As the NBA playoffs heated up this season, the Denver Nuggets found themselves in the spotlight, exiting from the Western Conference in a dramatic fashion. Their journey highlighted both their strengths and vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to their elimination by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round.
Season Performance Against the Celtics
Denver had its share of highlights during the regular season, particularly with their performances against the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets swept their season series against Boston, showcasing an impressive victory on January 19 at TD Garden, which tarnished Boston's then-perfect home record of 20-1. Their second meeting on March 7 saw Nikola Jokic recording a stellar 32-point triple-double, leading the Nuggets to triumph. Despite Jaylen Brown's valiant 41-point effort, the Celtics were unable to overcome Denver in that encounter.
First-Round Triumph Over the Lakers
The Nuggets faced significant hurdles right from the first round, where they matched up against the formidable Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the challenges, Denver managed to secure a 4-1 series victory. This feat was made even more impressive considering they overcame double-digit deficits in three of the games. Jamal Murray displayed immense resilience, playing through injuries to his calf and elbow. However, his shooting suffered as a result, hitting only 40.2% from the field and 31.5% from deep against the Lakers.
Reflecting on their journey, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope encapsulated the sentiment within the team by succinctly stating, "No gas."
Heartbreak in the Semifinals
The semifinal series against the Minnesota Timberwolves was a grueling battle that stretched to Game 7. Despite holding a commanding 20-point lead in the second half of the decisive game, the Nuggets saw their advantage evaporate, leading to their eventual elimination. Jamal Murray's 35-point performance in Game 7 was commendable, yet it wasn't enough to stave off the Timberwolves' comeback.
The disappointment was palpable, with a sense that Murray and the Nuggets had left everything on the court. "I wasn't able to sleep that night," Murray admitted, reflecting the anxiety and pressure felt by the team.
The Celtics' Playoff Journey
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics were on their own quest for glory, finishing the season with an impressive 64-18 record and a plus-11.7 point differential. They stormed through the playoffs with a 16-3 record, reaching Game 3 of the Finals against the Dallas Mavericks with confidence. However, they stumbled significantly in Game 4, losing by a staggering 30 points. The loss was a wake-up call, instilling a renewed sense of determination and focus within the team.
Jayson Tatum, reflecting on the loss, described the team's emotional state: "We were at shootaround and everybody was trying to act normal. I couldn't take a nap. We lost by like 30." The Celtics were visibly anxious, yearning for redemption in Game 5. "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 added.
A Championship Mindset
Tatum's confidence was evident long before their Finals showdown. "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." His words highlighted the strategic considerations and psychological games that play a critical role in the pursuit of an NBA championship.
As the playoffs progressed, the Celtics maintained their championship mentality. "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, shedding light on the inner resolve and belief that drove the team forward.
In retrospect, the Nuggets' season was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, filled with moments of brilliance and heart-wrenching defeats. Their exit from the playoffs marked the end of a chapter, but also laid the groundwork for future endeavors. For the Celtics, it was a journey of resilience and determination, culminating in a celebration of their unwavering championship spirit.