The Nuggets have identified by their continuity for years. As their season ended in Oklahoma City, it was with the understanding that times might be changing.

For the first two rounds of these playoffs — and, really, the six-plus weeks leading up to them — Minnesota had consistently been the bigger, faster, stronger team on the floor.

NBA Conference Finals has tipped off, as only four teams remain in the postseason, all fighting for a chance to represent their conference in the Finals. The No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder, after a tough seven-game series against the Denver Nuggets,