
DENVER — Every NBA great has at least one truly embarrassing loss on their resume. Michael Jordan against the “Jordan Rules” Detroit Pistons. LeBron James against the 2010 Boston Celtics at the end of his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Magic Johnson against the 1981 Houston Rockets, falling way short of a surprise title defense. It doesn’t matter how exceptional you are. Eventually, you can’t avoid that one glaring blemish people will never forget.