The Denver Nuggets' playoffs run ended earlier than anticipated after a resilient Minnesota Timberwolves team ousted them in the second round. Despite a remarkable regular-season performance, including a sweep of the Boston Celtics, the Nuggets faced insurmountable challenges when it mattered most.
Nuggets' Regular Season Highlights
Denver showcased their strength throughout the season. The team remained undefeated in their matchups against the Boston Celtics, delivering a stunning defeat to Boston on January 19 at the TD Garden, a game that marred the Celtics' almost perfect home streak of 20-1. The second encounter on March 7 saw Denver emerging victorious again, with Nikola Jokic delivering a stellar 32-point triple-double. However, Jaylen Brown of the Celtics shined with an impressive 41-point performance in the same game.
First Round Challenges
Entering the playoffs, the Nuggets faced significant obstacles right from the first round against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Nuggets managed to dispatch the Lakers with a 4-1 series win, overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games. However, their victory was not without struggles. Jamal Murray, playing through injuries to his calf and elbow, hit only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep.
Heartbreak in the Semi-Finals
The semi-final series against Minnesota was a thrilling encounter that culminated in a Game 7 showdown. Denver had established a commanding 20-point lead in the second half, only to see it evaporate as the Timberwolves staged a dramatic comeback to seal their place in the Western Conference Finals. Despite Jamal Murray’s valiant 35-point effort, the Nuggets were unable to stave off elimination.
Celtics' Dominance and High Hopes
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics boasted an enviable 64-18 record and a significant plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff journey was a testament to their dominance, as they surged to a 16-3 record. The Celtics were not invincible, though; they experienced a shocking 30-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 4, only to bounce back with high hopes for Game 5.
Quotes from the Battleground
The Celtics' Jayson Tatum reflected on the playoffs with insight and honesty. "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 remarked, acknowledging the challenge the Nuggets posed.
Tatum also shared his emotional journey, stating, "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." He continued, "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."
Reflections on the Season
The Denver Nuggets’ season was a rollercoaster of high expectations and crushing disappointments. The team’s capability to dominate during the regular season, as demonstrated in their matchups against top-tier opponents like the Celtics, showcased their potential. However, the playoffs exposed their vulnerabilities. Despite notable performances, the Nuggets fell short when it mattered most, succumbing to injuries, fatigue, and formidable adversaries.
As for the Celtics, their prowess on the court and mental resilience positioned them as strong contenders. Tatum's reflections offer a glimpse into the complex emotional landscape of a championship run, where confidence and anxiety intertwine. The Celtics' ability to rebound from setbacks and maintain their focus laid the groundwork for their success, a recipe any team aiming for a championship should aspire to emulate.