The Denver Nuggets bowed out of the NBA playoffs after a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful campaign, falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. Despite their early exit, the Nuggets showcased moments of brilliance throughout the season, including a sweep of their series against the formidable Boston Celtics.
One highlight of the Nuggets' season was their commanding victory on January 19 at Boston’s TD Garden. This game was particularly notable as it tarnished Boston's previously stellar home record of 20-1. Denver's prowess was further confirmed in their second meeting on March 7, when Nikola Jokic delivered a 32-point triple-double. Despite Jaylen Brown's impressive 41-point contribution for the Celtics, Denver emerged victorious once more.
Overcoming Adversity
The playoffs, however, presented significant challenges for the Nuggets. Their journey began with a first-round victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, a series they claimed with a 4-1 triumph. This victory was far from straightforward; Denver had to overcome double-digit deficits in three of the games. Jamal Murray, battling through calf and elbow injuries, was a testament to their determination, though his shooting percentages—40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep—reflected his struggles.
The second-round clash against the Timberwolves was a grueling affair that extended to a decisive Game 7. Despite holding a 20-point lead in the second half, Denver's grip on the game slipped away. Yet, Murray's 35-point performance offered a silver lining amidst the disappointment.
The Celtics' Dominant Season
On the other side, the Boston Celtics concluded their regular season with an impressive 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential, entering the playoffs with high aspirations. Their postseason run was similarly dominant, going 16-3. This journey included a fierce contest against the Dallas Mavericks, where the Celtics surged to a 3-0 lead before suffering a 30-point defeat in Game 4. The anticipation was palpable, as Jayson Tatum recalled his thoughts heading into their potential championship-clinching game.
"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 said.
Preparation Meets Pressure
Caldwell-Pope succinctly captured the collective sentiment after the Game 4 loss: "No gas." Tatum expanded on the uneasy atmosphere, admitting the tension felt within the team. "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 recounted the restless night that followed, ahead of their critical Game 4 showdown.
"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. "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30."
Despite the setback, Tatum remained confident in their chances heading into Game 5. "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."
The narrative of Denver's playoff journey and Boston's dominant run encapsulates the highs and lows of the NBA season. The contrasting fates of these teams exemplify the unpredictability and relentless competition that defines the league, with every game contributing to the tapestry of a riveting season. As both franchises move forward, the lessons learned and the moments of brilliance will undoubtedly shape their future endeavors.