Nuggets to miss White House visit to focus on Timberwolves game

"They're cancelling that trip to the White House to prioritize that Minnesota Timberwolves game on the 19th."

How concerned are the Nuggets for their chances of going back-to-back as No. 1 seed in the Western Conference? They're cancelling their trip to the White House in order to focus on their game with the Wolves later in March.

TNT Sports' Chris B. Haynes reported the Nuggets White House trip – afforded to teams in the U.S. that win the titles in their respective sports – was originally set for January. A scheduling conflict with the Biden administration pushed that back with the rescheduled date set for March 18. That's where the conflict comes into play, according to Haynes.

"Just last week I was informed that the Nuggets were concerned now because ... March 19 they play the Timberwolves in Minnesota," reported Haynes. "And now that game is a little bit more important than they expected when they rescheduled [their White House trip] and it has No. 1 seed implications

"I was told the Nuggets made a tough decision ... they're cancelling that trip to the White House to prioritize that Minnesota Timberwolves game on the 19th because they're trying to do everything they can to get that No. 1 seed."

Sources: With Denver Nuggets prioritizing No. 1 seed and a pivotal matchup at Minnesota upcoming, I explain on @NBAonTNT why the champs have elected not to visit The White House. pic.twitter.com/cjc4fwGE0O

— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 8, 2024

The Wolves currently, like they have for much of the season, hold the top spot in the Western Conference. Their lead at the top of the West is a precarious one though as they lead the Thunder by just half-a-game and the Nuggets by only one game.

Minnesota and Denver play each other three times over the final 19 games of the season. The Wolves won the first game in the season series 110-89 in the fourth game of the season.

Nov 1, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives while Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) defends during the first half at Target Center / © Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

With a potential playoff clash between the two teams, holding the higher seed will be of importance due to the home court advantage they will gain.

Haynes was clear that this was a "basketball decision" and not a political message.

"The White House wanted the Nuggets to go along for the visit, the Nuggets wanted to do it but the schedule just didn't work out this time around," Haynes reported.