The Denver Nuggets’ playoff journey hit a wall as they were ousted from the Western Conference by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a gripping second-round series. Wrapping up their season series with the Boston Celtics with a sweep, including a notable victory at TD Garden on January 19, proved insufficient for the Nuggets as their postseason hopes crumbled.
Season Sweep Against Boston
Denver's regular season triumphs over the Celtics were significant, as they handed Boston a rare home defeat and managed a sweep. The January 19 clash at TD Garden spoiled Boston’s near-perfect home record, which stood at an impressive 20-1. In their next encounter on March 7, Nikola Jokic’s masterclass was on display as he logged a 32-point triple-double, while Jaylen Brown's heroic 41-point performance for the Celtics wasn't enough to stave off another Nuggets victory.
First Round Victory Over Lakers
Facing the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, the Nuggets carved out a 4-1 series victory, overcoming double-digit deficits in three games. This resilience was key in their conquest. Jamal Murray, despite injuries to his calf and elbow, played through pain, contributing significantly although his shooting percentages left room for improvement—40.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc.
Semifinal Heartbreak Against Minnesota
The Nuggets' semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves tested their mettle, dragging into a decisive Game 7. A crushing blow in the form of a blown 20-point lead in the second half of Game 7 marked the end of their aspirations. Despite Jamal Murray pouring in 35 points, it wasn't enough to secure a victory.
Celtics' Championship Determination
Looking over to the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics finished their season with a stellar 64-18 record, boasting a plus-11.7 point differential. They were a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs as well, advancing with a 16-3 record.
The playoffs saw the Celtics battle the Dallas Mavericks, advancing to Game 3 in what seemed a cruise. However, they faced a stark reality check with a hefty 30-point loss in Game 4. Jayson Tatum shared his thoughts on the pivotal moments: "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."
Another quote from Tatum captures a reflective moment post-Game 4: "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." Clearly, Boston's resolve was undeterred, even in the face of heavy adversities.
The Psychological Battle
Tatum’s revelations continue, offering a glimpse into the psychological intensity within the team. "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 shared. This tension perhaps contributed to their uncharacteristic loss. "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30."
However, Tatum’s confidence was unshakable for the subsequent game: "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."
In summary, the Denver Nuggets showcased remarkable grit throughout their season but met hurdles too high to overcome. The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, displayed both dominance and vulnerability, yet their championship ambition persisted undeterred. The collision of these narratives highlighted the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the NBA playoffs, a testament to the passion and drama that defines the sport.