The Denver Nuggets' postseason journey came to an abrupt end with their exit from the Western Conference in the NBA playoffs. This outcome followed a hard-fought and electrifying series of games, culminating in their elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round. The series was a roller-coaster of emotions for the Nuggets, who had shown promise throughout the season.
Nuggets Dominate Regular-Season Matchup Against Celtics
Denver's regular season had been marked by impressive performances, particularly against the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets swept their season series against the Celtics, including a pivotal victory on January 19 at TD Garden, effectively tarnishing Boston's then-perfect home record of 20-1. The second encounter on March 7 saw the Nuggets once again triumph, with Nikola Jokic recording a stunning 32-point triple-double. Despite Jaylen Brown's valiant 41-point effort, the Celtics couldn't overcome Denver's prowess.
Overcoming Obstacles and Injuries
The Nuggets began the playoffs with significant challenges, starting with a fierce first-round matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers. Denver emerged victorious, defeating the Lakers 4-1. The series showcased the Nuggets' resilience, as they overcame double-digit deficits in three of the games. Jamal Murray played through injuries to his calf and elbow, although his performance was slightly hindered, hitting only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep against the Lakers.
The semifinal series against Minnesota was no less dramatic, stretching to a nail-biting Game 7. Despite blowing a 20-point lead in the second half, the Nuggets fought with determination. Murray's 35-point contribution, however, was not enough to secure the win, leading to Denver's removal from the playoffs.
Celtics' Perseverance in the Playoffs
On the other side, the Boston Celtics concluded the season with an impressive 64-18 record and a significant plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff journey was marked by determination and skill, going 16-3 in the playoffs. However, their path was not without hurdles, as they faced the Dallas Mavericks in the finals. The Celtics won up to Game 3 but suffered a significant 30-point loss in Game 4.
"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," Jayson Tatum reflected.
The Emotional Highs and Lows
The Celtics, driven by a burning desire to win, had high hopes for Game 5 after the crushing defeat in Game 4. The anticipation was palpable among the players, as Tatum vividly recalled the emotional high and subsequent tension before Game 5. "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.
Tatum's emotions ran high leading up to the game. "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. We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30."
Focus and Determination
Despite the loss, the Celtics remained focused and determined. "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 confessed.
The journey to the finals was arduous and demanding for both the Denver Nuggets and the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets, with their resilience and impressive plays, and the Celtics, with their unwavering determination, left fans with unforgettable moments. Although the Nuggets' playoff hopes were dashed by the Timberwolves, their season was a testament to their fighting spirit. The Celtics, despite their ups and downs, showed why they were one of the top teams, leaving an indelible mark on this year's playoffs.
As the postseason dust settles, the narratives of perseverance, triumph, and heartache from both teams will undoubtedly shape their off-season strategies and fuel their drive for next year. For fans and players alike, this NBA season has been a vivid illustration of why basketball remains one of the most thrilling and unpredictable sports in the world.