In an unexpected twist during the NBA playoffs, the Denver Nuggets faced multiple challenges before their eventual exit from the Western Conference. Denver’s season had its highs and lows, characterized by notable victories and crushing defeats.
Denver’s Season Highs
The Nuggets’ season included sweeping their series against the Boston Celtics, with a standout victory on January 19 at TD Garden, ending Boston’s formidable 20-1 home streak. In their second matchup on March 7, Denver claimed another win, driven by Nikola Jokic’s exceptional performance, who recorded a 32-point triple-double. Jaylen Brown of the Celtics countered with a notable 41 points in that game, yet it wasn’t enough to surmount the Nuggets' prowess.
The Playoff Journey: Lakers Series
The postseason journey for Denver commenced with formidable opposition. Facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, the Nuggets showcased resilience, closing the series 4-1. Remarkably, they overcame double-digit deficits in three games, highlighting their determination. Despite Jamal Murray grappling with calf and elbow injuries and struggling with a 40.2% shooting rate from the field and 31.5% from three-point range, his resilience was commendable.
Struggles Against Minnesota
The semifinals presented the Nuggets with even greater hurdles against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The series stretched to a decisive Game 7. Denver’s inability to maintain a 20-point second-half lead in Game 7 proved costly, culminating in their elimination. Despite the elimination, Jamal Murray delivered an impressive 35 points in the final game, underscoring his commitment, even under immense pressure.
Reflections on Denver’s Impact
The impact of Denver’s season goes beyond statistics and results. Reflecting on the series, Celtics' star Jayson Tatum remarked, "People always ask me, when did you guys know you were going to win a championship? When Minnesota beat Denver, I felt like Denver was the only team that they matched up best with us. I thought that we were going to play Denver in the Finals and it was going to be a good one."
Celtics' Journey to the Finals
The Celtics marched forward with a formidable regular-season run, ending with a 64-18 record and an impressive plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff performance was equally notable, recording a 16-3 record. The Celtics navigated through their own challenges, including a setback in Game 4 against the Dallas Mavericks, where they were handed a 30-point loss. Yet, their confidence remained unwavering.
Tatum shared insights into the team's mindset after the loss: "No gas...I wasn't able to sleep that night and I remember the morning of Game 4 we had shootaround, and I had never been in the position that if we win tonight, we're champions." He continued, "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30." The hunger for victory was palpable, as Tatum stated, "We wanted to win so bad. We were so anxious and so tight. But I knew when we were coming back home for Game 5, we were going to win."
This journey, though defined by both triumphs and setbacks, paints a vivid picture of the season for both the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics. As the playoffs advanced, the narratives of resilience, strategic prowess, and individual brilliance were on full display, encompassing the essence of what makes the NBA postseason a spectacle to behold.