The playoffs are finally here and I don't know about you guys, I'm ready. Long time comin' - for the sixth time I guess.

First some (painful) reflection. Beating out Nellie and GSW last year for the 8th and final playoff spot was pretty sweet, not to mention fifty wins for the first time in forever. We were rewarded with somewhat of a death sentence versus the top seed Lakers. Anything more than 1 win in that series would be considered a quasi-upset, we believed our guys would show us that effort for a win. Hell, admit it, we were stupid enough to believe it was going to 7 and we'd pull out the miracle.

I'll spare you the details but the series ended after the first 2 losses on LA's floor. LA gained that mental edge that when the game really mattered, they would do all the little things right to come out ahead, as a team. It was an edge they held till they lost it to Boston in the NBA finals (blowing a 24 point lead lol). When we had a chance to make a stand on our home floor in game 3, we went in to selfish mode and layed down for them. Players bitched and moaned and we followed suit, only they got technicals for it. While the team melted down in front of the hometown crowd, George Karl ate a cheesecake and passed out on the bench.

Game 4 was a mercy kill, and Nugs fans went home wondering what the hell they had just paid for. Bottom line, we weren't strong enough mentally to face incredible odds in the playoffs. Many predicted it and some were apathetic to another first round exit. But some of us stuck around and couldn't give up on the team cause hell, they were our guys. Look what happened, good fortune smiled upon us in 2009 and we were rewarded with an incredible regular season. Now we're back where we want to be, and I've gotta say it feels like a new beginning.

Even if we tanked, this season would be awesome for the simple fact that Chauncey came home. It feels right, like exactly what the franchise and the fans needed at the time. We've always had talent and it came together in a weird up and down fashion to give us something special this year. Maybe Chauncey is the piece of the puzzle to help us keep our heads on straight when things are not going our way at a time when it really matters - like right now. Wer'e here again for a reason, to bring a championship to Denver no matter what, experts be damned. Let's get wild and get behind this team for how they've beat the odds all year, right now they need us most. It's Playoff time! GO NUGGETS!!!!!