47 years. That’s how long the Denver Nuggets championship drought had been. The franchise had yet to win a championship since its inception in 1976. That all changed a week ago. 

Directly after winning the NBA Championship, the two-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic, only cared about one thing: returning home. His humble and underwhelming reaction to receiving one of the most prestigious awards in basketball concerned fans to some degree. The man had just brought an NBA championship to the city of Denver for the first time in history, yet he seemed frustrated that he had to attend the parade. His behavior at the parade suggested otherwise, however. 

As a young man who has just turned 21, I am now legally permitted to consume alcohol. After witnessing the Nuggets celebrate in the streets of Denver, I am both intrigued and fearful of what alcohol can do to the human body and mind. Jokic’s attitude towards the parade dramatically changed, and all it took was some champagne and beer. In his speech to the city of Denver, he excitedly exclaimed that he now wants to stay at the parade since it is the “best time of his f–king life.” Although Jokic appeared to be under the influence, head coach Michael Malone likely surpassed him in Blood Alcohol Concentration. 

Introduced at the podium as “the Lakers daddy,” Malone had a difficult time refraining from slurring his speech and cursing throughout the parade. He repeatedly shouted that he was not satisfied with just one championship, but that he was hungry for more. Malone also ridiculed the media for underestimating the Nuggets by wearing a shirt that said, “Put this in your face and smoke it.” The following day, Bruce Brown went live on Instagram and blamed Jokic for getting him too drunk. He was visibly hungover and “down bad.” Aaron Gordon also stated in an interview that the “Modelos were hitting him.” 

Clearly, the Denver Nuggets organization may have celebrated excessively. After a 47-year drought, however, I suppose it is not only appropriate but necessary to celebrate in such a manner. They’ve certainly earned it.