The Nuggets' loss to Timberwolves continues the trend for reigning NBA champions NBC Boston

The road to repetition in the NBA is difficult.

From the Bill Russell Celtics to the Michael Jordan Bulls to the Kobe-Shaq Lakers, there have been some dynastic series where teams have won multiple championships in a row.

Since the turn of the century, four teams have successfully repeated as NBA champions. The Golden State Warriors are the most recent team to defend their title, joining Kevin Durant in the 2017-18 season.

Injuries and a forgettable Kawhi Leonard playoff run in Toronto helped keep Golden State from going three-peat in 2019. It's been a rough run for the defending champions since then, and the Denver Nuggets are the latest victim.

After Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Co. cruised past the Lakers in the first round, they lost consecutive home games and opened their second-round battle against the Minnesota Timberwolves. They showed championship prowess in the next three games, taking a 3-2 lead in Game 6 in Minnesota. From there, the Timberwolves sent the 2023 champions packing with a loss in Game 6 and a 20-point comeback on the road in Game 7 on Sunday night.

The Nuggets' demise is not uncommon among recent NBA champions. Of the last five champions, none reached the conference finals – let alone the NBA Finals – the following season:

The Timberwolves will be joined by the Celtics, Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers as the NBA's Final Four in 2024. One of those will win the Larry O'Brien Trophy in 2024, and that team will then have to overcome recent history to get back to the conference finals in 2025.