Alex English

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

English's tenure with the Denver Nuggets (1979–1989) was defined by relentless offensive production. After arriving via trade for George McGinnis, he quickly became a star, averaging 25.4 points in 1981–82 and winning the league scoring title in 1982–83 with 28.4 points per game. That same season, teammate Kiki Vandeweghe finished second in scoring, highlighting Denver's potent offense. In 1985, English averaged 30.2 points in the playoffs as the Nuggets reached the Western Conference Finals, falling to the eventual champion Los Angeles Lakers. He famously stated in a 2006 interview regarding that series: "I think that if I had not broken my thumb [...] we had a chance to beat the Lakers." His scoring prowess continued into 1985–86, where he averaged a career-best 29.8 points and set a Nuggets single-game playoff record with 42 points in a double-overtime loss to the Houston Rockets on May 8, 1986.

In Their Own Story

On March 10, 1989, Alex English delivered one of his most unique performances against the Miami Heat. In a 131–130 overtime loss, he scored 51 points without attempting a single three-point shot, while also recording nine assists. This game underscored his ability to dominate through mid-range precision and driving lanes rather than relying on the perimeter shooting that was becoming more common. Earlier in his Nuggets career, during the 1986 Western Conference Semifinals against the Rockets, English averaged 29.2 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists over a six-game series. Despite the loss, his consistency was unmatched; he became the first NBA player to score 2,000 points in eight consecutive seasons. His impact on Denver was so profound that when he left after the 1989–90 season, he held nearly every team record, including career points (21,645), assists (3,679), and games played (837).

Reader's Guide

For fans studying Alex English's impact, focus on his transition from the Milwaukee Bucks to Denver. After struggling for playing time in Milwaukee behind Bob Dandridge and Junior Bridgeman, he signed with Indiana before being traded to Denver midway through the 1979–80 season. In Denver, he flourished, earning All-Star nods eight times and making the All-NBA Second Team three times. His scoring title in 1982–83 remains a pinnacle of individual achievement. Beyond stats, English was recognized for his character, receiving the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1988. His legacy is cemented not just by his 25,613 career points (19th all-time as of 2019) but by his role in elevating the Nuggets' profile. The team retired his number 2 jersey in 1992, and he was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1997. As of 2021, The Athletic ranked him as the 71st greatest player in NBA history.

Did You Know?

• English scored more points than any other NBA player during the entire 1980s.
• On March 10, 1989, he scored 51 points against Miami without attempting a single three-pointer.
• He was the first player to score 2,000 points in eight consecutive seasons.
• English set a Nuggets playoff record with 42 points in a double-overtime loss on May 8, 1986.
• After his playing career, he became an NBA ambassador and serves on the board of trustees at the University of South Carolina.