The Denver Nuggets have decided to forego their scheduled visit to the White House on March 18, a trip that was originally planned but rescheduled due to President Joe Biden’s scheduling conflicts earlier in the season.
Instead, they are prioritizing preparation for a critical matchup against the No. 2-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves on March 19 in Minneapolis. According to Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes, this decision was solely driven by basketball considerations.
Initially, the Nuggets were slated to visit the White House when they played the Washington Wizards on January 21. However, logistical challenges arising from President Biden’s schedule led to the postponement of the meeting. The rescheduled date of March 18 was ultimately dismissed by Denver, who deemed it more crucial to focus on their competitive position in the Western Conference.
Currently sitting just half a game behind the Timberwolves for the coveted No. 2 seed in the West, with the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder only a game ahead, the Nuggets are fully aware of the stakes.
Given the tight race atop the conference, their decision to prioritize their clash with the Timberwolves, followed by two more significant games, demonstrates a strategic approach to securing favorable playoff standings. Notably, Denver will also face the Mavericks in Dallas on March 17.
The Nuggets have been hitting their stride at a pivotal juncture in the season, evident in their recent 7-3 record over the last ten games, including an impressive victory against the Boston Celtics, a team often mentioned as a potential NBA Finals contender.
Nikola Jokic continues to showcase MVP-worthy performances, particularly with Joel Embiid, a top contender for the award, who is ineligible for consecutive wins. Since the All-Star break, Denver boasts the third-best net rating in the league and a commendable 7-1 record. This surge, coupled with the relentless pursuit of the No. 1 seed, underscores the Nuggets’ aspirations for another deep postseason run.
