The Denver Nuggets’ Playoff Journey: From High Hopes to Heartbreak
The Denver Nuggets' playoff campaign was a rollercoaster of high moments and unforeseen setbacks. Exiting from the Western Conference, the Nuggets had their hopes dashed by the Minnesota Timberwolves in an intense second-round showdown. Despite their impressive run, the series against Minnesota revealed critical weaknesses that ultimately cost them a spot in the Finals.
The journey began with a noteworthy sweep of the season series against the Boston Celtics. One particular victory on January 19 at TD Garden ended Boston's impressive 20-1 home record, setting the tone for Denver's playoff aspirations. Success continued in their second duel on March 7, where Nikola Jokic's stellar 32-point triple-double performance led the Nuggets to another win over the Celtics. However, Jaylen Brown's 41-point effort for the Celtics highlighted the challenges Denver would face in the postseason.
The Nuggets faced significant hurdles from the outset, beginning with the first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Triumphing 4-1, the Nuggets showcased resilience by overcoming double-digit deficits in three games despite injuries to key player Jamal Murray. Murray's scoring touched 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from beyond the arc, contributing significantly despite battling injuries to his calf and elbow.
Moving to the semifinals against Minnesota, the Nuggets encountered even greater adversity. The series extended to a dramatic Game 7, wherein Denver squandered a 20-point second-half lead, allowing Minnesota to clinch the victory. Jamal Murray was a standout performer with 35 points in the final game, but his efforts were not enough to push the Nuggets past the Timberwolves.
On the other side of the playoff bracket, the Boston Celtics were having a stellar season. Finishing with a league-best 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential, the Celtics were a formidable force. Their playoff run, marked by a 16-3 record, saw them dominate until Game 3 against the Dallas Mavericks. However, a crushing 30-point defeat in Game 4 delayed their championship aspirations.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum reflected on their journey, noting, "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."
In hindsight, Denver's elimination was a significant turning point for Tatum and his teammates. "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," Tatum recalled.
The pressure was palpable for the Celtics as Game 4 approached. "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 explained. Yet, the anxiety was overwhelming, and the Celtics fell by 30 points. "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," he added.
Denver's promising season met an abrupt end in the Western Conference semifinals, leaving much to reflect upon. Their confrontations with the Celtics during the regular season had demonstrated their potential, while their ability to persevere against the Lakers showcased their grit. Nevertheless, their inability to sustain leads and close out critical games against Minnesota ultimately cost them dearly.
With lessons learned and experience gained, the Nuggets will undoubtedly regroup for another run in the next season, aiming to overcome the challenges that thwarted this year’s ambitions. Meanwhile, the Celtics' journey serves as a testament to the intensity and unpredictability of the NBA playoffs, where champions are forged through trials and endurance.