Denver Nuggets' Rollercoaster Playoff Run Ends in Second Round
The Denver Nuggets' promising season came to a disappointing halt as they were eliminated in the second round of the NBA playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Their journey, marked by highs and lows, showcased the resilience and talent of a team that consistently stood up against challenges. The Nuggets had a strong regular season, highlighted by a clean sweep of their series against the Boston Celtics, including a spectacular victory on January 19 at TD Garden that spoiled Boston's then-perfect 20-1 home record.
In their second meeting on March 7, Denver outshone Boston once more, propelled by a stellar performance from Nikola Jokic, who notched a 32-point triple-double. Jaylen Brown put up a fierce fight for the Celtics, scoring an impressive 41 points, yet it wasn't enough to halt the Nuggets' momentum. Despite these victories, Denver's playoff run was anything but smooth.
Denver's first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers proved to be an early indicator of the challenges to come. The Nuggets managed to defeat the Lakers 4-1, overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games. Jamal Murray, battling injuries to his calf and elbow, managed to play through the pain, though his shooting percentages (40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep) visibly suffered.
The real test came in the semifinals against Minnesota, a grueling series that extended to a decisive Game 7. Despite holding a commanding 20-point lead in the second half, Denver faltered and allowed the Timberwolves to mount a comeback. Jamal Murray’s 35-point effort in Game 7 wasn't enough to stave off elimination, leaving the Nuggets to ponder what might have been as they exited the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, who Denver had bested in the regular season, finished with a league-best 64-18 record and a remarkable plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff journey was equally impressive as they went 16-3, cruising through their competition. The Celtics appeared destined for glory as they entered the Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, winning up to Game 3 with relative ease.
However, a shocking 30-point loss in Game 4 against Dallas jolted the Celtics, who were otherwise on a smooth sail. Jayson Tatum, reflecting on the turbulent moment, said, "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." Tatum vividly recalled the surreal feeling after the loss. "Oh my God. Nobody has ever come back from 0-3, so I remember getting back to the locker room and I remember saying, 'I don't know what game it's going to be, but we're going to win the championship.' That was a weird feeling," he said.
The tension was palpable as the Celtics faced Game 5 on the brink of winning it all. "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," Tatum shared. The pressure was evident, and the Celtics, anxious and tight, suffered a massive defeat. "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30," Tatum added.
Nonetheless, the team's resilience and determination shone through as they returned home for Game 5, confident of their impending victory. "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," Tatum concluded. His confidence proved well-founded as the Celtics clinched the title, culminating their season on a high note.
Denver's journey was ultimately a testament to their grit and tenacity, despite falling short in the end. Their battles, whether overcoming deficits or dealing with injuries, showcased a team with unyielding spirit. For the Celtics, their triumph was a product of their exceptional regular-season performance, playoff dominance, and the mental fortitude to bounce back from adversity. The narrative of these two teams - one tasting victory and the other learning from defeat - adds yet another chapter to the rich tapestry of NBA history.