The Denver Nuggets' playoff run came to a grinding halt in the Western Conference semifinals as they were ousted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a dramatic Game 7 finish. The Nuggets' journey through the playoffs was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, marked by exceptional performances and tough battles.
The Nuggets had earlier managed to dominate their regular season series against the Boston Celtics. Their season-defining victory on January 19 at TD Garden stood out as a testament to their potential, tarnishing Boston's previously perfect home record of 20-1. This momentum carried through to their second meeting on March 7, which saw Denver triumph once again. Notably, Nikola Jokic recorded a 32-point triple-double during this encounter, while Jaylen Brown countered with an impressive 41 points for the Celtics.
Navigating the Playoff Gauntlet
The Nuggets’ playoff journey started with a formidable challenge against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite significant obstacles, including overcoming double-digit deficits in three of the games, Denver managed to dispatch the Lakers 4-1 in the first round. Jamal Murray exhibited tremendous grit, playing through injuries to his calf and elbow. His shooting efficiency, however, took a hit, as he converted only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep against the Lakers.
The semifinal series against the Timberwolves proved to be a nail-biter. Denver blew a 20-point lead in the second half of the decisive Game 7, allowing Minnesota to clinch the series. Despite the heart-wrenching loss, Murray shone brightly, scoring 35 points in the game. This series was a stark reminder of the turbulent nature of playoff basketball, where momentum can shift in an instant.
Celtics' Impressive Campaign
While the Nuggets faced an uphill battle, the Boston Celtics carved their own path of dominance. The Celtics finished the regular season with a phenomenal 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential. Their playoff campaign was equally impressive, going 16-3 overall and advancing to the finals after dispatching the Dallas Mavericks.
Interestingly, the Celtics' journey wasn’t without its bumps. They lost Game 4 against Dallas by a staggering 30 points, a result that ignited a fire within the team. “We were so anxious and so tight. But I knew when we were coming back home for Game 5, we were going to win,” recalled Jayson Tatum. His confidence was well-founded, as the Celtics rebounded to continue their march toward the championship.
Reflecting on the Season
As the Nuggets reflect on their season, there are numerous positives to take away. Their regular-season performance against top teams like the Celtics and their resilience against the Lakers showcased their potential. However, Jayson Tatum's comments provide a sobering contrast. "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.
Indeed, the Celtics had their own emotional rollercoaster during their playoff run. "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 seemed to peak, as he recounted the anxiety of that day. "We lost by like 30," he noted, highlighting the intensity of playoff emotions. "But I knew when we were coming back home for Game 5, we were going to win." And win they did, underlining the resilience and determination that defined their season.
As the dust settles on an exhilarating season, the Nuggets will look to regroup and build on the valuable lessons learned. For the Celtics, their championship win is a testament to their skill, preparation, and mental fortitude. Both teams showcased the unpredictable and thrilling nature of NBA basketball, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring.