After defeating the Washington Wizards, the Boston Celtics headed to Denver to face the Denver Nuggets on the road.
As soon as the plane landed in Denver, Goodwin had been prepared for the possibility that he might not adjust well, but he felt fine.
It wasn't until practice that Denver's effects made themselves known.
Huff, huff, huff... After only a short while, Goodwin was gasping for breath, as if he'd just fought through a grueling battle.
Damn, so this was the power of the Denver altitude.
Denver stood 1,609 meters above sea level. The City and County of Denver was home to the NBA's Denver Nuggets and a consolidated city-county in Colorado. It was one of the most famous high-altitude cities, and also the highest-elevation home court of any NBA team. The Denver Nuggets trained there year-round, so the effects of the altitude weren't as severe for them. But visiting teams that came to play at the Nuggets' home court were in for trouble.
The high altitude meant thinner air, making players feel more strained during games. They tired easily and struggled to catch their breath. The Denver Nuggets players, meanwhile, were better acclimated to the conditions, giving them a distinct home-court advantage.
That was why the Pepsi Center was also known as a house of horrors—and a nightmare for visiting teams.
For rookies in particular, it was the stuff of nightmares.
The team doctor hurried over and handed Goodwin an oxygen bottle.
A little while later, Goodwin recovered, but other players began experiencing problems too, and the medical staff went to help them.
Doc Rivers, standing by the court, couldn't help shaking his head. This was going to be tough!
Still, Doc Rivers was glad they'd come early. At least they had two days for the team to adjust