The Denver Nuggets are currently the best team in the West, sitting on top of the conference's standings with a 25-11 record. They are also engaged in a neck-and-neck race with the Warriors for the top spot in the West. The Nuggets have turned a lot of doubters into believers this year, one of them is NBA on TNT analyst Charles Barkley, who boldly predicted that the Warriors will make the Western Conference Finals this year.

While Barkley's prediction may be a bit too early, it's tough not to recognize the Nuggets' performance this season. They have been one of the best offensive teams in the league for years, but they have improved significantly on defense. The Nuggets are currently the 6th best defensive team in the league.

With half of the 2018-2019 season almost in the books, most of the Western Conference teams are still trying to figure out how to win on a consistent basis. Expected contenders like the Rockets, Lakers, Thunder, and even the Warriors are currently dealing with on-court and off-court issues, and the Nuggets are the main beneficiaries of their struggles.

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While everyone is talking about current and potential superteams, the Nuggets have quietly built a young core that they can rely on. The trio of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Gary Harris have been carrying most of the load for the Nuggets this season. They've been impressive against the Warriors, Thunder, Lakers, and even Eastern Conference contenders like the Celtics and Raptors.

A lot of things could happen in the coming months, but if all goes well, the Nuggets could indeed shock the world and make Barkley's prediction come true.