The Denver Nuggets community is in mourning as they bid farewell to a coaching icon, Doug Moe, who passed away at the age of 87. A trailblazer in shaping the modern NBA offense, Moe's legacy is etched into the fabric of the game.
Moe's journey with the Nuggets began in the 1974-75 season as an assistant coach. His coaching path took him to the San Antonio Spurs when the ABA and NBA merged, but he found his way back to Denver in the 1980-81 season. Taking over as head coach the following year, Moe led the Nuggets for a decade, boasting a .546 winning percentage.
Under Moe's leadership, the Nuggets became an offensive powerhouse. In his inaugural season as head coach, the team averaged an astonishing 126.5 points per game-a record that still stands. Moe also helmed the team during the highest-scoring game in NBA history, a thrilling 186-184 triple-overtime battle against the Pistons in 1983.
Moe's pinnacle came in the 1987-88 season when he was honored as the NBA Coach of the Year. He shares this distinction with only one other Nuggets coach, George Karl, who received the award in 2013. Moe's 432 wins with the Nuggets place him second on the franchise's all-time list, trailing only Mike Malone's 471.
After stepping away from coaching for a decade, Moe returned to the Nuggets as an assistant in the 2003-04 season, remaining until his retirement in 2008.
The Nuggets of the 1980s under Moe were a precursor to today's high-tempo NBA. His teams were known for their relentless scoring, regularly surpassing 120 points per game. Moe's squads hold three of the top seven and four of the top 13 highest point totals in NBA history.
However, much like the current Nuggets, defense wasn't their strong suit. During the 1981-82 season, Moe's team allowed a record 125.96 points per game, a record that stood until the Nuggets themselves surpassed it in 1990, conceding 130.77 points per game.
Beyond the numbers, Moe is celebrated for his vibrant personality and innovative coaching style. Bennett Durando captured Moe's essence, noting that he will be remembered more for his engaging and dynamic approach than mere statistics.
Former Nugget Bill Hanzlik shared a quote that encapsulates Moe's philosophy: "I want the first person over half-court with the ball to shoot it. You're coming out of the game if you don't shoot it." This quote highlights Moe's unique and aggressive style of play, which left a lasting impact on the team and the league.
Doug Moe's contributions to basketball and his indelible mark on the Nuggets will be cherished forever. Rest in peace, Coach Moe.