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 100-85 | |
| Jan 28, 2009 | @ New Orleans Hornets | L 94-81 | |
| Jan 30, 2009 | vs. Charlotte Bobcats | W 110-99 | |
| Feb 03, 2009 | vs. San Antonio Spurs | W 104-96 | |
| Feb 04, 2009 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | W 114-113 | |
| Feb 06, 2009 | @ Washington Wizards | W 124-103 | |
| Feb 07, 2009 | @ New Jersey Nets | L 114-70 | |
| Feb 10, 2009 | @ Miami Heat | W 99-82 | |
| Feb 11, 2009 | @ Orlando Magic | W 82-73 | |
| Feb 18, 2009 | @ Philadelphia 76ers | W 101-89 | |
| Feb 20, 2009 | @ Chicago Bulls | L 116-99 | |
| Feb 22, 2009 | @ Milwaukee Bucks | L 120-117 | |
| Feb 23, 2009 | vs. Boston Celtics | L 114-76 | |
| Feb 25, 2009 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | W 110-109 | |
| Feb 27, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Lakers | W 90-79 | |
| Mar 01, 2009 | @ Indiana Pacers | L 100-94 | |
| Mar 03, 2009 | @ Detroit Pistons | L 100-95 | |
| Mar 05, 2009 | vs. Portland Trail Blazers | W 106-90 | |
| Mar 06, 2009 | @ Utah Jazz | L 97-91 | |
| Mar 08, 2009 | @ Sacramento Kings | L 114-106 | |
| Mar 09, 2009 | vs. Houston Rockets | L 97-95 | |
| Mar 11, 2009 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 112-99 | |
| Mar 14, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 107-94 | |
| Mar 16, 2009 | vs. New Jersey Nets | W 121-96 | |
| Mar 18, 2009 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W 111-109 | |
| Mar 20, 2009 | vs. Washington Wizards | W 116-105 | |
| Mar 23, 2009 | @ Phoenix Suns | L 118-115 | |
| Mar 25, 2009 | @ New Orleans Hornets | W 101-88 | |
| Mar 27, 2009 | @ Dallas Mavericks | W 103-101 | |
| Mar 28, 2009 | vs. Golden State Warriors | W 129-116 | |
| Mar 31, 2009 | vs. New York Knicks | W 111-104 | |
| Apr 02, 2009 | vs. Utah Jazz | W 114-104 | |
| Apr 04, 2009 | vs. Los Angeles Clippers | W 120-104 | |
| Apr 05, 2009 | @ Minnesota Timberwolves | W 110-87 | |
| Apr 08, 2009 | vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | W 122-112 | |
| Apr 09, 2009 | @ Los Angeles Lakers | L 116-102 | |
| Apr 13, 2009 | vs. Sacramento Kings | W 118-98 | |
| Apr 15, 2009 | @ Portland Trail Blazers | L 104-76 |