The Denver Nuggets’ “5280” jerseys, worn during their crucial Game 6 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 15, 2025, celebrate Denver’s unique identity as the “Mile High City.” The number 5280 represents the city’s elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level, a mile high, which is the highest of any NBA city. This altitude is a point of pride and a perceived competitive advantage, as it can challenge visiting teams unaccustomed to the thinner air, especially in fast-paced games. The Nuggets’ City Edition uniforms, featuring “5280” prominently on the chest, are part of the NBA’s initiative to connect teams with their local culture.
For the 2024-25 season, the Nuggets’ “5280” jerseys evolved from the previous year’s black design to a white base with rainbow accents, paying homage to the team’s iconic 1970s rainbow skyline uniforms. Mountain-inspired lines and side panels reflect Denver’s scenic Rocky Mountain backdrop and vibrant sunsets. The design includes navy trim, a secondary logo on the shorts, and “Denver” on the waistband, reinforcing the city’s identity. As Nuggets VP Declan J. Bolger stated, “5280 is a badge of honor… a competitive advantage for us,” serving as a rallying cry for fans and players alike.[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/what-5280-mean-denver-nuggets-jersey-exploring-profound-meaning-behind-unique-design)
In Game 6, a must-win to force a Game 7 after trailing 3-2, the Nuggets leaned on this home-court advantage at Ball Arena, where the altitude is emphasized by signage and the stadium announcer. The “5280” jerseys, worn only seven times this season and all at home, carry a strong playoff record, including a 131-115 rout of the Clippers in Game 5 of the first round, where Jamal Murray scored 43 points. Fans on X have embraced the jerseys, with one calling them “immortalized” after iconic playoff moments. However, not all feedback is positive, with some criticizing the design as cluttered or overly focused on the altitude theme.[](https://www.reddit.com/r/denvernuggets/comments/17m4pz8/sorry_denver_nuggets_shes_right/)
The jerseys symbolize Denver’s pride in its geography and the Nuggets’ bond with their city, aiming to boost morale in a high-stakes game against a Thunder team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. With Nikola Jokić’s 44-point Game 5 performance not enough to avoid a 112-105 loss, the “5280” jerseys and the Mile High atmosphere were hoped to inspire a comeback.
